Every time I open one of my socials, I never miss the comical videos of people microwaving soap. The end products are always magnificent and thrilling to watch.
And who best to try it than my kids?
But more than often, the Dove soap emits an overwhelming odor that lingers for hours. So, does this mean you can’t melt it in the microwave?
Can you microwave Dove soap?
Well, not exactly. In fact, microwaving is an easy and quick way to turn soap scraps into inexpensive hand soap or make soap clouds. However, to get rid of the strong scent, microwave the Dove soap in a well-ventilated room or outside.
In today’s post, I’ll delve deeper and provide a step-by-step guide on microwaving your Dove soap without generating too much stench. I’ll also explain what happens when you microwave Dove soap, how long it takes, and what safety measures you should take.
Why Microwave Dove Soap?
For a novice, microwaving a bar of Dove soap might seem like the worst idea or a recipe for disaster. But on the contrary, it has many benefits to it.
- To creatively reshape your soap: Like any parent, nothing is more satisfying than watching their kids explore their imaginations and take risks. The possibilities are endless; from crescent moons to rabbit ears to hedgehogs, microwaved Dove soap can be molded into myriad shapes.
Not only is it fun, but also an excellent way for kids to express themselves artistically. After all, it is the essence of childhood.
- Recycle old bars of soap that have lost their luster: By microwaving old bars, I can turn them into liquid form that’s perfect for scrubbing dishes. It also breakdown any remaining body oils and grease, leaving your hands clean and soft rather than sticky and grimy.
- Fuse two soap bars: Sometimes, you may find soap fragments after chopping distinct bars. Rather than tossing these remnants in the trash, I suggest microwaving them until they liquefy. After that, pour the mixture into a container or receptacle and let it cool and solidify. And that’s it!
- Make a soap cloud: A little bit of creativity goes a long way when it comes to having fun with soap. With just a microwave, I can create fluffy clouds in no time. No matter what shape, size, or color I choose to make my soap cloud, it always leaves me feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Is It Safe to Microwave Soap?
Whether reshaping your soap, making soap clouds or for any other reason, microwaving is a safe way to get the job done.
However, you may want to avoid this method if you’re sensitive to strong scents. When exposed to microwave heat, the essential oils in the soap that give it that pleasant fresh scent can overheat and emit an overwhelming odor. While most people don’t mind these smells, those with sensitive noses may endure headaches and nausea.
If you choose to microwave your soap, I recommend airing out the room by opening windows or turning on a fan before use. Alternatively, you can opt for the many alternatives to microwaving that are more fragrance-free, such as boiling water on the stovetop.
With patience and a little know-how, you’ll be able to create the perfect product each time.
What Soap Is Best to Microwave?
Some soaps you can safely microwave include household and wet soap.
Household soap is basically the traditional bar soap commonly used in homes for chores such as dishwashing or laundry. On the other hand, wet soap is used for bathing and may contain moisturizers, oils, lather enhancers, and other ingredients.
Understanding that not all types of soap are made equal is critical to ensure that your choice meets all prerequisites before microwaving. If it doesn’t, you may end up with an unpleasant experience and possibly harm your appliance.
In this case, the two options mentioned above contain less quantity of essential oils and additives, making them more compatible with the high-heat environment.
What Happens When You Microwave a Dove Soap Bar?
When microwaved, Dove soap expands into a large fluffy blob that resembles a marshmallow.
Do you know why? Let me take you back to high school chemistry class for a moment.
Remember learning about Charles’s Law of Gases? This law states that when a gas is heated, its volume increases and pressure decreases.
The same holds for a bar of Dove soap. When microwaved, the air inside the soap heats up and expands while the water inside the soap turns into steam. As the gases expand, they push against the walls of the soap’s other ingredients, causing it to become fluffier and larger.
As a result, you may find your soap slightly drier than before because water vapor has been lost during the process. But don’t panic; the effects are purely physical and do not impact the soap’s cleansing effectiveness.
Can I Melt a Dove Soap Bar?
Yes, melting is an easy and quick way to repurpose discarded soap scraps into inexpensive hand or dish soap.
Luckily, there are several ways to melt these fragments of soap. One way is to place the chunks in a bowl and set it on top of boiling water on the stovetop. The heat from the boiling water below will slowly melt the soap through conduction.
Another option is to melt the soap over the direct flame by placing a small pot over a burner set at medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoonfuls of water to help prevent scorching, and occasionally stir until the soap melts. Then, pour the mixture into molds to form bars.
If you want a liquid soap consistency, use more water when heating the soap on the stovetop or in your pot.
Lastly, if you want to avoid risks like spilling hot liquids or fumes, microwaving is your safest bet. I’ll delve deeper into how microwaves work later in this post.
How Long Do You Microwave Dove Soap?
Typically, it will take 1 minute to 90 seconds to melt Dove soap in the microwave.
However, I found that time varies depending on the wattage of your microwave and the number of pieces of soap you are microwaving at one time.
A good rule of thumb is to microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds and stir occasionally. DO NOT OVERHEAT, or you risk burning and ruining the integrity of the soap.
How to Microwave Dove Soap
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to microwave dove soap.
- Cut the soap bar into bite-sized cubes and place them in a microwavable dish. I recommend a glass bowl or cup because it won’t melt or leach toxins into your soap.
- Cover the glass bowl with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss.
- Place the covered glass bowl in the microwave and set the timer for one minute on high power.
- Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each until all of the soap has melted.
Final Thoughts
Microwaving is a quick and easy way to turn those soap scraps into something useful. Make sure you don’t overheat to maintain the integrity of the soap.
Follow the tips above for microwaving Dove soap, and your kitchen will smell fresh in no time.
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