How to Rebatch Cold Process Soap
- 1). Weigh two or three fresh, cold-process soap bars. Write down their combined weight.
- 2). Calculate the amount of cow, goat or coconut milk or water to use and the amount of essential oils to use. Measure 2 tsp. of milk or water per 100g of soap. Use no more than 1 to 2 tsp. of essential oils per 100g of soap. Milk works well with vegetable-based soaps.
- 3). Fill 1/2 of a large pot with water. Boil the water, and then reduce its temperature to a low simmer.
- 4). Grate the fresh, cold-process soap bars into a bowl using a fine cheese grater. Fresh soap is five to seven days old. Place the grated soap in a boiling bag.
- 5). Add only enough milk or water and essential oils you measured to the boiling bag to glaze the grated soap. More liquid requires a longer curing process.
- 6). Close the boiling bag tightly, and place it in the pot. Allow the pot to simmer for 30 minutes.
- 7). Place a small towel on your work surface. Move the boiling bag from the simmering pot to the towel, using another small towel to handle the boiling bag. Gently squish the bag and mash large chunks it contains.
- 8). Return the boiling bag to the pot, and let the pot's contents simmer until the soap is translucent throughout and has the consistency of mashed potatoes. Remove the bag from the pot, and place it on the towel on your work surface.
- 9). Add essential oils, fragrance oils, colorants and additives, such as oatmeal, if desired. Close the boiling bag, and gently squish its contents until all of the ingredients are combined.
- 10
Cut one corner of the closed bag so that it can be used like a pastry bag. Squeeze the soap into heat-resistant molds. Gently tap the molds onto the work surface to remove air bubbles. Allow the soap to harden 4 to 5 hours. - 11
Remove the soap from the molds. Using a sharp knife, cut the soap to the desired size and shape. Allow the soap to cure two to four weeks.
