How to Make Handmade Soap Last Longer (Cold Process, Hot Process & Melt & Pour)
Handmade soap is very different from most commercial soaps you find in stores. Because artisan soaps are crafted with traditional soapmaking methods and high-quality ingredients, they behave a little differently in the shower.
Learning how to properly use and store handmade soap will help your bars last longer and perform beautifully.
At Soak It In – Artisan Soap LLC, we create soaps using three traditional soapmaking methods:
• Cold Process
• Hot Process
• Melt & Pour
Each method creates a wonderful soap, but there are a few care tips that apply to all handmade bars.
Why Handmade Soap Needs Proper Care
Most commercial “soaps” are actually detergent-based cleansing bars that contain hardeners designed for long shelf life and high heat processing.
Handmade soaps are crafted with oils and traditional techniques. Because of this, they are more sensitive to water exposure, especially when left sitting in water between uses.
Proper storage allows your handmade soap to stay firm and last longer.
The Three Types of Handmade Soap
Cold Process Soap
Cold process soap is made by combining oils and sodium hydroxide (lye), which creates soap through a process called saponification.
The soap is poured into molds and allowed to cure for several weeks. During this curing time, excess water evaporates, creating a firm, long-lasting bar.
Cold process soaps are popular for their:
• Smooth texture
• Beautiful designs
• Rich lather
• Long-lasting bars when stored properly
Hot Process Soap
Hot process soap is similar to cold process soap, but the mixture is cooked during the soapmaking process. This speeds up the saponification reaction, which is why many people say hot process soap can be used right away.
However, this is a common misconception.
While hot process soap can technically be used sooner, it still benefits greatly from going through a proper curing period—just like cold process soap. Allowing the soap to cure for several weeks lets excess water evaporate and helps the bar become firmer and longer lasting.
Soap that hasn’t had time to cure may:
• feel sticky or soft
• develop a slightly slimy texture in use
• leave a light film on the skin
• produce a less balanced lather
A proper cure allows hot process soap to reach its best performance, improved hardness, and more enjoyable lather.
Benefits of hot process soap include:
• traditional handmade soapmaking method
• thick, creamy lather after curing
• rustic artisan appearance
Melt & Pour Soap
Melt & pour soap is made from a pre-created soap base that has already gone through the saponification process.
The base is melted, customized with fragrance and color, and then poured into molds.
This method allows soapmakers to create:
• Detailed designs
• Decorative soaps
• Layered soaps
Because melt & pour soap typically contains more glycerin, it can be more sensitive to water and humidity. Proper storage is especially important for these bars.
Tips to Make Handmade Soap Last Longer
No matter which type of soap you are using, these simple steps can help your bars last longer.
Use a Draining Soap Dish
Always store your soap on a well-draining soap dish that allows water to run off the bar.
Soap that sits in water will soften and dissolve much faster.
Allow Soap to Dry Between Uses
Handmade soap should be allowed to dry completely between uses. Air circulation helps the bar firm up again after each use.
Soap dishes with slats, ridges, or drainage holes work best.
Avoid Very Hot Water
Very hot water can soften soap quickly and cause it to dissolve faster during use.
Warm water is usually enough to create a rich lather while helping your soap last longer.
This tip is especially helpful when using melt & pour soaps, which are more sensitive to heat.
Rotate Multiple Bars
Many handmade soap lovers keep two or three bars in rotation.
This allows each bar to dry completely between uses, helping them last much longer.
Store Unused Soap Properly
Unused soap should be stored in a cool, dry location away from humidity and direct sunlight.
Soap stored properly will maintain its scent and quality longer.
Enjoying Handmade Soap
Handmade soap offers a unique bathing experience with beautiful designs, wonderful fragrances, and traditional craftsmanship.
With proper care and storage, your bars will stay firm and provide many enjoyable uses.
Explore Our Handmade Soaps
At Soak It In – Artisan Soap LLC, our soaps are crafted in small batches using traditional soapmaking methods.
Explore our collection and discover your next favorite scent.