Soap Making 101

[Farmfresh]

I have used coconut oil but not coconut cream, so I can't really answer the question properly. Coconut oil does not smell. Cocoa butter on the other hand DOES have a chocolaty scent!

Might need to watch who you give that to. They might try to eat it!

Actually I have had some people try it! I make a swirled cocoa butter soap with actual cocoa used for coloring. It looks enough like fudge I have to warn people.

 

[valmom]

Just had to brag about my craft fair at work sales- I have $130 in my envelope!! I don't know how much I have spent on soap stuff all together- I'll have to add it up and see if I have broken even yet. Although the silicone molds and stick mixer and pot and measuring cups and scale I bought are long term investments since I didn't want to use my cooking stuff for soap. I keep a soap journal of my batches, and things I buy.

 

[savingdogs]

Good for you, Valmom! I bet you have used soaps in your own house and as gifts as well....you have probably come out further ahead than you thought.

 

[dragonlaurel]

Cocoa soap sounds wonderful. Great idea!

 

[Damummis]

I have never made soap. I want to try to make soap. I have olive oil and a can of Draino lye. Can I make soap with just these ingredients? How?

 

[savingdogs]

Start studying!

It might be helpful to buy a book, but a lot of information is available online.

Soapcalc is a great resource. So are these threads and there is one on BYC as well.

Regarding your lye, make sure it is 100 percent pure sodium hydroxide in that Draino.

This is the recipe I used first:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art50789.asp

Happy soaping! I will never go back............

 

[Damummis]

Good use for crisco.

I guess I need to look into this more.

 

[savingdogs]

I really like that recipe, it is easy and makes nice soap. I added things to it....last time I substituted 8 ounces of goat milk for some of the water and it came out best of all.

I would recommend waiting to add things to it though and just start with an easy recipe. I got my supplies and lye from Brambleberry.com. But most of my soapmaking supplies were from the goodwill (the utensils).

My family loves my homemade soap. There are forums and zillions of websites dedicated to soapmaking......

 

[Farmfresh]

I have never made soap. I want to try to make soap. I have olive oil and a can of Draino lye. Can I make soap with just these ingredients? How?

First: Be extremely careful with drain opener type of lye. I believe the Draino actually contains metal filings that help to unclog the pipes. Only 100% lye should be used for soaping.

I did find some 100% lye for drains at my hardware store, however.

Next you need a few basic tools of the trade.

Things to keep in mind when picking your tools are the conditions they will have to endure. In addition to being caustic (slightly worse than bleach) lye solution will be hot. The lye chemically heats up when the water is added to about 200 to 250 F.


* eye protection and chemical resistant gloves as well as long sleeves when soaping

* Vinegar container at the ready. In case of a splash of lye on the skin splash on some vinegar which will neutralize the base of the lye and help prevent any burns. This works with bleach too.

* an accurate scale

* an accurate dedicated thermometer that goes to at least 250 F.

* a dedicated stainless steel or glass pot - other metals will react to the caustic lye. I got a cheapo stainless steel stockpot at Big Lots.

* dedicated stirring tools. Silicone, Nylon or Stainless again is necessary.

* I recommend a Rubbermaid half gallon pitcher to mix your lye solution in. It will take the heat without melting.

* some type of mold to pour the soap into to set. I like using 3 inch PVC pipes with ends that can open or big rectangular heavy plastic boxes like Tupperware type. Dishwasher safe is a good sign.

* old towels or blankets to insulate the soap so it does not cool too fast.

* a good book of instructions. My favorite for beginners is The Complete Soapmaker by Norma Coney

In her book is a GREAT recipe for an Olive Oil Castile that only contains 52 oz olive oil - 7 oz lye and 20 oz of water.

 

[Bettacreek]

I started out with whatever oils were in the cabinet and a 2lb container of shipped lye. I used those waxy milk-type cartons for molds. I use a punchbowl and stir with a fork (though now I bought a mixer, just gotta try it out). That's basically it for starting. You don't need to invest a ton of money into it until you try it and see if you like it or not.