Simple Soap Making
Liam Reilly
| 15-04-2025
· Lifestyle Team
Have you ever looked at a pretty handmade soap and thought, “I wish I could make that”? Good news—we totally can! Making soap at home is way easier than it sounds, super fun, and lets us create something useful and personal.
Whether we're crafting for ourselves, for gifts, or just for fun, this guide will walk us through the whole process, even if it's our first time.
Super Easy Basic Soap Only 3 Ingredients Must know Homestead Skills
Video by Big Family Homestead
What We Need to Start
Before we dive in, let's get our supplies ready. Here's a simple list of what we'll need to begin our soap-making adventure:
• Soap base (also called melt-and-pour soap): This is the easiest way to start. We can pick clear or white soap base depending on the look we want.
• Essential oils or fragrance oils: These add lovely scents to our soap (optional).
• Soap coloring: If we want colored soaps, this helps us get creative (also optional).
• Soap molds: These shape our soap into fun blocks or other forms.
• Microwave or double boiler: For melting the soap base.
• Spoons or stirrers: To mix in scents and colors.
• Measuring tools: So we can get our quantities just right.
• Safety gear: Gloves and goggles are helpful, especially if we ever try more advanced methods.
Step 1: Set Up Your Work Area
Let's find a clean, flat surface with good airflow. It's best to cover the table with old newspaper or a plastic cloth in case we spill anything. Make sure all our tools are nearby so we're not scrambling once the soap base is hot.
Step 2: Measure and Melt the Soap Base
Now we take the amount of soap base we need and cut it into chunks. We can use a microwave (heat in short 15–30 second bursts) or a double boiler to melt it down slowly. Don't let it boil—it should be just melted and smooth.
Step 3: Add Scents and Colors (Optional)
Here's where the fun begins! Once the base is melted, we can add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Want to go bold? Add a few drops of soap-safe color. Then we gently stir everything in until it's evenly mixed.
Step 4: Pour Into Molds
Carefully pour the warm liquid soap into the molds. Don't fill them all the way to the top—leave a little space so they won't overflow. Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove any bubbles.
Step 5: Let It Set
Now we wait. Let the soap cool and harden in the molds at room temperature. This usually takes a few hours, but some soap bases might have their own recommended setting times—check the label to be sure.
Step 6: Pop Out the Soap
Once the soap is solid, it's time to unmold! If the soap sticks, try popping the mold into the freezer for a few minutes—it should slide out more easily after that.
Step 7: Trim, Cure, and Enjoy
If you're using a melt-and-pour base, your soap is ready to use right away. If you've made cold-process soap, it'll need to cure for a few weeks. In that case, slice it into blocks, then place them on parchment paper or a drying rack in a cool, dry spot.
Tips for Making Beautiful Soap
• Start small: Try a small batch first while we're still learning.
• Get creative: Mix different oils, colors, or even dried flowers like lavender or oats for texture.
• Stay safe: If we ever try cold-process soap in the future, it involves lye and needs extra care—gloves and goggles are a must!
Common Questions We Get
Q: Can I just melt regular soap and reshape it?
A: You can, but the results may be dry or flaky. It's better to start with a proper soap base made for crafting.
Q: How long does handmade soap last?
A: A well-made soap bar can last for years, especially if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Q: Can I use natural ingredients like herbs?
A: Absolutely! Dried herbs like chamomile, lavender, and even coffee grounds make great natural add-ins for exfoliation and scent.
Create Your Own Personal Touch
There's something special about using a soap that we've made with our own hands. It feels more personal, smells exactly how we want, and even makes great gifts. With just a few basic tools and ingredients, we can design our own little luxury at home.
Let's Try It, Lykkers!
So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and give it a shot? Soap making is a relaxing, creative way to spend an afternoon—and you'll end up with something you can use or share. If you try it, let us know how it goes. What scent will your first soap bar be?
Let's make something beautiful together!
