Natural rebatched soap:
basic double boiler rebatching intructions
for our natural handmade soap base

A double boiler set up can be arranged with any two pots, one larger than the other so that the smaller will fit inside the larger. The larger pot can be any metal and has a well-fitting lid; for the inside pot, we suggest stainless steel or heat-resistant glass.

Grate or chop the soap base, and place in the smaller container.
Place a cake cooling rack on the bottom of the large container, to prevent the bottom of the smaller pot to be in direct contact with the heat. An empty tin, upturned and with a couple of holes punched in the bottom, can be used instead of the cake rack.
Add to the larger pot enough water for the smaller pot to be half-submerged, but still not floating.
Sprinkle the soap with liquid of choice (see Notes).
Place the smaller pot inside the larger container, cover with lid and bring to the boil over medium heat.
When the water in the outside container starts boiling, turn the heat down and keep to a slow simmer (lid on) until the soap inside the smaller container is melted. This will take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of soap and on the size of the chunks.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and stir the soap with a wooden or stainless steel spoon to check for consistency. If there's any hard chunks, replace the lid and cook at least another 15 minutes. WARNING: wear gloves and mind the steam when removing the lid and working with the melted soap: it's HOT!
While the soap is cooking, prepare your moulds. If you are using the soap moulds that come with AquaSapone kits, brush the inside of each cavity with a little bit of oil to make unmoulding easier.
The soap is ready when it's all melted to the consistency of mashed potatoes or applesauce.
Turn off the heat and add your extra oils and fillers (botanicals or colours).
Replace the lid and let the soap cool down to approx. 60ºC (140ºF) before adding essential oils or fragrances.
Spoon the soap mixture inside your mould(s). Tap each mould to get rid of air pockets and ensure proper filling.
Place a piece of baking paper on the soap and press/smooth down with a clean spoon (or you can use your hands, if you are wearing rubber gloves).
Unmould when cool.
The soap is ready to use as soon as it feels dry.

Notes

We suggest you add no more than 2 teaspoons (10 mls) of liquid per 100 g of soap base. Larger amounts of liquid may change the appearance of the resulting soaps. Liquids can be milk (cow's milk, goat's milk, coconut milk etc.), distilled water or herbal teas. Keep in mind that milk might discolour with heat. If you're planning to add colours (such as cosmetic grade oxides or ultramarines), adding milk may affect the final results.
We suggest you add 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 mls) of extra oils per 100 g of soap base. If you wish to colour your soaps, you can use this extra oil for dissolving powdered colours.
Oils or butters can be added at the beginning of the cook to obtain a smoother, easier to mould consistency. Adding oils at the beginning of the cook may however affect their "live" properties.
Always add your fragrance or essential oils when the cooked soap has cooled down a bit.

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last updated 12 mar 2007

Natural rebatched soap:basic double boiler rebatching intructions for our natural handmade soap base

Notes

Natural rebatched soap:
basic double boiler rebatching intructions
for our natural handmade soap base