How to Hand Mill Soap

Soap making is a craft that has been around for several years. Because some people do not like to work with raw soap ingredients (especially the lye), they may still create personal versions of soap by hand milling new creations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a soap base, which is soap that has already been cooked and cured. Grate desired amount of soap into a container. Gather pieces of soap in a plastic bag.

2. Add enough liquid to soften soap. Remember, it is possible to add more liquid, but if too much is added, the soap will need to dry out before it can be used.

3. Tie or seal bag and place in another bag. Gently lower double-bagged soap into simmering water. Let simmer for around 1 hour or until the soap has a thick gel consistency and has combined with the liquid in bag.

4. Remove bags carefully from water. Open bags and add desired additives, such as color, herbs or oils. Mix thoroughly.

5. Spray cooking oil lightly in molds and scoop soap into molds. Lightly tap molds on table top to remove stray bubbles.

6. Allow molds a day to set. Turn molds over and soap should slide right out.

7. Cut soap to desired sizes.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with adding different liquids to grated soap. Milk or fruit juice can be used to vary the end soap results.
• This type of soap is usually too thick for detailed molds. The best mold would be a log or brick that is cut into smaller pieces.
• When combining grated soap and liquid, do not allow mixture to boil. Record settings to use with future soap batches.