The Final Step in Soapmaking: Why Curing Handmade Soap Matters

There's Nothing Quite Like Handmade Soap

There’s nothing quite like slicing into a fresh loaf of handmade soap. The vibrant colors, intricate swirls, and beautiful scents make each bar feel like a mini work of art. But even after all the pouring and cutting, there’s one more crucial step left in cold process soap-making: curing.

🌿 Why Curing Soap Matters

Curing isn’t just waiting — it’s where the magic happens. Over 4 to 6 weeks, your cold process soap bars harden, lose excess moisture, and become milder and longer-lasting. It’s what transforms them from soft and fragile to firm, luxurious, and ready for use.

🪵 Curing Setup: Affordable & Effective

I cure my handmade soaps at home using a simple, budget-friendly setup. I use a basic shoe rack stabilized with baskets and baking trays — nothing fancy, just functional. Each soap bar is spaced out on lined trays or parchment paper to avoid contact with metal or plastic surfaces that could affect the soap.

➡️ Tip: Prioritize Air Circulation

Proper air circulation is key. It prevents uneven curing and trapped moisture, so make sure every bar has breathing room.

🌤️ Where to Cure: Keep It Cool, Dry & Dark

Choose a curing space that’s cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity. I use a quiet corner of my home with no excess heat or moisture. This helps preserve the scent, color, and overall quality of the soap.

🚫 No Stacking, No Snuggling

As tempting as it is to line up your soaps for a cute display, resist the urge to let them touch. Keeping each bar separated ensures proper airflow and prevents sticking.

🏷️ Label Everything & Track Progress

I label each batch with its pour date so I always know how far along it is in the curing process. I also check the weight every few days — once it stabilizes, the soap is ready to use.

➡️ Pro Tip: Stable Weight = Cured Soap

No guesswork required. When the bars stop losing weight, they’re fully cured and good to go.

👀 A Peek a Day Keeps the Soapmaker Sane

I can’t help myself — I check on them daily. Watching the bars evolve is calming, satisfying, and a reminder that good things really do take time.

🧽 Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off

If you’re new to cold process soapmaking, remember this: don’t rush the cure. It’s an essential part of making a high-quality, long-lasting bar of soap. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let patience do its magic.

Want additional information on the importance of soap-curing?  Checkout this article from Oh The Things We’ll Make!