Soap Making 101 on the Homestead – Start Here

So, this past Friday I gathered my courage and tried something new and a bit intimidating…

I made soap. Cold-process soap, to be exact.

Intimidating, ’cause handling lye takes caution; it will burn the heck out of you if any touches your skin.

Plus, I’d never even watched anybody make soap, so I was completely at the mercy of the directions.

Is it Better to Make Your Own Soap?

Making your own soap can be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Not only do you get to choose your own ingredients and fragrances, but you also get to control the quality of the finished product.

Store-bought soap can often be drying or harsh on the skin, but homemade soap can be customized to be as gentle or luxurious as you like. In addition, making your own soap is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

By using natural ingredients and avoiding packaging, you can help to reduce your impact on the environment. So whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a more sustainable way to cleanse your skin, making your own soap is definitely worth considering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahqPaxVSyE

What Are the Main Ingredients of Soap?

Soap is made up of two main ingredients: fat and oil. Traditionally, animal fat was used to make soap. However, vegetable oils are now more commonly used. The fat or oil is combined with an alkali, such as lye, to create soap.

The exact ingredients will vary depending on the type of soap. For example, bar soaps typically contain glycerin, which helps to keep the bar from drying out and prolongs its shelf life. Liquid soaps may also contain glycerin or other agents to help keep them from drying out.

Fats

Fat is an important ingredient in soapmaking. Without it, soap would not be nearly as effective at cleansing the skin. Fats help to create a thick, creamy lather that can easily remove dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

They also help to moisturize the skin, preventing it from feeling dry and irritated after cleansing. There are many different types of fats that can be used in soapmaking, but some of the most popular include olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil.

Each type of fat has its own unique properties that can impact the final product. For example, olive oil is known for its ability to cleanse without stripping away natural oils, while coconut oil is prized for its ability to create a rich, luxurious lather. When selecting fats for soapmaking, it is important to consider the needs of your skin and the desired properties of the finished product.

Glycerin

Glycerin is sometimes called glycerol or glycerine, and it can be derived from plant or animal sources. When used in soapmaking, it helps to create a bar that is mild and gentle on the skin. It also provides some lubricity, which makes the soap easier to spread. In addition, glycerin helps to attract moisture to the skin, making it an effective humectant. However, too much glycerin can make the soap sticky and difficult to use. As a result, soapmakers must carefully balance the amount of glycerin in their recipes.

Lye

Lye is a powerful chemical that has been used for centuries in a variety of different products, from soap and detergent to drain cleaner and oven cleaner. It is also a pivotal ingredient in the production of biodiesel.

While lye can be an effective cleaning agent and is an important ingredient in soap, it can also be extremely dangerous if not used properly. Ingesting or inhaling lye can cause serious health problems, and skin contact can cause burns.

For this reason, many people are hesitant to use products that contain lye. However, when used properly, products that contain lye can be safe and effective. In fact, a recent study found that soap made with lye was more effective at killing germs than soap made without it.

Want to know how it works? It’s quite simple.

The alkali breaks down the fat or oil into small molecules called “soap molecules”. These soap molecules have a polar head and a nonpolar tail, which gives them the ability to bind with dirt and grease. When you add water to soap, the soap molecules bind with the water to form a thin layer called “soap film”. This soap film is what allows the soap to lift dirt and grime from your skin.

Lye is often considered much more effective than other ingredients at killing germs, as I said before – even despite the risks. That’s why soap technically has to contain lye in order to be considered “true soap.” But taking precautions, like working in a ventilated area and wearing gloves, with lye is essential to avoid any dangers.

Other Ingredients

In addition to fat and oil, soap may also contain other ingredients, such as fragrance, colorants, and moisturizers. I love some lavender in mine, personally!

Despite its simple ingredients, soap plays an important role in keeping us clean and healthy.

Hot Process vs. Cold Process Soap

Cold process soap is made by combining oils and lye and then allowing the mixture to cure for several weeks. This type of soap results in a bar that is hard and long-lasting.

However, it can take some time to get used to the feel of cold process soap, as it is often quite drying.

Hot process soap, on the other hand, is made by combining oils and lye and then applying heat to the mixture. Many people do this in a crockpot. This causes the soap to set immediately, so it does not need to be left to cure.

Hot process soap tends to be softer than cold process soap and may not last as long. However, it is often easier on the skin and can be used immediately after it is made. That said, it is beneficial to let some time pass before you use it, as it will develop a more desirable texture and appearance.

In this recipe, I’ll give you notes for the cold process – but it’s pretty easy to learn either technique, to be honest!

