To use tea tree oil in soap making, specifically with the melt and pour method according to the provided reference, you incorporate it after the soap base has melted but before pouring it into moulds.
Using tea tree oil in homemade soap is a popular choice for its distinct scent and properties. While traditional soap making methods (cold process, hot process) involve complex chemistry, using a melt and pour soap base simplifies the process significantly. The reference outlines a straightforward method using this type of base.
Here's a breakdown of the process based on the provided steps:
Steps for Adding Tea Tree Oil to Melt and Pour Soap
Integrating essential oils like tea tree oil into melt and pour soap requires careful timing to ensure the fragrance and properties are retained. Essential oils can be volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly when heated.
- Prepare the Soap Base: Begin by taking your melt and pour soap base out of its packaging. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small, manageable chunks. This increases the surface area, helping it melt more evenly and quickly.
- Melt the Soap Base: Gently melt the chopped soap base. This is typically done using a microwave in short bursts (e.g., 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between) or in a double boiler on the stove. Avoid overheating, which can scorch the soap base.
- Cool Slightly and Add Additives: Once the soap base is fully melted, allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. This step is crucial when adding essential oils. Adding them to very hot soap can cause them to evaporate. According to the reference, at this point, you would add:
- 50g of tea tree essential oil
- 10g of bejewelled green mica powder (This adds colour)
Stir these additives gently into the slightly cooled, melted soap base until they are well dispersed.
- Pour and Set: Quickly but carefully pour the mixture into your prepared soap moulds. Allow the soap to cool and harden completely, which usually takes a few hours depending on the mould size and temperature. Once set, you can remove the soap from the moulds.
Key Points for Success
- Temperature Matters: Adding essential oils when the soap is too hot can reduce their potency. Allowing the base to cool slightly helps preserve the tea tree oil's properties and scent.
- Accurate Measurement: Using scales (like the reference's 50g of tea tree oil and 10g of mica powder) ensures consistency in your soap batches. Essential oils are potent, so accurate measurement is important.
- Stir Gently: Stirring too vigorously can create unwanted air bubbles in your finished soap. Stir just enough to incorporate the oil and colourant.
- Mica Powder: The reference includes mica powder for colour. If you prefer uncoloured soap, you can omit this step. Mica should be mixed with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or liquid glycerin before adding to the soap base to prevent clumping. (Note: The reference doesn't specify pre-mixing the mica, but it's a common best practice).
This method, derived directly from the reference, provides a simple way to create tea tree oil soap using a melt and pour base.
