Soapmaking 101

Lesson 6: Soapmaking Instructions: Part Two

Step Ten: Storing, using and giving your soap

Once your soap has finished curing, you can use it or give it away. To make the bars more beautiful, you can scrape away dents and lumps with a small knife or a potato peeler. If soda ash, a harmless white powder, has formed anywhere on the surface of your soap, you could scrape that off too to reveal the shiny, beautiful soap below.

Remember, handmade soap is meant to be used and enjoyed. Although it is pretty to look at, encourage anyone you give your soap to use it right away. If the soap cannot be used immediately, it is important to store it in a dry place where it can continue to breathe. Wrapping the soap in plastic wrap for example would not allow it to breathe and water remaining in the soap would not be able to evaporate. Soap stored in this way will probably develop mould.

Handmade soap stored for a long time can also go rancid, as the oils will break down. Remember, your soap is organic, made with all natural ingredients, and like any other organic matter is will eventually “go off.” Most handmade soap has a shelf life of six months to a year if natural preservatives are used. Different oils may help protect soap from rancidity, but certain oils may promote rancidity.

Using the soap right away is definitely the right way to go.

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