Complete Guide to Soapmaking: EVERY STEP of the pour and cut + YOUR QUESTIONS answered!

#backtobasics #soaptutorial #328
Part 4 of 6
List of my Favorite sources for oils, essentials, fragrances, and colorants
Cierra Candles
Nurture Soap
Mad Micas
Soaper's Choice
Midwest Fragrance
Midwest Soapery
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Soap & Clay is a family owned business operating in Washington State, but started out online thanks to Mrs. Soap & Clay's kickass brother and his amazing web design skills. The business was started as a tribute to Mrs. Soap & Clay's grandmother, the OG maker in the family that cultivated everyone's love for the DIY life. The studio/retail shop opened in 2017 on 6th Ave in Tacoma, and immediately began teaching soap, bath bomb, lotion, and scrub classes to the makers and maker enthusiasts of the PNW. In 2019, the pottery studio opened as well, making the soap shop a busy place full of artistic energy every minute of the day.
Mrs. Soap & Clay has been featured on Business Spotlight, New Day Northwest, and was awarded a coveted place on the South Sound's 40 under 40 list in 2019, an award given to the most influential business people under the age of 40 each year. She cried when she walked up to the podium to accept the award. A lot.
Drawing from her chemistry background and her maker spirit, Mrs. Soap & Clay infuses her favorite things into her soapy designs and creates products that are fun to see, use, and learn to make. Stick around for this ride - she'll take you on a great one.
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You can find Soap & Clay on all social media platforms:
/ idontevenusesoap
/ soapandclay
/ soapandclay
For information on products, wholesale orders, or ideas for a soap, contact Mrs. Soap & Clay at
[e-mail]

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Did a lot here. Missed one thing I told you was super important in the first video of this playlist though.

[@OfficialLadyDarkSky]

tie your hair back, wear long sleeves and you know soap safety.

[@NancylynnMaineMadesoaps]

I referred everyone in my soap groups to watch all your videos. Your great at what you do. I really enjoyed all your 365 year 1-2 and now 3 in progress. Thank beautiful lady for helping your fellow sud people 💕

[@cliviascreations]

I am totally agreed on the cutter. That is something I regret not getting in right at the beginning. Amazon has some not really expensive and is totally worth it. I ruined so many soaps because of the knife or the cheese cutter etc that I don’t even want to remember

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Seriously so stressful to hand cut it!

[@cliviascreations]

@@MrsSoapAndClay Yes. If you just want to make soap for yourself, maybe the knife is ok but even though you want nice things

[@nicolemitchell446]

I’m typing NEON in the comments section 😂

[@nancyreppert5942]

Thank you for your thorough soap making video! I’m going to continue to watch more!! I’ve been watching soap making videos for about 2 years now and made my first cold process batch about about 6 months ago. I just came across your videos today snd really appreciate your teaching about the science behind the process. That helps me understand the process better. My husband made me a loaf mold that I line with freezer paper and I’ve been wanting him to make me a soap cutter as well. I think Mr Soap & Clay did an awesome job on yours!!! Thanks again for sharing!!!

[@keekeejenkins6162]

27:33 " a)....2)....c..." haha...I love that😂

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

It’s kinda my thing. 😂

[@Imokanurnot]

Wow! I can't speak for anyone else, but to be perfectly honest, I absolutely enjoyed watching Mr. S&C's demonstration and the tutorial on mold making, and I fully plan on using that information to make my molds, as it will be much more economical to make them, as opposed to buying them pre-made. That being said, what kind of a total and complete dingleberry would watch a video giving not only complete and concise instruction on how to build molds, but also excellent advice on the kind of hardware, etc. and where the best places to buy all of the materials, and then make snide remarks in the comment section?? Oh - oh - I know, pick me, pick me (raises hand and waves wildly while sitting in my chair in the back of the classroom doing something that looks strangely akin to the pee-pee dance in from a sitting position)!!! Maybe the kind that would never share information that might actually lift someone else up, and help them get started on a journey of their own (y'know, A-holes) - 'cause oh hell - they just might develop themselves to a level above them (and we can't have that now, can we?), or maybe the kind that can't take the fact that y'all have the "following" you do, because you've more than earned the respect that you have from so many because of your attitude toward helping (Yehhhh well, it could also be a case of "those who can't, bitch about those that can" - we ARE talking about "interwebs people", after all). Yeh yeh, I know - rant -a-rant-rant, but this kind of thing just absolutely frosts my petunias to no end!! 🤬 Anyway, thank you again for teaching those of us who are newbies, as well as teaching some that may not be so new a few new tricks - I appreciate y'all, and I'm gonna shut up now! 🤭

