How to melt and pour your own soap

It’s surprisingly simple to personalise your own soap!

A selection of homemade soaps that are orange and darker browns

You can have fun scenting it with your favourite essential oils or introduce some exfoliating textures for a touch of added luxury. It’s a fun way to explore colours and scents and can be wrapped up to make a nice present.

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a creative, sensory activity that helps people use their senses to connect with their surroundings, exploring scents, colours and textures, and supporting independent choice and self-expression through creativity. 

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

Clear soap on a wooden chopping block, next to a knife, a jug with a spatula in it and a pink soap mould
  • Two bars of unscented soap
  • A knife
  • Chopping board
  • Spatula
  • Microwave
  • Microwavable jug and plate
  • Yoghurt pots or similar (to use as moulds)
  • Extras such as oats, poppy seeds, ground coffee, and soap colouring (you can buy this online)
Melted, orange soap in a liquid state

Step 1

Cut up the soap into small cubes, and place them in the jug. Cover with the plate and microwave for 30 seconds, stirring with the spatula at the end. Repeat until fully melted.
Orange liquid soap in a mould with oats floating in it

Step 2

Add any essential oils and colouring you’re using, and stir well. If you’re using dried extras like oats, place these in the bottom of the mould. Pour the soap into the mould, and leave to harden completely.
A piece of bright orange soap with oats

Step 3

Once the soap is completely set, cut the pot away from it – your soap is now ready to use!

Top tips

  • If you can’t find clear soap, cream or coloured soap will also work fine, but the colours may not come out the same.