Maya Ellison
Plastic soap moulds are manufactured in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with some in traditional shapes and others with decorative details. They are typically made from silicone, plastic, or wood. Silicone moulds are easy to clean and do not require lining, but soap may take longer to unmould and can be prone to speckling. Plastic moulds are cost-effective and great for small batches, but they can be difficult to unmould and are not suitable for large production batches. To avoid warping, plastic moulds should not be exposed to high temperatures, such as in a dishwasher. Wooden moulds are also available, but they can be difficult to unmould without taking them apart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic, silicone, glass, stainless steel, wood |
| Shapes | Rectangular, oval, floral, geometric, spherical, heart-shaped |
| Ease of use | Plastic: difficult to unmold, prone to soda ash, requires more time to unmold, Silicone: easy to unmold, easy to clean, no need to line the mold, long-lasting, professional-looking bars |
| Durability | Silicone: sturdy and flexible, Plastic: prone to warping at high temperatures |
| Cost | Plastic: cost-effective, Silicone: expensive |
| Suitability | Plastic: suitable for small batches, melt-and-pour soaps, and cold-process soap, Silicone: suitable for cold-process soap |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of plastic soap moulds
Plastic soap moulds are a popular choice for soap moulding due to their affordability, availability, and ease of use. They are often recommended for beginners, as they can be sourced for free from food containers such as plastic yogurt containers, waxed paper milk cartons, and lined Pringles canisters. They are also available in craft shops and online in a variety of shapes and sizes, including traditional and decorative designs.
However, plastic moulds are not as durable as other materials such as silicone or metal, and they can warp and crack over time. They are also more prone to warping at high temperatures, so soap makers must be careful not to use hot mixtures or expose the moulds to high temperatures, such as in a dishwasher. Plastic moulds can be lined with materials such as freezer paper, plastic bags, or wax paper to prevent soap from sticking, but this adds an extra step to the process.
Additionally, some soap makers have reported challenges in releasing the soap from plastic moulds, sometimes even breaking the moulds in the process. This may be due to the soap formula, as some recipes, such as those containing honey or milk, can cause the soap to heat up dramatically and crack when removed from the mould. Greasing the mould or using a release spray can help ease the release of the soap.
Despite these challenges, plastic soap moulds can be a good option for those looking for an inexpensive and readily available option, particularly for beginners or those making small batches. For more complex recipes or larger batches, other materials such as silicone or wood may be preferable for their durability and ease of release. Ultimately, the choice of mould material depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and level of experience.
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Plastic soap mould shapes and sizes
Plastic soap moulds are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from classy, traditional shapes to beautiful decorative designs. They are perfect for giving your soaps a unique look and feel. Plastic moulds are ideal for small batches and creating professional-looking bars.
The majority of plastic moulds are individual cavity sizes, which means they do not insulate the soap as well as large slab or loaf moulds. These smaller moulds are great for creating elegant rectangular or oval-shaped soaps. You can also find plastic moulds in whimsical floral and geometric designs, perfect for those who want to experiment with more novel shapes.
When selecting a plastic mould, it is important to consider the size of your batch and the ingredients used. Plastic moulds are particularly well-suited for melt-and-pour soaps or bath bombs, as they can be challenging to use with cold-process soap recipes. To prevent sticking, it is recommended to grease the mould or use a recipe with a high proportion of hard oils, such as palm oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter.
While plastic moulds offer a cost-effective option, they may pose challenges during the unmoulding process. Soap makers should be cautious when working with hot liquids, as plastic moulds can warp at high temperatures. To avoid warping, set the mould in a shallow cold-water bath while pouring. Additionally, plastic moulds should not be placed in the dishwasher due to the high temperatures.
With the right care and selection, plastic soap moulds can be a great choice for creating beautifully shaped and sized soaps.
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Caring for plastic soap moulds
Plastic soap moulds are a great way to add unique shapes and designs to your soaps. To ensure you get the best use out of them for years to come, here are some tips for caring for your plastic soap moulds.
