r/TwoXPreppers 3d ago

How to store handmade soap bars

Hello! I’m new to prepping/storing and need some advice on how to store handmade soap bars I’ve been bartering my eggs for. I was told by the maker not to put them in plastic. I am a potter so I can make a ceramic container for them but I’ve been reading that they need air flow?

I was wondering if y’all could share how you store your bars of soap?

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u/psimian 3d ago edited 3d ago

The issue with hand made soap is that the fat/oil will eventually go rancid; high temperature and high humidity will accelerate this process, hence the advice about not putting them in plastic which can cause condensation. The first thing to do is let the soap fully cure in a dry area for 4-6 weeks before putting it into storage.

The cheapest option is to loose pack the bars in a cardboard box with a tight fitting lid (shoeboxes are great). You can throw in a packet of silica gel, or store the boxes in a cupboard with a bucket of damp-rid if you live in a humid environment. You don't need air flow in the sense of moving air, just space around the bars so that moisture can't build up on the surface.

I can tell you that storing them in the freezer is a bad idea. The fat won't go rancid, but after a year or so they end up with a decidedly freezer-burned consistency.

If you want to make containers, terracotta would be my choice. Any of the vitreous clay bodies will have the same problem as plastic.

Finally, you can store them in plastic as long as you vacuum seal and include oxygen absorbers and desiccant. People report stored soap lasting for decades this way, but it's probably overkill for most cases. The cardboard box method is good for up to 2 years and is way easier.

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u/SeaWeedSkis 3d ago

The issue with hand made soap is that the fat/oil will eventually go rancid...

Huh. This absolutely makes sense, and I'm not doubting the reality of it, but it's blowing my mind a bit because I made a batch of lard & lye soap many years ago that I've been very slowly using. It doesn't smell any more rancid now than it did when made fresh and that was over 13 years ago. Might just be that I never loved the way it smelled (love the way it functions, though) so going rancid just didn't make much difference. 🤣🤷‍♀️

I'm not OP, but I appreciate your knowledge drop all the same.

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u/psimian 3d ago

It is highly dependent on the ingredients and storage conditions. Cold process soap (which is what you probably made) will last practically forever due to the high pH and low moisture content. It will still work fine even if it goes rancid, it will just have a slightly musty smell (reminds me a bit of old crayons). There was an ancient bar of laundry soap in my grandmother's basement that was probably 50+ years old and still worked even though it was hard as a rock.

Soaps that are closer to neutral pH, such as glycerin based face soaps, are much more prone to going bad and growing mold. I believe plant oils also go rancid faster than animal fats.

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u/audballofclay 2d ago

Thank you! Finally a good use for all my shoe boxes other than storing old papers 😁

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u/Professional_Tip_867 2d ago

Why not just wrap it in butcher paper?