These easy to follow instructions will help guide you in making your own soap shapes, bars, and loaves etc... Using the microwave instructions please be careful not to over-heat the soap.
For beginners: The first time you melt the soap it becomes very runny (like a watery consistency), but don't be fooled, when it cools down it will harden back to the same form as the original blocks.
Do not use any molds that can not handle the heat.
Microwave Melting:
1. Place an appropriate amount of glycerine soap in a microwave safe container.
2. Place in microwave.
3. Microwave on high until melted. Depending upon wattage of microwave, the time needed will vary. Until time is established for the quantity desired, melt in 30 second intervals. A melted temperature of 160°F is best.
4. No stirring is required to melt.
Melting with Gas or Electric Stove:
1. Place an appropriate amount of glycerine soap in a pan, dish or double boiler.
2. Heat until melted.
3. Heat until 160°F to allow for better pouring into molds.
4. To speed heating process, gentle stirring may be used. Do not whip air into the soap. Take care not to scorch soap.
Customizing Your Soap:
1. Measure the required amount of melted soap.
2. Add color, fragrance and additives to obtain desired results.
3. Gently stir to blend the color, fragrance and additives. Do not whip air into the soap.
Pouring:
1. Be sure temperature is approximately 160°F.
2. Gently pour into molds until almost full.
3. Do not overfill for best mold release results.
Cooling:
1. Allow to cool undisturbed for 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the mold.
2. Evaluate hardness before moving by gently pressing your finger to the surface of the molded soap. The soap is ready to remove from the mold when the soap feels hard and there is no depression with moderate finger pressure.
Release from Mold:
1. Apply gentle but constant pressure with your thumbs on the back of the mold until soap releases.
2. Removal may be aided by placing the molds in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. It is harder to release soap from metal molds than it is from plastic or rubber molds.
Notes:
1. Soap can be re-melted.
2. If soap is too dry due to prolonged storage or reheating, a small amount of water (2 to 3%) may be added as it is melted. This will make the soap easier to melt and to pour.
3. If a white foamy like appearance appears on the back of the bar, it is due to air, which had been entrapped and then escapes as the soap cools. It is foam and does not take away from the usefulness of the soap, but does take away from the appearance of the soap.