Wondering what soap making supplies you REALLY need? I’m going to break it all down for you so you can dive into the world of soap making with confidence with the Ultimate Guide to Soapmaking Checklist.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned soap maker, understanding the essential soapmaking supplies and ingredients is key to creating your own handmade soaps. Let’s explore the must-have items that will help you craft beautiful bars of soap right in your own kitchen. And, if you are looking for an easy tutorial on how to make soap at home, check out this blog post here.

If you’re looking for my recommended shopping list that houses all of my favorite beginner-friendly soapmaking supplies, click here.

When I first started making soap, I wondered: “How much stuff do I really need?” It seemed overwhelming, especially when thinking about the cost. But I’m good at being thrifty! If you’re just starting out, I suggest sticking to the basics. Check out thrift stores for cheap finds like mixing bowls, measuring cups, spatulas, and even immersion blenders. You might be surprised by what you already have in your kitchen cabinets that can be used for soapmaking.

If you’re dipping into your kitchen stash for soapmaking, mark and dedicate those containers for soap ONLY! We don’t need any soap suds in our spaghetti sauce or lye seasoning our salads! Keep your kitchen chaos and chemical-free and your kitchen soapmaking adventures on point.

Download The Ultimate Soap Making Supply Checklist

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

Safety is paramount when it comes to soap-making, and that’s where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comes in as your trusted ally. Gloves and eye protection are essential, particularly when working with lye—a potent substance that demands respect. Shielding your hands and eyes from any accidental splashes or spills is crucial. Additionally, opting for long-sleeved clothing provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring your skin is safeguarded throughout the soap-making process.

I also recommend wearing a thick apron. This apron is my favorite. It’s super thick so I don’t need to worry about oil staining my clothes and is ultra protective from lyewater splashes. Not only that, it has pockets. ♥️

Safety always comes first when it comes to making soap, for more information on how to stay safe while making soap, check out this blog post.

Scale

When making soap, getting those measurements spot-on is like finding the perfect recipe balance. To achieve that, a trusty scale is your best friend. You don’t need anything fancy—a basic kitchen or postal scale works just fine. Just make sure it can measure in grams or ounces. I prefer grams for their precision.

But don’t worry about breaking the bank! You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. Prices vary, and you can find a reliable scale that won’t dent your wallet. This is my favorite scale, it is inexpensive, and hasn’t failed me yet.

Stick Blender

Let’s talk about the superhero of soap making: the stick blender! Sure, a whisk can do the job, but let’s be real—a stick blender takes things up a notch! It’s like having a magic wand in your hand. With a flick of the switch, it stirs, blends, and emulsifies oils and fats fast. Say goodbye to endless whisking and hello to lightning-fast trace! This bad boy turbocharges the soap-making process, giving you a smooth and consistent blend that’s hard to achieve with just a whisk. The stick blender isn’t just a tool—it’s a soap maker’s best friend, and a must-have in your supply stash.

I have had several stick blenders over the years, and I can tell you that when you are a beginner soapmaker, you don’t need an ultra expensive one. My first stick blender was a Black Friday special that I got for around $15. It is still running strong.

Large Mixing Container

When it comes to soapmaking, having a spacious, heat-resistant container is key. Opt for one larger than you anticipate needing to prevent spills and splashes. I prefer containers with a pouring lip and a handle for effortless soap transfer into molds. I also often use a trusty large stainless steel bowl for larger batches of soap. My favorite containers came from Dollar Tree so there is no need to spend a mint.

Miscellaneous Mixing Containers

Having different-sized heat-resistant mixing containers is key for soap making. You’ll want separate ones for water, lye, fats, and maybe a couple more for mixing colorants, fragrances, and other additives. But guess what? They don’t have to be fancy at all! Think simple and resourceful. You can use everyday items like plastic cups or even repurpose old sour cream containers for this job. Keep it easy and practical.

Soap Molds

An essential item for your soap making kit is a soap mold. The beauty of soap molds is that they come in all shapes and sizes, giving you endless possibilities for your creations. For a stress-free experience, opt for molds with silicone liners. They make popping out your soap a piece of cake and preserve all those intricate details beautifully.

