Other Soap-Making Methods
The basic process for making bars of solid soap is similar for each technique, but
there are variations depending on the method used by the soap-maker. In all
processes, the oil or fat is heated; saturated fats are heated much more than
unsaturated, because they must be melted before being allowed to cool. Lye and
water are mixed to achieve the desired consistency, and then the ingredients are
mixed together. The mixture then has to be stirred. The mixture is poured into a
mold, and allowed to set, typically for 24-48 hours. The bars continue to harden for
another 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the ingredients used.
MELT-AND-POUR METHOD
This method involves taking pure glycerin (animal or vegetable derived),
which is always in liquid form, and solidifying it by adding other chemicals. The
lather is created by adding pure detergents. Natural ingredients may be added to this
variety of soap, but the glycerin base is synthetic, and this method can be expensive,
as you are making soap from a by-product of other soap. “Melt-and-pour” can also
refer to a different process – melting commercial or pre-made bars of soap, adding
your own fragrance and other additives, and creating new bars from the mixture. Of
course, this method can also be expensive, and you lose a degree of control over the
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