[@annettebobko4795]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the overly detailed! Answered many questions for me and I've watched hundreds of your videos. I noticed you weren't wearing sleeves...No, no! Bad dog! LOL Just wouldn't want you to get the lye on your pretty arm skin. You are the BEST!!!

[@heidin.5998]

Arm skin 😂😂😂

[@tbird1968]

Neon -But such a fun video! It is great to watch other soapers -even if you pick up just one idea to make your soaping easier it is well worth the time. Thanks for sharing your tips & techniques!❤

[@carolstaten7747]

Neon, but this was a great reminder to check for emulsion to avoid false trace. Currently binging your videos over Christmas break 2023!

[@krystind43]

Love this video. You helped me get through my first batch of CP! I only watched every video for two years before I decided to do it! Still love my melt and pour, but love learning new things’

[@sharonnickerson9756]

Thank you! Excellent info!

[@TheeHerbJunkie]

Thank you so so much for the informative video. I’ve watched a few videos and I love how detailed they are and how you explain everything so we can understand. Thanks 😊 💓

[@ellielynn8219]

I’m bummed that the jerks ruined the ‘how to’ on the soap cutter, but I get it 😕 On a positive note thank you so much for this walk-through. I’ve done hot process before but I’m switching to cold process to get some of those cooler looking bars and needed a refresher. And idk how you explained the ratio to figure out how much fragrance to add based on oils but it finally clicked. Whenever Soapers start talking about percentages my eyes glaze over and it just doesn’t compute lol but you explained it in a way that made total sense. I even got my calculator out and double checked the math to make sure I was understanding and it was spot on! I’m so excited. Thank you so much for all your hard work in sharing all your knowledge. 🙏🏻

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

We all learn in different ways, so when you find an explanation that “clicks” it’s super exciting! I get that, 10/10. ❤️

[@BlueWonder1083]

Loved this refresher course. One of the best definitely for a long time. One thing that could have been good to add is how you mix in the lye solution which can be helpful to the newbies :). Otherwise never a dull time with you and your videos. Keep it going girl!

[@GemmaleeDee]

I saw skin! :D I enjoyed this.. I'm so grateful to creators like yourself who take the time to do these more in depth videos.. your soap was darling, and somehow reminds me of one of the first soaps I saw Clyde Yoshida do.. I love the bright colors. YAY NEON! And even with a box and scraper tool cutter I cannot seem to cut a straight line.. tch..

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Cutting a straight line is monumentally harder than one thinks. 😂😬

[@GemmaleeDee]

@@MrsSoapAndClay I feel like even the ones I make in the tray molds come out crooked just to spite my efforts xD

[@BrieBrat]

Is the thing you forgot long sleeves? Cause I noticed in your video your arms weren't covered throughout it. I'm guilty of always forgetting my arm coverings when soaping 😥

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

That’s it!

[@bcskota]

Thanks for such a informative video. Can you please tell how to gel the soap if we are working below or at 100 degrees. Thanks

[@jeanetteguzman4905]

I want to thank you for helping a new soaper learn how to make soap and how to make changes in recipes, what oils do for a soap and much more. Your videos are amazing and full of information any soaper can learn from. Thank you 😊

[@cauldronhillcraftworks]

You just gave us a perfect tutorial series and I almost wish I'd seen it before I began my soaping journey. The time flew by and I hope you get a whole bunch of views. It will help so many people. I kept waiting for you to comment on your visible wrist -heehee

[@joanbusby3213]

Great video, lots of helpful tips and information!

[@nilzagarcia6341]

Very detail and informative video even for a seasoned soaper. Sometimes we need a refresher, lol. The soap turned out super cute. Thank you for sharing.Have a beautiful day.

