How to Make Loofah Soap

You can grow your own sponges. Those wonderful abrasive shower sponges called loofahs are really the spongy insides of gourds that are dried. If you would like to create your own exfoliating soap, then why not try making a loofah soap bar. It is relatively easy if you use the melt and pour soap.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A loofah sponge at least 12 inches long
• Plastic wrap
• 3 to 4 oz. of essential oils of choice
• Coloring for the soap
• 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 pounds of soap base for melt and pour soap
• 12 inches of PVC 3 inch pipe
• A wood or heavy cardboard 4 by 4 inches or larger
• Rubber bands
• Large glass microwave safe measuring cup
• Microwave
• Sharp knife with a serrated edge

1. Wrap the end of the PVC pipe with several layers of plastic wrap and put 2 to 3 strong rubber bands tightly around it to hold the wrap in place. Set the PVC on to of a piece of scrap wood or heavy cardboard.

2. Insert the loofah into the PVC. There may be a bit sticking out, if so, cut it off. If the loofah is too short you can add a piece to bring it up to the top.

3. Melt the soap base in the microwave. Check it about every 60 to 90 seconds and stir it. When it has completely melted you are ready to begin to make the loofah soap.

4. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Add coloring to your desired shade. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Pour the soap base into the pipe. When it is over halfway full, lift both the pipe and the cardboard and tamp them down to release air bubbles. Fill the pipe the rest of the way full.

6. Allow the soap to cool for 3 hours.

7. Remove it from the mold, and as you remove it, cut 1 1/2 inch sections off for soap bars.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are looking for loofah sponges or seed, remember it is also spelled luffa and luffah.
• You can press down on a soup can's rounded bottom to push the soap out of the pipe if it doesn't want to budge.
• Putting the pipe in the freezer for 10 minutes before removing makes it easier to get the soap out of the tube.
• There are PVC caps that can be used in place of the plastic wrap and rubber bands. You won't need to sit the pipe on a board or cardboard if these are used.

[bizewriter]

on 2/12/2008 Great article...I plan to work with essential oils and this sounds like a worthy and fun project.