Keep pouring temperatures below 145°F to avoid warping or damaging the mold. Let the mold cool completely before refilling or storing. For cold process soap, do not oil the molds—soap at trace will cling to oil and stick. Wash new molds in warm, soapy water, rinse, dry with a soft towel, and buff lightly. To firm your soap and ease release, dissolve 2 tsp of borax in every 6 oz of water before adding lye. If the top hardens but the bottom stays soft, the soap likely didn’t reach full trace. If soap sticks, freeze the mold for 30 minutes, then let it warm for 2 minutes at room temperature. Turn it upside down on a towel, gently pull the sides to release air, and press around the mold edges to ease the soap out.