How to Turn Soap Scraps into New Soap Bars

Use a kitchen grater to prepare your soap scraps.

Create new soap bars from old ones using a process called milling. You can use this method to make new soaps from your leftover scraps or to add new scent and color to plain soap. Any type of soap can be used for this method, as long as the scraps are grated together. Save your scraps until you have enough to make several new bars and you can prepare a batch of new soap for your bathroom or kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Soap scraps
• Grater
• Ceramic or glass bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Soap bar mold or plastic container

Instructions

1. Allow the soap scraps to dry overnight; they are easier to grate when they are dry.

2. Rub the soap scraps on the medium side of the grater into the ceramic bowl.

3. Stir to combine the scraps if they are different colors or scents.

4. Add water a teaspoon at a time and stir. The soap is ready to mold when you can pick up a handful and press it into a ball. Soap that is ready to mold will hold together; if it is crumbly, add water.

5. Press the prepared soap into a mold and pack it in tightly to compress it. Let the soap dry overnight.

6. Pop the soap out of the mold and let it cure on a countertop for a week. Curing is not mandatory, but will make your new soap last longer.

Tips & Warnings

• It's okay to wash the grater and reuse it in the kitchen.

• Add scents or colors to the soap before you mold it.

• Don't add too much water to the grated soap; use just enough to make it hold together.

References

• "Michael's Book of Arts and Crafts"; Lark Books; 2003
• "Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts"; Leisure Arts; 2009

Resources

• Care 2: Make Lavendar Soap Balls