Expert: Terry Knorr - 7/14/2006

Question
Hi again!

I'm sorry. I thought rebatching was a type of soap making! Sorry about that... anyway, I guess I am just looking for a type that your make more from scratch then melt and pour. I believe it involves shredding a soap base of some sort and mixing other ingredients in ect. but I guess I don't know what its called! Sorry I can't be more specific, but if you do know a kind of soap making like this, please help! If not, thanks anyway!

Sorry about the confusion,
From Steph.
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Followup To

Question -
Hello!

I have been doing melt and pour soaps for a while now and was hoping to move onto some rebatching type soaps. I have some recipes and I know what I need to make it but I am a little confused about the actual process. Do you think you could outline just the basic steps you go through to make it? Thank-you so much!



Answer -
Hi!

I'm unclear about what you are asking.  Are you looking for a process for making soap, or a process for rebatching soap that is already made?

Have a great day!
Terry

Answer
Hi Steph!

The process I use is as follows:

1.  shred soap
2.  put a small amount of the shredded soap in a pot
3.  add just enough water to cover the soap
4.  put the pot on a low heat
5.  as the soap melts, put more in the pot
6.  as the water evaporates or is incorporated in the soap,
   add more water
7.  when all or nearly all the soap is melted, add any   
   scent or other additives wanted
8.  pour the soap into the molds
   soap into the molds.
9.  allow the soap to form a skin in the molds
10. place the molds in the freezer
11. after about 30 minutes, take the molds out and pop the
   soap from the molds
12. place on a piece of plastic canvas to dry.

when the soap is melting, remember to stir it so that it does not scorch.  But, stir carefully.  You don't want to cause suds.

Have a great day!
Terry