April 2020

Making New Bars of Soap from Used Stubs

By Joseph Parish

Have you ever taken stock of all those small stubs of soap which frequently end up accumulating uselessly in your shower stall, doomed to never be used again? Why not give those unwanted used bars of soap a new lease on life? This idea is a great money saver and an excellent way to make fresh soap from leftovers which would usually be tossed in the trash. Who knows what this virus will do towards obtaining bars of soap and other necessities? This process is generally referred to as hand milling.

Items needed include

An old cheese grater

An unused double boiler

A pound of shaved used soap stubs

12 ounces of liquid either milk, water or tea

A mold for your soap (do not use aluminum, copper, iron, Teflon or zinc)

Plastic wrap

Non-stick vegetable spray

Wooden stirring spoon

Rubber or latex gloves

Start your soap making experience by collecting your soap leftover residue into one container and after you have accumulated a sufficient quantity you will be able to embark upon your new soap making adventure. Remember, the golden rule in soap making is to always use rubber or latex gloves at all times when working with your soaps.

After donning your latex gloves begin preparing your soap molds. Soap molds can be purchased in a wide selection of various designs and the final choice is left entirely to your own preferences. Prepare your mold by initially spraying it with a non-stick vegetable spray. This spray will make it much easier to remove your final product in a quick and effective manner.

Take an unneeded double boiler and slowly heat the liquid of your choice whether it will be milk, water or even tea. Bring the temperature up to 170 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. After attaining the proper temperature, add your grated soap being certain that you stir the mixture slowly and constantly.

Now, reduce the heat so that the liquid and grated soap goes from a near boil to a mere simmer. Continue to stir your mixture slowly, but it is no longer necessary to do so continuously. Continue this procedure until the grated soap has transformed itself into a liquid mush.

At this time, you can add any additives which you may desire such as essential oils, exfoliates, etc. Stir them into the mixture well and immediately pour the resultant concoction into your waiting molds. Cover the molds with plastic wrap and let sit for 24 hours. After the 24 hours has passed remove the plastic wrap and place your filled molds in a dry, draft free location for three to four weeks.