A recycling breakthrough this week allowed the CTWF operations team to produce a smoother bar of recycled soap, similar to bars found at local grocery and drug stores. These more favorable looking bars will allow CTWF to explore donation opportunities within retail channels both domestically and abroad.

Here are some tips to consider when rebatching soap. Remember, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to rebatching soap, so be sure to experiment to your liking.

• Shred the soap before you begin to melt it down by using a grater or food processor.
• For soap that has aged over two weeks, try soaking the shavings in water overnight by placing in a pan and adding enough water to coat the shavings, then cover.
• For harder soaps, instead of soaking shavings in water, try milk or coconut milk to soften it more.
• The moister (softer) the base soap, the easier the rebatch will be.
• Be very patient while melting because if you heat the soap too hot and fast you can burn the soap without fully melting it.
• Try to not to stir too much or too vigorously as this can make too many bubbles and cause pockets.
• The final complete meltdown should look like a gel but is still pourable to a degree.
• When the soap smooths out you can stir in any essential oils, fragrances, oatmeal, etc. that you desire.
• Use a hand mixer to blend the soap before pouring into a mold.
• Pour into a mold as soon as it gels because if you wait too long it might foam and bring about air bubbles.
• Let it set up a couple of days, pop it from the molds and let it age a week or two.