How to make plain Goat Milk Soap

[Wildsky]

Well gosh darn I'm gonna have to try all that, one of these days. Looks so awesome!

 

[urban dreamer]

Ok, I'm still a little fuzzy on one part- when you mix your lye and milk (or water, whatever the recipe calls for) you do not heat it. The lye heats itself to 110 degrees? You also said that the oils and lye mixture must be ths same temperature. Do the oils have to be heated or do they produce thier own heat like the lye? I noticed the lye mixture in the sink of cold water but the oils look like they are on the stove. I would really like to get into soap making but I am still nervous and have some questions!

OK, I read through it again. The oils do have to be heated and the lye heats itself. Do you use a candy thermometer to test the temp? Also, I this recipe uses goats milk, but would regular ol store bought milk work too? If so, what kind to buy? (2%, whole milk, ect.)??? One more thing! , when and if I start making soap, do you suggest getting special pots and spoons for soap only? There is a great thrift store down the raod where I could find cheap old pots and pans.

 

[Blackbird]

Hi Urban Dreamer.

Yup, I use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. I would think that all you need is an accurate thermometer that ranges from 50 up to, maybe 180. I'm not sure what kinds of thermometers are out there though.

You are correct about the oils needing to be heated and the lye heating itself when it combines with the milk.

I'm sure any milk could be used in replace of goat milk (I use raw). I would guess that it's up to you as to which kind you want. A milk that has been processed the least would be ideal.

Yes, it is safer to designate certain equipment for soap making use only. Much of my soaping equipment has come from thrift stores. Remember, stainless steel or enamel!

Hope that helps!

 

[urban dreamer]

Hi Urban Dreamer.

Yup, I use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. I would think that all you need is an accurate thermometer that ranges from 50 up to, maybe 180. I'm not sure what kinds of thermometers are out there though.

You are correct about the oils needing to be heated and the lye heating itself when it combines with the milk.

I'm sure any milk could be used in replace of goat milk (I use raw). I would guess that it's up to you as to which kind you want. A milk that has been processed the least would be ideal.

Yes, it is safer to designate certain equipment for soap making use only. Much of my soaping equipment has come from thrift stores. Remember, stainless steel or enamel!

Hope that helps!

Thanks for thr reply!

I wondered about the thermometer because I was afraid the lye would melt a glass and plastic thermometers. I figured whole milk would be the least processed. The only reason I have not really gotten into making soap is becuase my SO is worried about the smell. He swears it smells terrible and that's why he dose not want me making soap and if I do I would have to figure out how to do it outside. Is it really that bad? I see you do it in your kitchen and you did suggest opening a window for the lye part.

 

[Blackbird]

NO WAY! It only smells within a couple feet radius, and that's just when the lye and milk mix. Keep him outta the kitchen and I don't know what he has to complain about. It wafes out soon after. I know some people do it outside but unless you have a burner/stove outside the hauling back and forth could be a pain.

The lye should be fine if it touches the plastic, but try not to get it on the glass.

Oh! I forgot! Your question about the lye/milk mix, I've read in many places that they say to have both the oil and the milk-lye at 110 while you mix then together - often times I can't get the lye-milk up that high so I try to get the oils as close to the lye-milk as possible in temperature. I've combined them at 90F before with no issues.`

 

[urban dreamer]

NO WAY! It only smells within a couple feet radius, and that's just when the lye and milk mix. Keep him outta the kitchen and I don't know what he has to complain about. It wafes out soon after. I know some people do it outside but unless you have a burner/stove outside the hauling back and forth could be a pain.

The lye should be fine if it touches the plastic, but try not to get it on the glass.

Oh! I forgot! Your question about the lye/milk mix, I've read in many places that they say to have both the oil and the milk-lye at 110 while you mix then together - often times I can't get the lye-milk up that high so I try to get the oils as close to the lye-milk as possible in temperature. I've combined them at 90F before with no issues.`

Hmmmm, I might be making soap soon! I just showed this thread to my MIL and she thought it was a great idea! She said she loves goatmilk soap, but I can't get a goat (darn it). I bought a little kitchen scale today for canning and I figure it could be used too for soap making. I don't think it has a ter (sp?) setting so I would have to weigh my containers first. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[mrbstephens]

Now I HAVE to get a goat! Thank you for sharing this. Your directions are excellent and the pictures are very helpful!

 

[Henrietta23]

Now I HAVE to get a goat! Thank you for sharing this. Your directions are excellent and the pictures are very helpful!

another convert!!!

 

[urban dreamer]

BB, what is the average price you get for your ingredients? Dose buying in bulk save alot of $? I was looking around online and some the oils are rather expensive.

 

[Blackbird]

Hehe.

Urban Dreamer, in the past I have bought all organic oils online in bulk. Usually runs $75-80 for all the ingredients, and then much of it is used in multiple batches. I get about 30 bars per batch, and I sell the bars $5 each, so $150 total per batch.

Now, though, I buy non-organic oils that I find locally in bulk, and those are cheaper than those online. If you have any local health food stores you might be able to find them. Grocery stores only seem good for olive oil.