What Else Do You Need to Make Soap?

The few tools I did need to gather before hand were:

• Safety goggles
• Rubber dishwashing gloves
• A heavy duty rubber spatula
• A steel whisk
• A measuring cup (for water)
• A metal thermometer (make sure it shows 95*F)
• Towels and a cooler
• A medium stainless steel pot
• A plastic, white 2 gallon bucket
• And 3 one-quart milk cartons (I didn’t have any, so I improvised.)

How to Make All Purpose Soap: Step by Step

Making soap at home is a satisfying process that can yield beautiful, natural results. And while there are myriad ways to create handcrafted soap, the basic process is always the same.

Whether you’re using a kit or working from scratch, the steps below will walk you through everything you need to make all-purpose soap at home.

This recipe yields 9 lbs of soap.

Ingredients

• 1 can lye or 13 oz
• 2 ½ pints cold water
• 6 lbs clean fat

Instructions

1. The first step to making your own soap is to add lye to water and stir until it is dissolved. It should reach around 75-80 degrees.

At this point, the mixture is ready to be used in your soap recipe. Keep in mind that lye is a caustic substance and should be handled with care. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when working with lye.

2. Heat the fat or oil to 97 to 100 degrees. This allows the molecules to break down and become liquid.

3. Stir both mixtures often during this process.

4. Pour the lye into fat The key to success is to pour the lye into the fat in a steady stream, stirring slowly. If you stir too vigorously, the mixture can separate.

5. Allow up to 20 minutes for the lye to be incorporated into the fat. This process is known as saponification, and it helps to create the soap’s distinctive properties. Once the lye has been completely incorporated, you can add any desired fragrance or color.

6. Pour the soap into a wooden box that has been soaked in water and lined with a clean cloth. Once the mold is filled, it should be placed in a protective pan and covered with a board to retain heat.

7. The next step is to allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 24 hours. After this time, the soap is removed from the mold, cut into bars, and left to cure for 4-6 weeks. To get clean, well-cut bars of soap, it is important to use a sharp knife or wire.

8. When making soap, it’s important to put the cut soap out so that air can reach it. This will help to prevent the soap from freezing, which can cause it to lose its lather. After two weeks, the soap will be ready to use but it will continue to improve with age.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your homemade soap is of the highest quality!

How Long Does it Take to Make Soap?

Once I had everything I needed to get started I was ready to go! The instructions advised setting aside 3 hours of uninterrupted time to make the soap, so I waited until the three youngest were down for their naps before beginning.

Jada was my little helper. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much she could help me with once the oils were poured.

She hung out in the kitchen with me anyways though, and manned the timer when I needed her to. As always, I enjoyed her company and it was fun at least explaining to her what I was doing.

I didn’t take pictures of every step, so I’m not gonna do a step-by-step “how to” type of post. (I was too busy reading directions and trying not to get hurt!)

But I’ll tell you, making soap is a lot of WORK! Whew! I’ve read it many places, and can now confirm, if you are going to get into soap making, GET A STICK BLENDER! Your arm muscles will thank you.

Getting everything mixed and poured didn’t take very long at all, and overall it was quite simple. The house smelled wonderful too!

The stirring, however, took about 45 minutes. As I worked, I was suddenly very grateful for every bar of homemade soap I’ve ever been given!

Let me tell you, if anybody ever gives you homemade soap, thank them profusely and acknowledge the hard work that went into that little bar. It was no small task to make it!

Do All Soaps Have Lye?

Many people believe that all soap is made with lye, but this is not always the case. While most soap does, by definition, have to contain lye, there are DIY recipes that don’t call for it and in some cases, it makes sense to skip it.

Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a caustic substance that can cause skin irritation and burns. While it is necessary for the soap-making process, not all soaps contain lye. In fact, many modern soaps are made with glycerin, which is a by-product of the saponification process.

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning that it helps to attract and retain moisture. As a result, glycerin soap is often gentler on the skin than traditional soap made with lye. In addition, glycerin soap typically contains fewer harsh chemicals and fragrances than its counterpart. For these reasons, glycerin soap has become a popular choice for those with sensitive skin.

What Can You Replace Lye With?

There are a few other substitutes for lye besides glycerin, too.

One option is to use caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide. This substance can be found in many household cleaning products and is less dangerous to work with than lye. However, it is important to note that caustic soda will not produce the same results as lye and may result in an inferior final product.

Another option is to use potassium hydroxide, which can be found in some drain cleaners. Potassium hydroxide is more commonly used to make liquid soap, but it can also be used to make bar soap.

