Learning how to confidently make cold process soap was a game changer for me and our homestead. Not only was I able to reduce the cost of our family's expenses by buying organic soap but I also now had a product to sell and also a skill to teach.
Firstly don't be put off by the fear of using caustic soda (also known as lye). Yes it's corrosive and can be dangerous to use but only if you're not following simple safety techniques.
List of equipment (I didn't use all of this in my video but most of it comes in use when you start soapmaking).
2 food thermometers
2 pyrex or heatproof jugs (not metal)
2 spatulas and spoons for stirring
Empty jam jar with lid
Rubber gloves
Face mask
Protective eye goggles
Silicone molds
Stick blender
Ingredients
234g Water
115g Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide)
900g Extra Virgin Olive Oil*
*Needs to be measured by weight and not measured in milliliters. Also do not try to use 'light' olive oil or substitute with any other oil as this will alter the soap and likely ruin the results.
If this recipe is too big and you don't have a large enough pyrex jug you can halve the recipe.
The reason I add the caustic soda to a jam jar first is so that I never accidentally pour the water into the lye (you must always pour the lye into the water).
When you mix the caustic soda with the water try not to inhale the gases as they are very unpleasant (wearing a face mask is essential).
Cover your benchtops with paper if you are worried about spilling the corrosive lye onto it (mine is a stone benchtop and is quite resistant to damage if I clean up splashes immediately).
The soaps at the start of the video are all variations on this recipe. Some have Himalayan soap in them, others have dried herbs and flowers. Once you're confident in making this recipe you can play around with additives & essential oils to make interesting colours and lovely smells.
Once your soaps have cured for 4 weeks they can be used and stored as you would a store bought soap. They last for years and make great presents for friends and family.
**Safety tips (please read carefully before attempting to make cold process soap)**
This is not safe for children to make, adult supervision is essential.
Never ever touch lye solution with your bare hands, it will burn. If you do get some on your skin, run under cold water for at least 10 minutes.
Seek medical attention immediately if you get any lye solution in your eyes.
Do not leave your lye solution to cool where a child or pet could access it.
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25 май 2021
