My Mailing Tube Soap

[GGMA0317]

I know the color isn't very exciting lol but I make my soap for people with sensitive skin. So I don't use colorants or fragrances. I do use E/O's and certain oils that provide color. This is a OO soap with a blend of patchouli and oak moss.
I've used mailing tubes to make round soap for 15 years with no complications.

These tubes are made of PET so storing lye or a lye solution will cause them to warp over time. I ALWAYS use a liner but I've never had damage to my tubes from exposure to raw soap. There was a thread with instructions but it has been deleted. If anyone is interested in using these, I get them from Uline. If anyone is interested in instructions, feel free to message me.
Thanks and Happy Soaping

I forgot to mention that this 3X18 mold makes a 47 oz batch. I like the look of this oatmeal and lavender soap. I will be making more soon.

 

[Adobehead]

I ALWAYS use a liner but I've never had damage to my tubes from exposure to raw soap.

I just love your soap. So natural and pretty.
How do you line these tubes, what material do you use?

 

[Hinata]

I like to circle shape. It adds variety. I have a Pringle’s container in the closet waiting to be used. Maybe I’ll make my whipped soap in it. You inspire me!

 

[GGMA0317]

Thanks! I use Freezer paper. This tube is 3X18 and it fits perfectly inside. You can tape the paper together before inserting or allow it to overlap. I didn't tape this batch but I usually do.

Thanks! I used a Pringle can and it half exploded lol it was a bit messy. I was so disappointed because I really wanted round soap. So I ended up experimenting with other stuff until I found these. There is a member that uses silicone baking mats to line her PVC and it gives a nice texture to the edges. I haven't tried it but I'll be looking into something similar.

 

[Adobehead]

so pi times the diameter?
3 X 3.14 for the circumference X the length.
I have ordered soapcrafters 3" silicon mold, it hasn't arrived yet. everyone says getting the soap out is a bit tricky, one video had them putting a little water in, which seems slippery. it will be another adventure! I want round soap and will line with freezer paper if I need to. Also, that seems better than banging on it as was shown in another video. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Misschief]

Another thing that works really well are the cardboard cores from rolls of paper. I work (well, did work) in a print shop and we always have extras of these laying around. The ones we have are 3" by 3' in length and can be cut down to size with a hack saw. They insulate well; I had one batch almost overheat. You just have to figure out a way to seal it at one end.

Your soap is lovely, @GGMA0317. I love a clean, simple looking soap.

 

[dibbles]

so pi times the diameter?
3 X 3.14 for the circumference X the length.
I have ordered soapcrafters 3" silicon mold, it hasn't arrived yet. everyone says getting the soap out is a bit tricky, one video had them putting a little water in, which seems slippery. it will be another adventure! I want round soap and will line with freezer paper if I need to. Also, that seems better than banging on it as was shown in another video. Thanks for the tip.

No, it's pi multiplied by the radius squared, then multiply that by the mold height. Here's a video from Soaping 101 that shows:

 

[GGMA0317]

I'm thinking the mailing tube caps should fit those. They are sturdy but flexible. I sometimes struggle to get them on the tubes. But I'd try it lol I did see cardboard tubes at Uline but I thought the plastic would hold up longer. I soap at room temp for every mold regardless of the material. Once when I soaped a bit warmer, I had a cracked top where the soap rose a bit in the middle. It reminded me of the alien movie. I have photos and I'll post when I find them.
Thanks!

 

[Rnez]

Your soaps are beautiful! I love round soap and currently use lined pvc. I’ve also used Pringle’s cans.

 

[GGMA0317]

Thanks I hope it helps someone. I tried the Pringle and PVC as molds but they didn't work for me. Pringle cans scare me

 

[Adobehead]

No, it's pi multiplied by the radius squared, then multiply that by the mold height. Here's a video from Soaping 101 that shows:

Thanks, but not the volume of the tube, I just have trouble wrapping my head around how to cut the paper liner. The inside of a circle throws me! duh. I think the volume is already decided, and I have mastered that calculation recently, thanks to this group.

 

[GGMA0317]

Take the tube and place it on the freezer paper. Roll and wrap the paper around the tube. Cut it with a bit of overlap and drop it in the tube. You can also tape it at the point where it meets. Is that what you were looking for. I never measured it as I've done it so many times I just eyeball it.

 

[dibbles]

Thanks, but not the volume of the tube, I just have trouble wrapping my head around how to cut the paper liner. The inside of a circle throws me! duh. I think the volume is already decided, and I have mastered that calculation recently, thanks to this group.

OOOHHH! My mistake. For the paper, do what @GGMA0317 suggests. Much easier that way!

 

[GGMA0317]

NEW BABIES Calendula Oatmeal.

 

[GGMA0317]

Correction and FYI- These tubes are made of PETG and the caps are made of Vinyl.
PETG has a melting point of 500F.

I thought I'd update this info in case someone needed to know or was confused. And because I just ordered different sizes I thought I'd have Uline verify the material of the tubes because it is no longer listed on the site. Only the caps are.
Ok, that's about it.
Happy Soapday!

 

[Zany_in_CO]

everyone says getting the soap out is a bit tricky,

The main thing to remember is to leave a little head room at the top when filling. Don't fill all the way up. Stop about 1/4 " - 1/2" from the top and the soap will be a lot easier to remove.
You can also stick it in the freezer for an hour. Wait 5 minutes. Then run a little warm water on the outside of the mold and the soap slips out.

 

[GGMA0317]

I don't have issues with removing the soap from this mold. I push it through. I don't fill to the rim either but not because it makes pushing it through any easier. I've only used the freezer trick when I was trying like hell to remove soap from pvc. Thankful I've never had to do that with these.