Homemade soap is a popular DIY project for those who enjoy crafting, as well as for those who are interested in using natural ingredients on their skin. However, one question that often comes up is whether or not homemade soap can get moldy. The short answer is yes, homemade soap can get moldy, there are a few ways that this can happen, but also there are ways to prevent this from happening.
In short, homemade soap can get moldy due to the fact that mold is able to grow on any organic material if the conditions are right for mold growth. This includes homemade soap, which is often made from a mixture of oils, water, and lye. Mold spores are present in the environment, and if they land on a surface that is moist, warm, and has organic material, they can start to grow.
If you are looking to make homemade soap and want to your handmade soap from getting moldy – you can do this by keeping your soaps dry and cool. Soap should be stored in a dry place with good ventilation. Cold process soap can be wrapped in plastic, but only after it has fully gone through the curing process. Cold process soap should be cured for several weeks before using, storing, or wrapping it in plastic for long-term storage.
Soap that has been made with pre-made base, often referred to as ‘melt and pour’ has already gone through saponification process and can also potentially get moldy if not handled properly when creating your own handcrafted creations. Homemade soaps can get moldy if they are melt and pour soaps if they have added botanicals and extra ingredients added to them that will mold. Soap bases that already have saponified should not be mixed with botanicals, as botanicals in the soap base will absorb moisture and can then grow mold.
While homemade soap could get moldy, it is also prevented with the adding of beneficial ingredients such as preservatives or antioxidants. Some natural preservatives include vitamin E oil, grapefruit seed extract, and rosemary extract. These ingredients can help extend the shelf life of your soap and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
If you want to prevent your homemade soap from getting moldy, it is important to always use clean and sterilized equipment when making your soap. Bacteria and mold spores can easily transfer from contaminated equipment to the soap, so make sure to clean and sterilize all of your utensils, molds, and containers before use.
In summary, homemade soap can get moldy if it is not stored properly or if it contains too much moisture. To prevent mold growth, make sure to let the soap cure completely before use or storage, store it in a dry and cool place, and consider using natural preservatives. By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade soap without the worry of mold or bacteria growth.
Soaps from Little Dragon Soaps are all fully cured, made with sterilized equipment, and have no added botanicals to soap that cannot handle botanicals. The only soap that we make with botanicals is cold process soap, which is stable for adding botanicals without promoting mold growth. Shop Little Dragon Soaps today.