Soap on a Rope Recipe

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This soap on a rope recipe creates a fun, simple soap bar with a creamy lather and a built-in rope hanger. An easy melt and pour recipe, this is the perfect soap bar for beginners! Made with a natural soap base, essential oils, and an eco-friendly jute rope, it’s a soap you’ll want to make on repeat.

Soap on a rope bars sitting in a wicker basket. The soap bars are stamped with

Of all the homemade bath and beauty recipes I make, soap remains one of my all-time favorites.

Soapmaking is an exciting adventure that results in beautiful, natural soap bars. It’s so gratifying to make your own soap!

Many first-time soap makers are intimidated by it because of the lye and the detailed process that’s involved. Making soap from scratch isn’t as hard as it sounds (I teach you exactly how in my beginner’s recipe!).

However, there is an even easier method called melt and pour. Melt and pour soaps use a pre-made soap base, eliminating the lye and many of the steps involved in from-scratch recipes. This is a great way to dip your toes in soapmaking!

This soap on a rope recipe is an easy and fun melt and pour with gorgeous results. Make extras for lovely, unique gifts crafted with all-natural ingredients!

A handmade soap on a rope bar sitting on a towel. The bar is stamped with

Table of Contents

What is Soap on a Rope?

Soap on a rope is a fun, classic bar soap that’s molded with a rope handle running through it. The rope can be wrapped around your wrist to keep it secure while you use the soap bar.

The rope also allows the soap bar to be hung in between uses. Hanging your soap keeps the bathtub cleaner and allows the soap to dry out between uses, which can extend its life. Adding a rope handle to your soap makes for a unique soap bar that’s very handy and perfect for gifts!

Homemade Soap on a Rope Recipe

Because it is a melt and pour recipe, soap on a rope is quite easy to make. In no time at all, you’ll have a stunning homemade soap bar with a built-in jute handle.

Ingredients for Soap on a Rope

2.5 lbs Melt and Pour Soap Base (pre-cut for easier measuring is helpful)
1/4 Teaspoon Activated Charcoal Powder (adjust for desired darkness)
20 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
15 Drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
10” Jute Rope sections (several of them)

Tools Needed

Silicone Loaf Mold
Spray Bottle filled with rubbing alcohol (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Cut the melt and pour soap base into small chunks, and add them to a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl set over a pot of water. Melt the soap base, stirring occasionally, until completely smooth and liquid.

Cutting a melt and pour soap base into smaller pieces with a chopping knife.

Step 2. Add the activated charcoal powder to the melted soap base. Using an immersion blender or whisk, blend the charcoal powder into the soap base until well dispersed. Aim for a consistent gray color, adding more charcoal powder a little at a time if needed.

Using a whisk to stir the activated charcoal into the soap base.

Step 3. Once the soap is well blended, stir in the cedarwood and sandalwood essential oils.

Adding drops of essential oils into the melted soap base mixture to make soap on a rope.

Step 4. Pour the soap base directly into your silicone loaf mold.

Pouring the melted soap mixture into a silicone loaf mold.

Step 5 (Optional). Lightly mist the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol. This will break up the air bubbles and leave a smoother surface on your soap.

Step 6. Cut your jute rope into 10 equal pieces, each around 10 inches long. Tie the ends of each rope together to create a loop. Trim any uneven ends.

Hands tying a jute string into a loop with a knot at the end.

Step 7. Gently press the knot end of the rope loop 1/2” into the soap on the side of the mold, leaving the remaining rope hanging over the edge. Repeat this process with the remaining rope pieces, spacing them evenly along the mold (about an inch between each).

Adding the tied jute string loops into the soap while it is still melted in the soap mold.

Step 8. Let the soap harden completely in the mold for at least 24 hours. Once fully cured, gently pop the soap out of the mold.

Step 9. Using a sharp knife, cut the soap loaf in between each jute rope, creating individual bars with built-in hangers. Allow the soap bars to cure for an additional 48 hours before using them. This allows the soap to harden fully and ensures the best quality.

Cutting the finished soap loaf into individual soap bars with a soap cutter.

Expert Tips

Work quickly once the soap base is melted, as it can start to harden.
Feel free to experiment with different colors and fragrances to create your own unique soap.
Follow basic safety guidelines when making your soap. Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot soap and be careful not to spill it.
Be sure to give your soap enough time to cure. Cutting it too soon could result in crumbly or misshapen bars.
For best results, store cured soap in a cool, dry place. A semi-airtight container will keep the scent of the essential oils stronger over time.

Best Melt and Pour Soap Bases

You can use any soap base of your choosing for this recipe, allowing for complete customization. I like to select quality soap bases made with natural ingredients. Good soap can moisturize your skin, while low-quality soap can have a drying effect, so it’s important to choose a good one.

Some of my favorite melt and pour soap bases include goat milk, coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera. These soap bases provide a wonderful lather and make my skin feel amazing.

Each soap base offers a different scent, transparency, and skin feel, so you can tailor the soap to your preferences. You may want to try a few to find the one that works best for your skin.

A hand holding three soap on a rope bars by the jute string handles.

FAQs

Does soap on a rope last longer?

Yes, hanging your soap bar on a rope can help extend its life by allowing it to dry completely between uses. Hanging the soap rather than allowing it to sit in a wet soap dish keeps it from breaking down as quickly. Bar soap already tends to last longer than body wash and scrubs, so putting a piece of rope in your soap is a great way to be as economical as possible.

What kind of rope is used for soap on a rope?

You can use a variety of rope options for soap on a rope. Nylon cord, waxed cotton cord, or jute rope are all great choices. I personally use jute string because it is natural, affordable, and eco-friendly. The best strings for soap on a rope have some water resistance, but you can use nearly any rope or cord you have on hand.

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