[@n8mail76]

I just realized that I've watched about 10 hours of your videos and I've quickly moved through them at the cyclic taste without hitting that like button. I'm going through my history next to correct that. With that said you've demonstrated your skill and knowledge and I trust your matter of fact style. Tell Mr Soso and Clay I would appreciate his soap slicer knowledge if he comes around to pass it on. If not I'll use his prototype to reverse engineer one. 😜

[@HappyMommaSoap]

Neon=) This is fantastic! Thank you, Mrs. Soap and Clay!

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Thank YOU!

[@annettebarnes6525]

I am totally new to soap making, Yes I have been bitten by the bug. I have watched several other soap making videos (hours watching). When I came across your videos I have stopped watching all the others. You give excellent information. I love that you are sharing with us so we can learn too. Thank You so much for all that you do. I would also like to say, I did watch the soap mold making video which helped me give my husband precise instructions on how to build me some molds. I love them. Thank You Mr. Soap and Clay very helpful.

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

I’ll let him know! Thanks for the message!

[@betsycarrion4716]

Best tutorial❤❤❤

[@robinjohnson7358]

Neon, great video!!!!

[@dianapierce2130]

Neon. Thank you for the refresher course and your time :) Your video's always inspire and motivate me to go to my soap kitchen with confidence!

[@BeeCJ]

Thank you!

[@7018670]

Thank you for such a detailed refresher. You missed doing a zap test for excess lye?

[@lifewithamberb]

This was exceptionally helpful. Especially the blend stir blend stir technique! I over blended the piss out of my first batch and this second one went much smoother! ❤ thank you! 🎉

[@anacoral9656]

Neon! Thank you so much for this series. I've only been soaping for a month, and your videos are very informative and helpful.

[@jeanmartin6410]

Dollar tree also has/had kitty litter boxes. With sides. So your soap doesn’t end up on the floor. I love them.

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

What a fun idea!

[@lekis57]

Thank you

[@KaleighSofka]

Neon!!! I’m a sucker for a back to basics series. Even though I’ve been a bad sudser and haven’t been good at keeping up the last couple weeks 💕💕💕

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

You’ve been living that life, baby! Never a bad Sudser. 🥰

[@elainem7722]

This was great. I'm glad to know that if I think I have a false trace I can check by examining the blender shaft for emulsion. 👍 Thank you.

[@lindabutler7120]

Thank you ! Thank you Ms Clay. I have tried to add clay to my melt and pour. I never got it right. I have been afraid to make lye soap even though I have everything to make soap , but a cutter machine. I feel like I can do it now. I love watching you. I love Mr Clay voice. 💘 thank you so much..

[@kimberlyphillips6923]

Neon! I loved it Chantine 😍! As usual you slammed it home 🏡! Love ya 😘 ❤️ 💗!

[@NannyDeb]

neon, enjoyed the video

[@BrieBrat]

Loved how detailed this video got!!!! Really informative!!!! And the soap turned out so pretty too!!!!

[@Landie555]

Thank you for these videos... its very informative. I really learned alot about the difference between emulsion vs trace and that you can get a false trace. Ive heard off that but didnt know what it is and why it can happen. Your video is really good and a blessing. Thank you so much Mrs Soap & Clay🥰

[@chaseriderthetruthchaser5988]

Neon, well I haven't been here for two years but at least one and counting 💞

[@elaineroth4361]

This series of videos are awesome. Thank you

[@Mothersload]

Was hoping to see the Lye part as I am nervous about the chemicals.

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

It’s included! Don’t be afraid of the chemicals; while it’s good to respect them and the potential for injury, being overly afraid tends to make me anxious, making me more likely to make mistakes. ❤️

[@schellsc]

Awesome soup to nuts tutorial!! 🏵😍

[@colombohandmade7426]

Thank you for the great instructions video I have yet to make my first bar of soap as I had a lot of questions You have answered most of them

[@cibercarmen]

I've enjoyed the video, although I make soap from a lot of years. I like to see how others do, and get some new tips, as the removing the tests of the batter of the jar before taking it to clean and not getting that into the pipes. Thanks another time for your videos. Have a nice day

[@meganslone8906]

I loved the video. very detailed as always. thank you!

[@jjaded9984]

Neon. Playing catchup since I've been in audiobook land the last few lol. I tell you what though, I started soaping in 2011 and would've absolutely killed for this series then! I stumbled my way through to happiness and there was a lot of messes and disasters along the way!

