Soap Making 101

[sylvie]

I have gotten two types of fresh beef suet from a butcher for birdseed projects. One was white colored and smelled like suet from the grocery store. The other was yellow and stunk. From what I have read they are from the different areas of the cow.
Not sure how this translates into soap, but I have to think that odor would be apparent. Phew, couldn't get that out of the house fast enough.

 

[freemotion]

Free: I think I have read about you using your chicken fat. Can I save any cooking fat, like bacon, or the stuff that hardens on the top of chicken soup when refrigerated, clean it as desribed by Farmfresh and save it for soaping?

I did throw in some chicken fat in my last two batches of soap, and it came out just fine. It was a whiter batch of fat than normal, and a bit firmer than normal. Still yellow and soft, mind you, but not quite....

I just added a little, maybe 10% of the total, and it came out just fine. I couldn't tell the difference. Both batches were mostly tallow and a little lard. It wasn't soft, but again, I didn't use much. It was a good way to get rid of that fat, although I could've given it to the hens, too.

You could use bacon fat if you didn't mind bacon-scented soap! Or you could try cleaning the fat by boiling it in changes of water. But unless you use a LOT of bacon.....I would save that fat for cooking with. Pork fat rules!

 

[me&thegals]

A question about scales: What do you all use? I am noticing that most of the recipes are giving weights in grams. I have a market scale for the farmer's market that has an accuracy to 1/100ths of a pound. Do I just convert all my soap recipes from grams to lbs? Or do you recommend a designated soap scale.

Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks!

 

[punkin]

I use a Postal Scale. I think I picked it up about 2 years ago at WalMart for around $20.

 

[me&thegals]

Punkin--Does this measure in lb, oz or grams? How much weight can it handle? And, does this inexpensive of a scale have a tare feature if you want to weigh things in a heavier container, like a measuring glass?

Thanks

 

[punkin]

Punkin--Does this measure in lb, oz or grams? How much weight can it handle? And, does this inexpensive of a scale have a tare feature if you want to weigh things in a heavier container, like a measuring glass?

Thanks

It measure in ounces up to 3 lbs (I think). I use plastic measuring cups so they aren't that heavy. I do small 2 lb. batches usually, so it's enough for me know. I do keep a calculator handy just in case I have to combine two different weights.

I write on each of my containers how much they weigh. That makes it easier for me. For example, if my container weighs 4.6 oz and I need 10 oz of Olive oil, then I know I need to have 14.6 oz total weight on the scale.

 

[Farmfresh]

I use my old trusty kitchen scales. A 1930 something model. It is still very accurate down to the ounce and works great!

 

[me&thegals]

A couple more questions:

1. Do any of you use a countertop mixer to do your soap mixing? I just thought maybe I could use that instead of a stick blender or hand stirring. What do you think?

2. If I do that, can I rinse the above equipment off well enough to remove all caustic stuff?

3. Is $1.20/lb for lard a decent price?
How about $3.50/lb for lye?

4. Where do you find palm oil? What sort of prices do you get it for?

5. Ditto for coconut oil in more of a bulk quantity? Price?

Thanks!

 

[freemotion]

A couple more questions:

1. Do any of you use a countertop mixer to do your soap mixing? I just thought maybe I could use that instead of a stick blender or hand stirring. What do you think?

2. If I do that, can I rinse the above equipment off well enough to remove all caustic stuff?

3. Is $1.20/lb for lard a decent price?
How about $3.50/lb for lye?

4. Where do you find palm oil? What sort of prices do you get it for?

5. Ditto for coconut oil in more of a bulk quantity? Price?

Thanks!

1. No, the possibility of splashing is too dangerous. A stick blender is cheap and works great, and can be dedicated to just soap making.

2. I wouldn't, but if it is stainless, it would probably be ok...maybe. See #1 above!

3. Yes and yes

4. Dunno, haven't used it.

5. Only used a 14 oz jar, it is about $7 at Stop 'n' Shop, much more for the exact same jar at Whole Foods.

 

[me&thegals]

Thanks, free! That was speedy!