Many Ways to Make Soap
The Melt-and-Pour Method
The melt-and-pour soapmaking method uses a premade soap base that melts easily. Most soapers melt the soap base in a microwave or a double boiler, though any gentle heat source — for example, a dualtemperature rice cooker — will do. Once the soap base is melted, you simply mix in colorants, fragrances, and other additives; stir well; and pour the mixture into the mold. As soon as the soap sets up (usually within an hour or two), it is ready to use.
Many soapers prefer the melt-andpour technique because the clear or white base gives them many design options and because the end product does not need any curing or drying time. The premade base limits the choice of ingredients, but the 40 to 50 available formulations fit the vast majority of soapers’ needs. Meltand- pour soap is also a fun craft to make with children. Though it does not use lye, the soap base can get quite hot during the melting phase, so adult supervision is recommended.
The melt-and-pour soapmaking method uses a premade soap base that melts easily. Most soapers melt the soap base in a microwave or a double boiler, though any gentle heat source — for example, a dualtemperature rice cooker — will do. Once the soap base is melted, you simply mix in colorants, fragrances, and other additives; stir well; and pour the mixture into the mold. As soon as the soap sets up (usually within an hour or two), it is ready to use.
Many soapers prefer the melt-andpour technique because the clear or white base gives them many design options and because the end product does not need any curing or drying time. The premade base limits the choice of ingredients, but the 40 to 50 available formulations fit the vast majority of soapers’ needs. Meltand- pour soap is also a fun craft to make with children. Though it does not use lye, the soap base can get quite hot during the melting phase, so adult supervision is recommended.
The Hot-Process Method
The hot-process method of soapmaking is similar to the cold-process method in that you start from scratch, which allows you to choose from a wide range of ingredients, and you use lye. However, as the name implies, this method involves the application of heat. With the hot-process method, you either cook your soap on the stove in a large stainless-steel pot or bake it in the oven (keeping a close eye on it at all times) or use a slow cooker. Hot-process soap can be used immediately; however, without the 4- to 6-week curing and drying time used in the cold-process method, the bars are softer and do not last as long in the shower.
The hot-process method of soapmaking is similar to the cold-process method in that you start from scratch, which allows you to choose from a wide range of ingredients, and you use lye. However, as the name implies, this method involves the application of heat. With the hot-process method, you either cook your soap on the stove in a large stainless-steel pot or bake it in the oven (keeping a close eye on it at all times) or use a slow cooker. Hot-process soap can be used immediately; however, without the 4- to 6-week curing and drying time used in the cold-process method, the bars are softer and do not last as long in the shower.
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