How to Add Pumice to Melt and Pour Soap
Melt and pour soaps are an easy way to venture into the craft of soap making. As indicated by their name, melt and pour soaps are created through a basic technique of pouring a melted soap base into a mold. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the technique, though. By adding essential oils, natural additives such as pumice and herbs, and cosmetic grade colorants, you can create a wide variety of handcrafted soaps.
Things You'll Need
- Melt and pour soap base
- Glass measuring cup (2-cup size)
- Microwave
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Ground pumice
- Cosmetic grade colorant (optional)
- Essential oil (optional)
- Soap mold
- Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle
Instructions
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Cut the melt and pour soap base into ½-inch chunks. This will make melting easier. Place two to three chunks into the glass measuring cup. Set the microwave heating level to 50 percent. Put the measuring cup with the soap base pieces inside the microwave and slowly begin to melt. Set the microwave in one minute increments; at the end of each minute, check the soap base and stir until completely melted.
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Take the melted soap out of the microwave carefully because the glass measuring cup will be HOT. Add the remaining soap base chunks to the melted soap base. The heat from the melted soap base will melt the remaining solid chunks. Stir until the soap base is completely melted. Cover with plastic wrap.
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3
Add some of your favorite essential oils at this point if you want your finished soap to have a fragrance. Follow the manufacturer's directions to determine the correct amount of essential oil to add. To color your soap, add cosmetic grade colorant at this point as well. Once again, follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct amount of colorant to add to your base. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of ground pumice. Mix well to distribute scent, color and texture throughout the soap.
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Pour the mixture into your soap mold. Spray the top of the liquid soap with rubbing alcohol to remove any bubbles. Allow the mold to rest until the soap is cool and slightly firm to the touch. Transfer the mold to the freezer to speed the setting process. Once the soap is completely solid---generally 20 to 30 minutes, remove your mold from the freezer and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. Then pop your new exfoliating soap out of the mold. Wrap your new soap in plastic wrap to protect it until you're ready to use it.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid adding carrier oils such as extra virgin olive oil or jojoba oil to your melt and pour soap base. Carrier oils may prevent your melt and pour soap from hardening.
Use protective gloves while working with the heated melting soap base. Always melt the base in small increments of time. Overheating could lead to burns.
