How to Make Detergent Soap at Home: A Simple and Fun Process

Making detergent soap at home can be a fun and rewarding process. This article will guide you through a basic recipe for a solid bar detergent soap using common ingredients. Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Ingredients and Equipment

For a successful and safe soap-making experience, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): 4 oz (113 g) Distilled Water: 12 oz (340 g) Coconut Oil: 10 oz (284 g) Olive Oil: 10 oz (284 g) Palm Oil: 10 oz (284 g) Essential Oils (optional): For fragrance, e.g., lavender, lemon

Equipment:

Safety goggles and gloves Heat-resistant container for lye Mixing bowl Stick blender Soap mold Kitchen scale Thermometer Measuring spoons

Steps to Make Detergent Soap

Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful and safe soap-making experience:

Safety First

WARNING: Lye is caustic and can cause burns. Always wear safety goggles and gloves.

Prepare the Lye Solution

Carefully measure the distilled water in a heat-resistant container. Slowly add the lye to the water while stirring gently. This will create a heat reaction, so let it cool to around 100°F (38°C).

Melt the Oils

In a separate pot, combine the coconut, olive, and palm oils. Heat gently until melted and combined. Allow the mixture to cool to about 100°F (38°C).

Combine the Lye and Oils

Once both the lye solution and oils are at a similar temperature, carefully pour the lye solution into the melted oils while mixing continuously.

Blend

Use a stick blender to mix the soap until it reaches trace (when the mixture thickens and can hold a trail when drizzled).

Add Essential Oils (Optional)

Mix in your chosen essential oils for fragrance, if desired.

Pour into Mold

Pour the soap mixture into your mold and smooth the top if necessary.

Cure

Cover the mold with a towel and let it sit for 24-48 hours until it hardens. Once hardened, remove the soap from the mold and cut into bars.

Secondary Curing

Allow the bars to cure in a well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks. This helps the soap to fully saponify and become safe for use.

Additional Notes

Lye Safety

Always handle lye with caution. Store it in a safe place away from children and pets.

Customization

You can customize your detergent soap by adding different oils or scents to suit your preferences.

Usage

This soap can be used for laundry but it's best to test on a small load first to ensure compatibility with your washing machine.

Enjoy your soap-making experience, and don't be afraid to experiment with different oils and essential oils to create unique fragrances and textures!