Expert: Terry Knorr - 11/17/2004

Question
Hi Terry, thanks for your time. I dont know much about soap, so i hope you can help.

I love soaps from Hydra soaps, however, their soaps are always oversized that I cannot fit into my soap container, I was wondering if it's ok to melt the soap in the microwave and and change the shape of it, since all i care is the great scent they have.

Thanks,
Pauline

Answer
Hi Pauline!

Many soaps contain metals or metal oxides as colorants.  These metals will cause severe problems in the microwave.  I have not been able to find any information concerning Hydra soaps, so I can't say whether it contains metals.  You might want to contact the manufacturer and ask them if it would be safe to melt their soaps in the microwave.  

On the other side, it will not harm the soap to melt it.  You might want to try grating it or cutting it into small pieces and melting it in a double boiler.  This would be a safe procedure.  This might affect the scent, however.  You might find that it looses some of its strength, or it might even change the scent.  

I'm sorry that I can't be more help to you.  I hope this will at least point you in the right direction.

Have a Great Day!
Terry