How to Make Soap in the Microwave

molded soaps

This is a fun project for families to do together. Handmade molded soaps also make great gifts. People with sensitive skin can choose gentle, all natural ingredients. There is a lot of room for creativity and imagination to play once the basic method is learned.

Things You'll Need

• Melt and pour soap base
• Pyrex container
• Food scale
• Cutting board
• Cling wrap
• Fragrance oil (optional)
• Spoon
• Metal whisk
• Soap-safe dye (optional)
• Large knife (non serrated edge)
• Rubbing alcohol in spray bottle
• Ramekin for fragrance oil
• Cloths and paper towels
• Small knife (non serrated edge)
• Soap mold

Instructions

1. Measure the base. Cut the soap into chunks, using the large knife and the cutting board. Put the Pyrex container on the scale and set the scale to zero. Add chunks into the Pyrex container and measure the amount that the mold will hold. It takes 16 ounces (or one pound) to fill four 4-ounce bars.

2. 

   Melt the base in the microwave. Cover the Pyrex container loosely with the cling wrap to prevent moisture loss. Put the container in the microwave and heat the base for 30 seconds on high.

3. Open the microwave, uncover the container and stir the soap with a spoon. Put the cling wrap back on. Keep heating it in 20 to 30 second increments and stirring each time until all the chunks are totally melted. Depending on the base and the power of the microwave, timing may vary. One pound of base can take around two minutes to melt.It is important to use a highly heat-resistant and microwave-safe container, like Pyrex. The soap will be very hot, around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, when it is completely melted.

4. Add fragrance if desired. Use a ramekin on the scale to measure the amount of fragrance oil. Remember to put the ramekin on the scale first and set it to zero. Start with .25 (1/4) or .3 ( about 1/3) ounce of fragrance oil per pound of soap. Some scents are naturally stronger than others. Gently stir with the whisk to mix the scent in. Add more fragrance oil if a stronger scent is preferred. Many people are sensitive to fragrances. If you are making gifts, it is best to be cautious when adding scent.

5. Add color if desired. Soap-safe dye is not as strong as candle dye, so it will require more. Add drops of dye and gently stir. If the color is not strong enough, add a few more drops of dye and stir gently until it is evenly colored.

6. Pour the soap into the mold slowly and carefully. Try not to create any bubbles or splash. A light spray of rubbing alcohol will take care of some bubbles on the top.

7. Let the soap cool. It takes several hours on the counter or about one hour in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it.

8. Clean up any mess around the work area with paper towels.

9. Unmold the soap. It should pop easily out of the mold. If not, try tapping the mold with a spoon. If the soap is still stuck, turn the mold upside down, take it to the sink and run hot water over it.

10. Rub off any imperfections with the cloth or trim the soap with the small knife.

Tips & Warnings

• There are lots of things that can be added. Olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and shea butter moisturize skin. Oatmeal adds texture to the soap and exfoliates skin. Many free recipes for melt and pour soaps can be found on the Internet.

• Muffin tins, ramekins and baking dishes can all be used to mold soap. Anything that can stand up to the heat will do. One fun trick is to use a sheet pan to make a large, flat block. After it is unmolded, use cookie cutters to cut shapes.

• Mica colorants can be used to add color and glitter.

• A double boiler can be used to melt the base instead of a microwave.

• Be very careful with the melted soap base. It is very hot (about 150 degrees F.) Young children should not pour it.

• Don't use chocolate molds for soap making because they are generally made of a lower grade, less heat-resistant plastic.