{"id":5816,"date":"2021-09-09T16:08:15","date_gmt":"2021-09-09T16:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bathbombguide.com\/?p=5816"},"modified":"2021-10-09T07:58:27","modified_gmt":"2021-10-09T07:58:27","slug":"soap-making-from-scratch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bathbombguide.com\/soap-making-from-scratch\/","title":{"rendered":"Soap Making From Scratch (Ingredients, Science, Safety & Preparation)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Soap is a popular item that can be purchased at most stores, but it’s also possible to make your own soap from scratch. The process of making homemade soap does take some time and patience, but the end result will be worth it! In this article, we’ll go over the basics of how to make homemade soap as well as what supplies are needed. If you’re ready, let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make soap from scratch at home you need 3 basic ingredients of Lye, distilled water, and some oil. Water and Lye are mixed to create a solution to which the oils are added at which point saponification takes place and your homemade soap is created. Add fragrance and color to your preference.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That sounds pretty easy huh? but there are some rules and safety considerations as Lye is a caustic substance, so read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients Required to Make Soap from Scratch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s not very much, to be honest, soap is as old as man itself and was made using potash and water with animal fats before the process and the chemical reasons were fully understood. Soap is a natural and simple product to make which needs just 3 main ingredients<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Lye<\/li>
  2. Distilled Water<\/li>
  3. Oils<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    That’s it, with the right measures and process, those three items will create soap. And just a few more things then add the fragrance, color and designs. but more of that later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Science behind soap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A little science knowledge will help you produce excellent soap that turns out the way you have planned. You don’t need to be a chemist, but having a solid grasp of fundamentals will help you understand how the procedures work together. It can also be beneficial if you need to solve any trials and errors in order to master the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are options of pre-made soaps on the market that just need heating and pouring and ‘voila’, job done! But that takes the fun out of knowing the soap bar you have in your washroom was made from scratch by your fair hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What’s more, you can add your own twists and unique elements that truly makes your homemade soap your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are a few basics to know about how soap-making works:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    All soap from scratch requires a lye solution<\/a>. It is the reaction between the Lye and oil that creates the saponification and ultimately the soap. The oil you use is your choice. there are many options for various reasons, this is where the fun starts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can not make soap without Lye. Chemically known as sodium hydroxide there are cautions that need to be taken with the product as it is highly caustic. careful use and an understanding of the dangers means that it is safe to work with and should not put you off your soapmaking adventure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is important to ensure you get your measurements completely correct. A little wrong won’t matter too much, but for perfect saponification, (the creation of soap crystals from the chemical reaction between the lye and oils) you have to be pretty much on the button. The better the saponification, the better your homemade soap from scratch will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A little patience in the pouring, molding, hardening and storage process and you’ll have superb soap bars for you, and more besides to make personal gifts for friends and family. I have a guide to wrapping<\/a> soap too, to make it even more special<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soap making safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Let’s get back to the Lye issue. Well, it’s not an issue but Lye is a highly corrosive chemical and should be treated with respect and care. Used to block drains, it simply dissolves everything in its path, and that will include human flesh!! Below, I have a list of safety wear that you should ensure you use at the point of the soapmaking process that requires working with the lye.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n\nFUN FACT: <\/strong>Olives are often soaked in Lye in commercial processing to remove the bitterness that is present in the raw fruit when picked. Imagine, that stuff that can eat anything doesn’t destroy an olive and better still, you pop them in your mouth happily (if you like Olives of course!)Button<\/span>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    It might seem strange that you will be using an ingredient that is so dangerous in something that you plan to your on your skin, but the elements that pose a danger to health are removed in the saponification process leaving a nourishing and rich lathery soap that you can enjoy whenever you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Handling the lye should be done with care and there is something very important to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When combining the water and the lye, you must add the Lye to the water very slowly and not water to lye. The two will react causing a thermogenic reaction (Crates heat), done the wrong way round or too quickly and that reaction can turn volcanic, and you are not going to want that in your workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Check List before handling and working with the Lye and making the solution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n