SOAPMOLDS-InstructionsSOAPMOLDS-Instructions
This mold is made from a flexible styrene plastic. With proper care it will last through many soap pourings. Because it must remain somewhat flexible in order to release properly, over time the chemicals used in soapmaking along with normal wear and tear will cause pitting and cracking of the plastic. The mold has been designed to release readily, howver a mold releasing agent can be used to aid in the process. We suggest using a silicone spray (commonly found at hardware stores). Cooking sprays such as PAM can also be used to coat the mold, as well as any of the oils used in your soap. Only a small amount is needed. (Some customers have reported that this is not a preferred method for release). Do not use too much as this can cause a surface tension to build , particularly on the molds with no design, causing a "gluing" between the mold and the soap. We suggest trying different techniques to get the best results with your recipe.
Some soap recipes contain a high content of vegetable oils which make a softer soap. These recipes may require the soap to stay in the mold up to and including the whole two-three week curing time. Soap naturally shrinks during the curing process and will pull away form the sides of the mold when ready to release. DO NOT force the soap from the mold. Trying to take your soap from the molds before it is ready to release can break the mold. An additional releasing trick is to freeze your soap in the mold for about 1-2 hours, and then float the mold for a few minutes in a sink of very warm water before unmolding...remove promptly!
When your soap is ready to be taken out of the mold. it should be kept in a cool, dry place to finish the curing process. If you have added scent to your soap you may want to wrap it in a cotton towel to maintain the scent. After the required curing time, your soap is ready to be wrapped for storage.
Your mold is designed to give you many batches of hand-made soap. The life of the mold will depend on how often it is used and the proper use and care of it. Lye used in soap making will mar the surface in time. We do not recommend putting the molds in a dishwasher, but do suggest washing and drying them before storing. This will make your molds last longer. When storing, stack the molds back to back. This will keep the cavities from becoming stuck one inside the other which can cause breakage.
As with most arts, practice is the best way to become better. We hope you'll enjoy your molds! Let us know your methods of making your soaps special!
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Copyright © 1998 Khimaira~Created June
10, 1999
Last modified: January 18, 2012