[@tara6777]

Thank you for always sharing. You are a voice of reason and calm, whenever I make a soap and I think I'm about to screw it up❣("it's soap, it will be great!") I'm not exactly a newbie, but not quite yet an OG, I'm somewhere in the middle. Also, will you be creating any S&C merchandise for us?

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate you. I dunno on merch; loads of ideas and limited time to execute. 😅

[@MsAubrey]

@@MrsSoapAndClay We are NOT a cult!

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Defiantly a cult. I mean, definitely NOT a cult.

[@MsAubrey]

@@MrsSoapAndClay 🤣

[@chaseriderthetruthchaser5988]

Those came out wonderful 💞

[@janerymus3524]

Love watching your video, just learning, haven't delved into soap making yet, but did my first melt and pour 😀 and I see it could be addictive

[@mariemiller53]

You were not wearing long sleeves today. Will you be covering cleaning of the soap making tools? Noone seems to do that. Will you be covering packaging, as in the packaging materials?

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Hey! A) you’re right on the sleeves! 2) I think I did the cleaning in this video; wipe everything out with a towel first and then wash up in the sink. C) packaging is a great idea; I can definitely add it to the list, thanks!

[@mariemiller53]

@@MrsSoapAndClay Thank you for your response 🙂

[@annettebobko3628]

@@MrsSoapAndClay On the cleaning (after wiping out) is there something in particular you use to clean with? I tend to have issues getting everything squeaky clean. The best thing I've come up with is your solid dish soap actually and a coconut sponge. Is there something better? Thank you so much for all you do and share. And tell Mr. Soap & Clay People Suck...of course you say that all the time so I don't know why he doesn't understand this! LOL

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

I just use regular hot water following the wipe down - everything bubbles up nicely!

[@michr7966]

This was fantastic...#Neon!!!

[@Soylarimar]

Neon! And this was great!

[@lesr2009]

Neon!! amazing video, I wish there was something like this when I started making soap, I just learned by making a lot of mistakes. Also, I am a messy soaper too lol I wish I was not but oh well. Have a great day!

[@gwenbrown8513]

I love these. This is the absolute best back to basics tutorial ever. Thank you so much! I'm a new soaper and have probably a really dumb question. Is 110 degrees correct for cpop phase? And do you leave the heat on the entire time? I have seen some that say heat to 110 and turn your oven off and put your soap in. Sorry, I know that's a lot!

[@823Steve]

Enjoyed this very much. I wish I had seen this before I started. Having said that, I have only been making soap for little over a month. You didn't take this batch to "trace" which puzzled me. Can I assume from that, that "trace" isn't all that important as long as the soap is well mixed?

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Hey! I tend to soap at emulsion, so just to the point where the oils and lye solution are no longer separating. It’s at that point that soap will stay in solution and not separate, so it will become soap no matter what. Trace is good to watch for your first several batches, but once you’re more comfortable with the entire process, spotting emulsion and soaping at that point can be a game changer for soapers.

[@DD47N1]

NEON!! Where're your long sleeves young lady? 😉

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

That’s it!!!

[@VegasDreamin]

Thank you😊 maybe i didn't listen closely but does the water you put in the clay discount the lye amount anymore? Or does it balance out because the clay absorbs? Sorry just a newbie to all of this Thanks again 😊

[@Landie555]

Long sleeves!😉

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

That’s the one!

[@michellegonzalez7202]

So I am new to soaping and I did a batch worked perfectly but then the second batch got what I thought was an emulsion and then got separation. I continued to mix and got even more separation until it looked bad I was sorta able to save it by putting it in the crock pot but then it got soft in the mold and hard to get out after 24 hours. Trying to figure out where I went wrong but I am not completely sure.

[@deannavanhorn1774]

I too struggle with clean up. Do you use a dishwasher? I will try the towel trick. Do you have to wait a day or so before you wash the towel? I love watching you! Thanks!

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

I don’t put my soap stuff through the dishwasher; just hand wash. For the rags, I tend to collect them in a bucket, put a vinegar water solution in there, and then run them through the washing machine after a few days of soaking.

[@shortadollarhiphop4517]

You didn't do the lather test! Great video though! I just made my first batch of cold process 24 hours ago! Going to cut soon ...

