Creating unique soap molds from PVC pipes

Making unique soap molds out of everyday items is a doddle once you start thinking outside the box. There is definitely no need to buy professional soap making molds when there are fun and inexpensive alternatives available.

One of my favorite ideas for creating unique soap molds is to form circular soap out of PVC pipe. Not only does it create a great looking finished product, but this soap molding method is also extremely simple to implement.

Creating a PVC soap mold requires 5 pieces of equipment including: PVC pipe, a cutting board, a funnel, a ladle, and freezer paper.

So what are the steps? Once you’re ready to pour your initial soap into your mold, place the PVC pipe vertically on the end of the cutting board. Make sure all the edges are firmly against the wood and held there with a decent amount of force. After all, you wouldn’t want the soap to drip off the bottom!

Now put the funnel into the opening of the pipes for easy pouring. Make absolutely sure you use a funnel made of silicone or stainless steel, as this early stage soap will be extremely caustic and harsh. Never use plastic equipment of any kind. Once the soap has time to cure, the ph levels will change dramatically, resulting in a mild skincare cleanser, but for now, you have to be a little careful.

Then start transferring the soap from the pot to the PVC pipe using your ladle. Again, you need to make sure that the paddle is made from the right materials as well. Never fill PVC pipe to the brim as the soap will expand during the curing process. I personally recommend leaving about 3 inches at the top.

Cover the open area of ​​the PVC pipe with freezer paper using rubber bands to secure it in place. This will help keep the heat trapped inside the pan.

Now it’s time to further isolate your soap. Take old blankets or large towels that you don’t mind ruining and completely wrap the outside of the mold. Be as liberal as possible. I recommend using around 7-10 towels or 4 blankets. It is important that the heat caused by the soapmaking reaction dissipate as slowly as possible for proper curing to occur.

Patience is crucial for cold process soap making as you now have to wait about 72 hours for the soap to harden. Note that once it’s hard, it’s still too caustic to use, as it’s not fully cured yet.

Take the soap out of the PVC tube and cut it into bars of roughly even width. If you find it difficult to get the soap out of this unique soap mold, you can use a jar to help you get it out, or put the soap in the freezer to shrink.

Place your new bars on a rack to cure and allow air to circulate around them. Make sure to turn them over every few days. After 6-8 weeks, you’ll be ready to test the PH levels and use your new all-natural skincare product!