Melt and Pour Soap

The melt and pour soap making method is a simple way to get started with soap making.

If making your own soap sounds difficult or time consuming, or if working with lye sounds a little scary, then the easy melt and pour method is just what you need.

Soap making is fun, and it can be a great hobby for the whole family. You can make your own gifts and, of course, when you become so addicted to the hobby you have more soap than you can use or give to friends, you can earn money by selling your soaps. Here's what you need to know about making soap without lye using the melt and pour method.

Step 1 - Gather Supplies

First you'll need to gather your supplies. Beginners may want to head to a local craft store for a complete melt and pour soap kit. Everything you need is right in the package. Pre-made kits will cost a little more than buying your supplies separately and in bulk, but the kits are useful in the beginning when you are learning the basics.

Supplies for making melt and pour soap include the base, which can be purchased at a craft store or ordered online, dye for adding color, essential oils or fragrance oils for adding fragrance, and molds for shaping your soap into bars or designs as it hardens. In addition, you will need a wooden stirring spoon or spatula and glass measuring cup.

Step 2 - Measure

Next you will need to determine how much soap base you have to melt. Here is an easy way to figure it out. Fill your soap mold with water, and then pour that water into a measuring cup. If you have 1/2 cup of water you know you will need 1/2 cup of base. Be sure to dry the mold and measuring cup thoroughly. Break off small chunks of the soap base and fill your measuring cup to the predetermined level.

Step 3 - Melt

Now you are ready to melt the soap. You can simply place your glass measuring cup containing the soap base into the microwave for a few seconds until it melts. If you need to melt larger quantities, use a double boiler over low heat and stir occasionally as the soap melts.

Step 4 - Add Color And Fragrance

After the soap has melted, add a few drops of color and a few drops of your selected fragrance. Start with just a drop or two as you can always add more if needed. Stir gently to thoroughly combine.

If you are using essential oils for fragrance, keep in mind that some essential oils are not recommended for children, people who are pregnant or have specific health conditions. If you have concerns, look up the MSDS for the oils you are using, and speak to a health care professional. If you are making melt and pour soap with children and using essential oils, adding the oils should be done by an adult.

Step 5 - Pour Into Mold

Now you are ready to pour the soap into your mold. Work quickly as the soap begins to harden when removed from heat. Let the it sit undisturbed for several hours or overnight.

Step 6 - Finish Up

When the soap is hard, just pop it out of the mold and you have the finished product - your very own homemade soap! Rinse and dry your molds and reserve them for future soap making use only. Cleaning up is a breeze with the melt and pour soap making method. Store your soap in an airtight container or Ziploc baggie to retain the scent until you are ready to use it.

Now you know soap making is easy with the melt and pour method. You can be quite creative by using molds of various shapes and using different colors, scents, and soap bases. Making soap without lye is simple and fun.