However, this substance is more dangerous to work with than lye and should only be used by experienced soap makers.

A Few More Tips for Making Soap

With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of knowledge, you can create beautiful and fragrant soaps to suit any taste. Here are a few more tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Base

The most common soap bases are glycerin, olive oil, and coconut oil. Each has its own unique properties, so be sure to choose one that will suit your needs. For example, glycerin is very moisturizing, while olive oil is ideal for sensitive skin.

You Can’t Really Fail

Soapmaking is an inexact science, and even experienced soapmakers will occasionally run into problems. However, there is no such thing as a failed batch of soap. If separation occurs, the ingredients can be reclaimed and reused.

Soapmaking may not always go according to plan, but with a little creativity, even the most challenging batches can be salvaged.

Don’t Use Aluminum Utensils

When making soap, it’s important to use the right type of utensils. aluminum utensils should never be used when making soap. This is because aluminum reacts with the soap-making process and can give the soap an unpleasant taste. In addition, aluminum can also discolor the soap.

Add Fragrance or Colorants

One of the best things about making your own soap is that you can customize the scent to suit your preferences. You can add essential oils, fragrance oils, or even dried herbs to give your soap a unique aroma. Just be sure to add the fragrance slowly and carefully so that you don’t end up with a soap that’s too strong.

If you want your soap to have a bit of color, there are several natural options available. For example, you can use spices like turmeric or annatto seeds to add a yellow hue, or fresh berries for a pink or red tint.

Just be sure to add the colorants slowly and carefully so that they don’t affect the final consistency of your soap.

You Can Use All Kinds of Different Fats

When it comes to choosing the fats for your soap, the sky’s the limit. Tallow, lard, olive oil, coconut oil, and Shea butter are all popular choices, each with its own unique benefits. Just be sure to avoid using mineral oil, as it won’t produce soap.

And if you’re planning to use poultry fat, be aware that it will yield a very soft, spongy bar. Regardless of which fats you choose, be sure to source them from a reliable source and use only those that are fresh and pure.

When you’re making your own soap, it’s important to choose the right fat. You want to make sure the grease is clean and pure, without any impurities.

Old, rancid fat will give your soap a bad smell and may even cause skin irritation. Instead, opt for fresh, high-quality fat that will make your soap smell great and feel luxurious on the skin.

Measure Everything Carefully

Lye water is a caustic substance, so it’s important to add the right amount or you could end up with a batch of soap that’s too harsh for your skin.

The proportions of each ingredient will vary depending on the type of soap you’re making, so be sure to consult a trusted recipe. When measuring the lye, it’s best to use a digital scale for accuracy.

Aging Always Improves Soap

The perfect bar of soap requires the perfect balance of oils, but even the best recipe can produce a soap that is less than perfect. One common problem is that the soap may be too harsh, causing it to dry out the skin or leave behind a residue.

Fortunately, this is often simply a matter of time. Soap that is left to age for several weeks or months will usually become softer and more gentle, thanks to the process of saponification. Over time, the fats and oils in the soap begin to break down, resulting in a soap that is easier on the skin.

Is Making Your Own Soap Cost Effective?

Making your own soap can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to consider the cost before you get started.

Store-bought soap is relatively inexpensive, so you’ll need to make sure that you can save money by making your own. The good news is that there are several ways to make soap without spending a lot of money.

For example, you can use glycerin soap base, which is made from vegetable oils and doesn’t require the use of expensive ingredients. You can also make cold process soap, which uses less energy to produce than hot process soap.

And of course, you can always sell some of your extra soap to recoup some of your costs, too!

If you’re willing to invest some time and effort into making your own soap, you can find recipes that fit your budget.

Final Thoughts

Since we didn’t have any one-quart milk cartons, I used a cardboard orange juice container, and an empty sanitizing wipes tube. As I type, the soap is curing in these.

Tomorrow they will be ready to dump out and cut into bars, and then allowed to dry for 3 more weeks before we can use them.

I’m SO anxious to see how they turned out!! I’ll have to let you know what I think in a few weeks after I’ve had a chance to try a bar.

I’m pretty proud of myself for finally making my own soap! Another notch on my “do-it-yourself” belt. Next on my list is using our goat’s milk to make a batch! After I get a stick blender, of course.

What about you? Do you make your own soap? Have you been wanting to make it, but just haven’t jumped in yet? I’d love to know where you’re at!

*UPDATE: The soap turned out really good! The wipes container (tube shaped) was NOT a good idea. I thought I’d never get the soap out! The cardboard container worked well though; it was easy to tear away from the soap block. I’m loving this homemade soap!