How to French Mill Soap Pieces

French milled soap produce a more luxuriant lather.

French milling refers to a process where soap is melted for a second time, and the soap base passed through steel rollers. Crystals formed during the initial drying process, responsible for a gritty, rough, base, are broken down. The resulting soap is denser, smoother, and more even, producing a luxuriant, creamy lather. Achieve the same effect at home with re-batching, or home-milling, and use up soap scraps in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Soap scraps
• Kitchen grater
• Small saucepan or Crock-Pot
• Cooking thermometer
• Soap molds
• Soap additives (optional)

Instructions

1. Grate dry soap scraps using a kitchen grater, or chop finely in a food processor. Finer shavings melt more smoothly.

2. Soak shavings in water, milk or coconut milk overnight. This helps to soften older, or dried out soaps, but is not necessary for scraps less than 2 weeks old.

3. Place grated soap in a small saucepan, adding enough water to cover the shavings. If using a Crock-Pot or a baking dish in the oven, reduce the amount of water, only adding as needed.

4. Heat the shavings in a 145 degree oven, over a low setting on the stove, or in a Crock-Pot. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching, but avoid stirring too often as this can create bubbles.

5. Turn down the heat whenever the mixture nears boiling. Remove the soap from the Crock-Pot, stove or oven when it´s completely liquefied.

6. Add color, oil, herbs or scent, stirring gently to combine. A small amount of whole milk, goat's milk or coconut milk will make a creamier soap.

7. Check the temperature of the soap as it cools. At 160 degrees, pour or spoon the liquid soap into the prepared molds.

8. Tap each mold to get rid of air bubbles. Do not move the molds again until a surface layer forms.

9. Transfer the soap to the freezer, and freeze until solid, usually 3 to 4 hours. Once frozen, remove the soap bars from the molds and place them on a surface for curing.

10. Allow the soap to cure, or dry completely, which can take several days or weeks. Check the bars occasionally, and flip them if warping occurs. When the soap bars are hard to the touch, they are ready to use, or gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry soap on a screen in a warm, well ventilated room to speed up drying and avoid mold growth.

• Pay attention when mixing colors to achieve the most attractive results.

References

• Soap Making Made Simple: Advanced Soap Making
• Soap Making Essentials: Learn How to Handmill Soap
• Soap Solutions: French Triple Milled Benefits
• Soap Nuts: Rebatching Soap