Any hobby or craft requires tools. Soapmaking equipment is simple enough to procure and isn’t costly for a hobby. As you build your skills you may begin stockpiling ingredients and
Equipment for melt and pour soap
When you begin your venture on learning how to make handmade soap you might want to stay away from purchasing a lot of equipment until you decide whether you really like it. Melt and pour soap does not really require any special equipment.
This equipment can be found in most kitchens and cleaning up is rather simple. You do not need special moldsreserved only for soap but many prefer to keep their soap molds and equipment separate. These are the basic equipment required.
- Sharp knife
- Glass measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoons and wood stirrers
- Spray bottle (small) with rubbing alcohol
- Rubber spatula
- Molds (soap mold, silicone bakeware, metal baking pans, candy or candle molds, plastic containers)
- Plastic wrap or container
Equipment for cold process, hot process and liquid soap
Cold process, liquid soap require equipment that will be reserved and used only for making soap because of the caustic effect of lye (sodium hydroxide) on material. This list is for all the materials required, please refer to each soap recipe for specific instructions.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR HANDLING LYE
- Rubber gloves.
- Goggles
EQUIPMENT FOR MEASURING INGREDIENTS
- Digital scale
- Thermometer
- Heat safe container with spout
- Measuring spoons
EQUIPMENT FOR MIXING
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoons
- Glass mixing bowls
- Glass and heat resistant measuring cups
- Stick blender (you can buy these in any department store)
EQUIPMENT FOR HEATING
- Saucepan
- Double-boiler
- Microwave
- Crockpot
EQUIPMENT FOR MOLDING
- Knife or soap cutter
- Molds (soap mold, silicone bakeware, candy or candle molds, wood molds or hard cardboard boxes (mil cartons work) lined with parchment/freezer paper)
- Old towels to insulate the soaps for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- There are molds and cutters that are specific soapmaking equipment and used more for commercial use. If you decide you wish to sell your soaps you will need to look into these.
EQUIPMENT FOR PACKAGING AND LABELLING
- No special equipment is required for packaging homemade soap. However equipment for a soapmaking business can include a shrink wrap machine.
- A computer and printer can be used to make your own soap labels.
Start small, look at the different instructions, purchase used equipment, barter soap for some silicone molds and have fun!