Firstly, it is important to note that plastic moulds are designed for melt-and-pour soaps, or bath bombs, rather than cold-process soap recipes. This is because cold-process soaps can be difficult to remove from the moulds, and the plastic moulds are sensitive to temperature. Plastic moulds can typically tolerate temperatures up to 135-145° F, so be careful not to warp the plastic with hot temperatures. If you are concerned about warping, place the mould in a shallow cold-water bath while pouring.
To remove the soap from the mould, ensure it has completely dried and hardened. This can take 12 to 48 hours, or even up to 2 weeks, depending on the size of the soap and the recipe used. If you are using a cold-process recipe, it is recommended to add sodium lactate or salt to harden the soap and make it easier to remove from the mould. Once the soap is ready, gently tap the mould to release any air bubbles and then turn the mould over, applying pressure from your thumbs to push the soap out. If the soap is still difficult to remove, place the mould in the freezer for about half an hour, then let it sit for 5 minutes before trying again.
To maintain the longevity of your plastic soap moulds, avoid placing them in the dishwasher as the high temperatures may warp the plastic. Instead, wash them gently by hand and ensure they are completely dry before using them again.
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Removing soap from plastic moulds
To avoid soap getting stuck in the mould, it is recommended to line the mould with freezer paper, cardboard, or brown paper. When it is time to remove the soap, it can simply be popped out. If the mould is not lined, a gentle tap can help to release any air bubbles and ensure the soap comes out intact.
To avoid warping, plastic moulds should not be exposed to high temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures up to 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit, so if the soap mixture is hot, the mould can be placed in a shallow cold-water bath while pouring. Placing the mould in a cardboard box or surrounding it with heavy objects can also help to prevent the walls from collapsing outwards.
If the soap is still difficult to remove, it may be helpful to grease the mould before pouring in the soap. Any light oil will do. Adding a large amount of hard oils, such as palm oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter, can also help the soap harden and release from the mould. Sodium lactate can also be added to the recipe to aid in removal.
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Alternatives to plastic soap moulds
Plastic soap moulds are popular because they are the cheapest option available. However, they are not very durable and can be difficult to remove the soap from once it has hardened. They also tend to warp and crack over time.
There are several alternatives to plastic soap moulds, including:
- Wooden moulds: These are best for insulating cold process soap and can be built to be adjustable in width. They are also very durable and can last a soapmaker forever if they are built and maintained properly. However, they must be lined with a material that will not stick to the soap, such as freezer paper, corrugated plastic, or wax paper.
- Silicone moulds: These are more expensive than plastic but are durable, long-lasting, and easy to use. They are also flexible, so it is easy to remove the soap once it is ready.
- Metal moulds: Metal moulds are the most expensive option but are also the most durable. They won't warp or crack and are easy to use.
- Cardboard moulds: A simple way to make soap moulds is to use a cardboard box lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper. However, plastic wrap can be difficult to remove once the soap has hardened, and parchment paper is more expensive.
- Glass moulds: Glass loaf pans can be used for soapmaking but must be lined first with something like freezer paper.
- Kitchenware: Ice cube trays and muffin tins are easy to find, relatively cheap, and come in a variety of fun shapes and sizes.
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Frequently asked questions
Soap molds can be made from silicone, sturdy plastic, glass, stainless steel, wood, or acrylic.
Plastic soap molds are cost-effective, come in a wide variety of shapes and designs, and are great for small batches. They can also produce professional-looking bars of soap.
They can be difficult to unmold, requiring more time and effort. They are also prone to soda ash and are difficult to use for large production batches.
Plastic molds are best suited for melt-and-pour soaps. They can also be used for cold-process soap recipes, but only if the recipe includes very hard oils or additives like Sodium Lactate or salt to harden the soap.
If you're making cold-process soap, it is recommended to use a large amount of hard oils like palm oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter to help the soap harden and make it easier to remove from the mold. Greasing the mold before pouring in the soap can also help, especially if it has been used frequently. Avoid placing plastic molds in the dishwasher or on a heating pad as high temperatures can warp the plastic.
