The chemical reaction that would produce the finished soap is brought about by the use of lye.The downside of lye is that it is a corrosive substance, which could cause burns, scarring and injury, if not used with proper precautions.There are ways for beginners to use lye in a safe and effective manner.You can use different molds to create soap that would fit your preferences.
Step 1: The correct mixing bowls are needed.
Don't use equipment that will be used for cooking.You can use bowls and equipment made from a variety of materials.It's a bad idea to use copper and aluminum as they have a negative reaction with lye.Some plastic melt when mixed with lye.The spoons are made of plastic or silicone.
Step 2: It's a good idea to get creative with soap molds.
Silicone baking pans and soap molds can be found at your local craft store.Silicone is preferred because it is easy to peel off the soap molds.
Step 3: All your tools are needed.
A quart canning jar, a newspaper, and an old towel are all you need to make soap.
Step 4: Pick up dried herbs at your local store.
You should get dried herbs for soap.lavender is one of the popular choices.Some people may be more sensitive to certain herbs, so make sure you know who will be using your soap.The soap batches should use about a cup of dried herbs.
Step 5: You can buy oils from your local store.
There are essential oils that come from the roots, stems, flowers, and seeds of plants.For a small amount of this size, use about 15-20 drops of oil.
Step 6: Don't add artificial coloring and stick to natural colors.
Brown soap is created by cinnamon, cocoa powder, powdered chlorophyll, and turmeric.Food coloring doesn't hold up well in soap so it's best to stick to natural colors
Step 7: Understand how it works
Pick your materials based on their healing properties.A lemon scent is said to aid concentration while calming and clarifying someone who is angry, anxious, or worn out.For your effect, mix and match your ingredients.Rosemary is said to fight exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue, while lavender is believed to aid with emotional stress.
Step 8: Prepare the area for work.
Newspaper can be used to cover your work.Gloves and eye wear are required before you work with lye.Measure water in your quart canning jar with a scoop of 14 cup of lye.Slowly pour the lye into the water.Stand back and wear a mask to avoid the fumes.Let sit and stir until clear.It's important to use cold water.You can use distilled water if you have time and money.You can buy distilled water at most grocery stores.You can buy it at your local drug store or online.
Step 9: Once your oils are mixed, heat them.
Put your oils in the jar.Add the oils to a pan of water and cook in the microwave for about a minute.The temperature for your oils should be around 120 degrees.If you want to make a soap with a good lather, use olive oil or coconut oil.You can use a variety of oils to achieve the same effects.
Step 10: The oils and lye need to be mixed together.
The temperature of the lye should be checked.Wait for the oils and lye to cool down.If you let the ingredients cool too low, your soap will come together too quickly and become coarse.Once the lye and oils are at the right temperature, pour the oils into a mixing bowl and stir them by hand for about 5 minutes.If you want to make sure as much soap contacts the lye, you can use an immersion blender.Once the soap is thick and light in color, it is referred to astrace and is ready for herbs and essential oils.
Step 11: Adding herbs, essential oils, or other preferences is recommended.
Pour the mixture into your molds.The molds should be covered with plastic wrap and an old towel.The towel helps keep the mixture warm.All base ingredients become soap through the process of saponinification.
Step 12: It's time to Age your soap.
Allow your soap to sit for 24 hours.If your soap is soft or warm, let it sit for another 24 hours.Place your soap onto the paper or rack after it is cold and firm.Allow your soap to cure for about a month or 4 weeks and then turn each piece of soap once a week to make sure the air gets to all the sides of the soap.You should cut the loaf into bars before the curing period if you are using a loaf pan.
Step 13: Store the soap in a container.
Wrap your soap in wax paper if you want it to stay in the air.Keeping soap covered will keep it clean and pure.
Step 14: Get rid of the fat and lye by sitting your tools down.
Before washing your equipment, neutralize the lye with white vinegar.If you want your hands to burn, let your equipment sit for several days.When soaked in hot water, the residual fat and lye become soap.
Step 15: Gloves are required when cleaning up.
Even though most of the activity is over, soap batter can still irritate your skin.Goggles and an apron are great for protecting your eyes.
Step 16: Use a spatula and paper towels to clean soap.
Use a spatula to remove any extra soap batter.Paper towels can be used to wipe soap from utensils.Before washing cuts, it's a good idea to get rid of any extra raw soap material.
Step 17: You should soak your equipment and containers.
Once you have removed soap, put all containers, bowls, and utensils in the sink.It's best to soak and wash in hot water and dish soap.
Step 18: It is recommended to rinse with hot water.
Grease-cutting dish soap and extremely hot water help to keep your bowls and utensils clean.Don't be afraid to touch any soap material because it is gentle on the hands.