Soapmaking 101

Lesson 2: Getting started with soapmaking

Making your own soap molds

Although I prefer, on the whole, to use traditional wooden soap molds, I do sometimes experiment with different molds I can make myself at home. Here are just some ideas for molds you can assemble youself:

>> Plastic ‘tupperware’ containers — lining these with plastic wrap will allow you to unmold your soap easier.

>> Strong cardboard boxes (e.g. shoes boxes, sweater boxes) . Reinforce these with duct tape if necessary, especially around the corners. Line with heavier plastic, such as trash bags. They may also need some support when your first pour the soap as the heat may cause them to warp somewhat.

>> Kitchen drawer organizers. Lining these with plastic wrap will allow you to unmold your soap easier.

>> Wooden boxes (e.g. window boxes, wooden craft boxes). Line these with heavier plastic to prevent leakage.

>> PVC piping cut to 12" lengths and stood upright can be used for round soap. Grease the inside with Vaseline or cooking spray. Position the pipe on a thick piece of cardboard and secure it upright with duct tape and support it will pieces of cardboard. Make sure it will not tip while pouring or while the soap is setting. After pouring the soap, seal the other end with plastic wrap and duct tape. To remove soap you may have to use of disk of wood or cardboard secured on a stick to ‘plunge’ the soap out of the mold.

You can make a soap mold out of just about anything you can think of! But remember, soap is still caustic while it is being poured and therefore your mold must be well sealed and sturdy enough for the job.

If you would like to use intricate soap molds for delicate soap bars, consider the handmilled method I cover in the last lesson as an advanced technique. Handmilled soap is made by melting cured cold process soap. The resulting soap is harder and shiner, and colorants and scents hold up well. As the soap is no longer caustic and harder, you can use a variety of molds you may not be able to use for cold process soap making.

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