How to Save Money by Making Soap 

_________________________________________________________________________________

This is a simple and fun way to make your own soap. This soap also makes thoughtful and frugal gifts your family and friends will love. It is very easy to save money when you make soap because the ingredients are very easy. It's a frugal and fun hobby to get into, it smells wonderful, and you'll love the variety of soaps that you can make.

1. First consider what type of soap you want. Making your own soap opens up so many options you may have never considered. Do you want clear glycerin soap, solid colored opaque soap, soap that is moisturizing? There are many options out there. Along with the soap you will need to purchase soap molds to pour your soap into. You will also need a double-boiler or you can melt the soap in a bowl in the microwave with Saran Wrap over the top. You may also like fragrance oil and soap colorant. You can be as creative as you like.

2. Once you have everything you need together you are ready to get started. Start out by melting the soap base in the double-boiler or microwave. If using a double-boiler bring water to a boil, add the melt and pour and turn the heat on low. Check the base occasionally to see that it is melted. If you want to melt the base in the microwave put the melt and pour base in a microwave safe bowl and cover it with Saran Wrap. The Saran Wrap will keep moisture from evaporating. Melt the base on high for one minute and stir the remaining, un-melted pieces in.

3. Next add fragrance oil after the base is melted. Stir well until the fragrance is fully incorporated and the soap base does not look “cloudy.” You can start with 25 ounce per pound of soap base. You may want to add more or less fragrance depending on personal preference. You can also use essential oils if you prefer.

4. If you want to add colorant, add when the base is melting. Just put in an eighth to a quarter of a teaspoon of mica with the base and stir well. Spray “mica bubbles” that form on top with rubbing alcohol. You can also use food coloring. Just add 1 drop at a time to the melted base. Be careful not to use to use too much or it can stain your hands! Food coloring is the best way to save money when coloring your soap.

5. Pour your soap into the soap mold and spray the top with rubbing alcohol to get rid of excess bubbles.

6. Once the soap has cooled it should be easy to “pop” out of the soap mold. Store the soap in a plastic baggy or wrap it in Saran Wrap to keep it moist. You can even use colored Saran Wrap and decorate it with ribbons for a gift. The soap is ready after setting overnight.

MAIN - ARTICLES - BOOKS - FRUGAL - MONEY SAVING BLOG
© Copyright Livingpress.com Monday, May 21, 2012 - Save money now!