How to Make Oatmeal Soap on a Rope
Soap on a rope is beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, but it's also useful to anyone who doesn't like scrambling for dropped soap in the shower. Oatmeal soap on a rope combines these benefits with the healing skin care properties of oats, including moisturizing the skin, relieving dryness and soothing irritation. This recipe yields one 5-oz. bar of oatmeal soap on the rope, but it can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch, if desired.
Things You'll Need
- 5 oz. glycerin soap base
- Sharp knife
- 1/2 tsp. ground coffee
- 2 tbsp. oatmeal
- 1 tsp. cornmeal
- Soap mold
- 24-inch nylon cord
Instructions
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1
Cut the glycerin soap base into 1-inch squares. Most crafting soaps are sold in perforated blocks for easier cutting. Each 1-inch square is about 1 oz. in volume, so cut about five squares using a sharp knife.
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2
Place the soap squares into a saucepan. Place the pan on the stove over low heat, and stir constantly until the soap is completely melted, usually about five to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
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3
Add the ground coffee, oatmeal and cornmeal to the melted soap base quickly before it begins to harden, and stir to combine. Stir very slowly to suspend the ingredients and to avoid creating bubbles.
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4
Pour half the oatmeal soap mixture into the soap mold. Fold the nylon cord in half, and place the loose ends on top of the half-bar of soap, leaving a loop of cord protruding from the end of the bar. Pour the remaining soap mixture on top of the cord so that it is embedded in the center of the bar.
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5
Place the soap mold in a well-ventilated area, and allow the oatmeal soap on a rope to harden for at least four hours. Leave overnight to harden if possible before removing from the mold. Pop the soap out of the mold, and store it in a cool, dry place until ready for use. Hang in the shower after the first use.
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Tips & Warnings
Glycerin soap base and soap molds can be found in local craft and hobby stores or ordered online.
A glass saucepan is recommended for melting the glycerin soap base. A metal pan may be used if necessary, but avoid coated pans, as the coating can flake off into the soap.
Ground coffee is used as a natural colorant in this recipe, but it also stimulates the skin and improves circulation. It can be omitted, however, if you don't care for the smell of coffee in the shower. Use solid or liquid soap color instead or allow the soap to remain clear in color.
Oatmeal soap on a rope makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap each bar in muslin cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a decorative gift bag. Include a handwritten gift card that includes the ingredients used and the healing benefits of oatmeal on the skin.
