Room Temperature Soapmaking

This page will tell you about room temperature soap making which is a twist on the cold process method.

I was researching a new soaping technique when I learned using the room temperature method was the best method to achieve the look for the technique.

What room temperature method?

Well I would not describe as a different method, it is a variant to the hot process method.

I dabble and I am still testing all the methods and have not really defined to one technique. I do love cold process and the products that are accessible with this method.

But I must admit that juggling ice bathes and heat can be trying when I am working on a larger recipe.

You will use cold process soap recipes for the room temperature method.

Gather your supplies and equipment

room temperature instructions

Remember you need to wear a pair of goggles and gloves when you handle lye. NEVER pour water into lye – ALWAYS pour lye into water.

It is best to have all you equipment and ingredients ready.

Your workspace should be covered.

Mold(s) are prepared and set out.

Print out copy of the your recipe for reference.

  1. Measure and set aside your essential oils or fragrances and any additives you will be adding to your recipe.
  2. Weigh out your hard oils and butters place in a container.
  3. Weigh out your soft (liquid) oils and place in a container.
  4. Weigh out your lye (sodium hydroxide) and your distilled water. Place the lye-water solution in a roasting pan or in the sink. This way if it bubbles over it will not burn holes through your kitchen countertop.
  5. Dissolve the lye (sodium hydroxide) in the water. Make sure that you do this in a well ventilated room or even outside. Take your time to make sure that it is completely dissolved.
  6. When the lye-water solution is clear slowly pour it into the hard oil and butters.
  7. Stir gently with a whisk. The solution is hot and will burn skin so take your time. Continue whisking gently until the hard oils and butter have melted.
  8. Stir in your soft oils then begin with the stick blender.
  9. You should be still wearing your goggles and gloves. Be careful not to splash. Continue to mix until the mixture reaches trace (this means that the mixture has thickened enough that when you drizzle some on the top of the mixture, it leaves a trail / trace).
  10. Add your additives and scents (essential oils – fragrance). Blend all these together for a few seconds with a spatula or hand blender.
  11. Pour the soap mixture into mold(s). Cover mold(s) with plastic wrap and cover/wrap these with towels for insulation.
  12. Let the soap cure for 24 to 48 hours before taking it out of the mold(s). Unmold and cut the soap into bars. Sometimes I put my molded soap in the freezer a few minutes to make it easier to unmold.
  13. Place the soap bars on a covered rack to dry out and cure for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks.
  14. Enjoy your handmade soap.

What you will need – equipment for the room temperature method

  • Rubber gloves
  • Goggles
  • Digital scale
  • Whisk
  • Heat safe container with spout
  • Glass mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Stick blender
  • Knife or soap cutter
  • Mold(s) (soap mold, silicone bakeware, candy or candle molds, wood molds or hard cardboard boxes (milk cartons work) lined with parchment/freezer paper)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Old towels