[@Kmia0206]

Thank you for your amazing knowledge. Always enjoy learning from you. Only thing I notice is arms not covered. 😍

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

That’s the one!

[@tinapinch7494]

I'm really late so i hope you see this but... you always see people cut soap after 48 hrs but what happens if you let the whole loaf cure first and then cut it? I just wondered because if you sell it wholesale, it would be more cost effective if you don't individually wrap them and just send the whole loaf. Does it not cure properly because it takes longer?does it make it too hard to cut?

[@Jenroxy2]

Neon !

[@TheMadSoaper.]

You are like a soapy superhero! I adore you, thank you for showing me that soap doesn’t have to look exactly like those perfect images we see to be beautiful! For 3 years, every batch I made went into a box in my basement because I was so disappointed that it didn’t turn out like the perfect pics. Because of you, I haven’t relegated a single batch to the basement since, and it’s done so much good for my confidence and desire to continue soaping! I could go on and on, but I’ll just end by thanking you for being such an amazing cheerleader to us all! I loved the refresher courses and will continue watching and rewatching your videos as long as they’re here! (Oh, and neon) ❤❤❤

[@amandadawn5740]

If you have a wooden mold that came with a top, will that do the same job that the plastic wrap does, or is the plastic wrap better to use for preventing soda ash? I imagine it cuts off airflow, more efficiently than a wooden lid...or does it do the job well enough?

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

I assume that the wooden top will work just fine in most circumstances! Just keeping as much air as possible away from the soap is the key.

[@amandadawn5740]

Perfect. Thank you so much!

[@kialyons166]

Hey! I'm a newbie and I have a question. Would I be able to pre mix the coconut, palm and olive oil to use for a future date or does these oil have some separation when it begins to solidify again and cause me not to have the correct measurements of the 3 oils?

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Hey! You sure can!

[@doreenmckeag7272]

Neon - love your videos :)

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Awww thanks Doreen! I appreciate you. ❤️

[@lduddy01ify]

It is really sad that MR S&C had to deal with the internet trolls. People are so mean..... oh and Neon.

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Ha, yeah people can suck. Luckily he’s not the type to let it get to him. 😂

[@robinjohnson7358]

Long sleeves.

[@kialyons166]

Does it matter if it's extra virgin olive oil or refined olive oil??

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Nope, you can use either, or pomace.

[@user-vl2bf2jd5k]

Neon

[@carolynyoung3415]

Long sleeves, pants, closed toed shoes?

[@carolynyoung3415]

Neon😉

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Just missing the sleeves!

[@TheeElfinlight]

Neon...

[@meztiza26]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate you so much, your videos are my schooling. I'm not sure, but do you teach? or have a soap making course? By the way, with all due respect, I think you're gorgeous.

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Hey! Thanks so much for watching, and I’m glad you found it useful! I do teach; we are adding an e-course option (both live and downloadable) to the website in the coming months!

[@jaynebennett8398]

Super new here, but can you use this soap as your own melt and pour (?)

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

As in can you cut this down and remelt? It’s not made for that, but it can be used as a base you add solvents to to create melt and pour! I’ve done four or five vids on melt and pour and how to make it - should give you a good starting point!

[@jaynebennett8398]

@@MrsSoapAndClay Thank you so much, I’ll check out those other videos I’m not a soap maker, I’m an aromatherapist and make spa products with my own blends, I currently use bramble berry white to cut up and melt and incorporate with my sugar scrub. That is the extent of it as far as soap goes. I love your videos and I love your direct ‘shoot from the hip’ teaching style. Reminds me of my mom, and she was awesome and adorable too! Thank you 🙏 ☺️

[@schellsc]

No long sleeves!

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

yup!

[@MsAubrey]

You didn't do the same thing I'm guilty of most of the time... because I sweat a lot while making soap. Then again, I use dish washing gloves that go up to my elbow. 😆Perimenopause is a bitch... just sayin. Even with the A/C cranked and others are freezing in my house, I'm sweating. 🥵

[@MrsSoapAndClay]

Oof. The sweating and the gloves and the long sleeves…it’s all a lot.

[@TheMadSoaper.]

NEON ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@sshacklett907]

Neon

[@christinazimmer9239]

Neon