In this blog, I use these exact soap molds because they are the perfect size for a small batch of soap and they are very inexpensive.

For cold process soap, I wouldn’t recommend hard plastic molds. Sometimes your soap will stick and be impossible to remove. Hard plastic molds are used more for melt and pour soaps that can be easily released once hardened.

Now, if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of soap making or want to keep things simple, a good old wooden or sturdy cardboard box will do the trick! Just line it with parchment paper, and you’re good to go. Easy peasy!

Heat-Resistant Utensils

When it comes to soap making, having a variety of smaller heat-resistant utensils is a must. Think silicone spatulas, spoons, sturdy stainless steel teaspoons, whisks, and more. Here’s a handy tip: check your kitchen supplies for hidden treasures that may no longer be used for cooking but can be invaluable for your soap-making adventures. Repurposing these items not only promotes sustainability but also adds cost-effective tools to your soap-making toolkit.

I don’t recommend using wooden spoons. Lye will eat them away or make them splinter—definitely not the kind of extra crunch we’re looking for in our soap! Unless, of course, you’re going for that “exfoliating splinter” special edition soap. 😂 Just stick to the safer options like stainless steel or silicone.

Thermometer

You absolutely need to add an infrared thermometer to your soap-making arsenal! Temperature control is everything in the soapmaking game. Whether it’s keeping tabs on your lye water, oils, or the evolving soap loaves during saponification, precise temperatures are crucial. That’s where infrared thermometers swoop in to save the day! They’re like the superheroes of temperature measurement, allowing you to take readings from a safe distance. No need to get up close and personal with your soapy concoctions—just point, shoot, and get accurate readings in a flash!

Soap Cutter

Getting your hands on a soap cutter is like unlocking a whole new level in soap-making! These specialized tools are your ticket to perfectly cut bars every time, giving your soap that polished, professional look. But hey, if you’re just starting out and don’t have a soap cutter yet, no sweat! Get crafty and reach for a cheese cutter—it works surprisingly well for getting sleek, uniform slices. And if you’re really in a pinch, a good ol’ kitchen knife will do the trick too.

It’s all about finding what works best for you and your setup, but here’s a friendly tip: once you start using your cheese cutter for soap, it officially becomes your soap cutter. You definitely don’t want those two worlds colliding! Sure, by the time your soap is ready to be cut, it’s gone through saponification, so there’s not much lye left on your soap cutter. But let’s be real, nobody wants cheese with a hint of lye soap flavor.

Towels & Vinegar

You’ll need dedicated towels for soap making. I prefer microfiber towels because not only are they perfect for cleaning up any spills in a jiffy, but they also protect your work surface like champs! Plus, as you dive deeper into soap making, these towels become your go-to for insulating your soap during curing. Worried about washing them?

Here’s a tip: wait until the soap batch has fully saponified, spills and all, then toss those towels in the washer. Easy peasy!

I also like to keep paper towels handy, sometimes you’ll just need to wipe up a drip of oil or a smidge of spilled soap.

Let’s talk about vinegar—thanks to its acidic properties, vinegar is a powerhouse for neutralizing any leftover traces of lye after soapmaking. It’s the ultimate weapon for wiping down mixing containers, handling spills, and ensuring your equipment is squeaky clean and lye-free. When it comes to cleanup, vinegar’s got your back!

I always clean up my work surface and equipment with water, then spray with vinegar to ensure the vinegar neutralizes any remaining lye on the surface. For safety precautions with vinegar check out this blog post here.

Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper is like magic when it comes to getting your soap out of molds. Just line your mold with parchment paper before pouring in the soap, and when it’s time to take it out, the soap comes out super easily. No sticking, no fuss – just smooth and perfect soap every time. Parchment paper also comes in very handy to cover your work surface and protect it from spills.

In conclusion, whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced soap maker, having a clear understanding of the essential soap making supplies is crucial for crafting beautiful bars of soap with confidence. With the Ultimate Guide to Soapmaking Checklist, you’ll have everything you need to dive into the world of soap making with ease. So, let’s equip ourselves with the must-have items and unleash our creativity in crafting handmade soaps right in our own kitchens.

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