1. Gather necessary ingredients and equipment
- Oils (coconut, olive, palm, etc.)
- Lye
- Distilled water
- Essential oils or herbs for scent
- Molds
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)
2. Prepare the lye solution
- Measure out the lye and water
- Slowly add lye to water, stirring carefully
- Allow solution to cool
3. Melt and mix oils
- Combine oils in a pot and heat until melted
- Let oils cool to around 100°F
4. Combine lye solution and oils
- Slowly pour lye solution into oils, stirring constantly
- Mix until it reaches trace (thickened consistency)
5. Add scents and pour into molds
- Stir in essential oils or herbs for scent
- Pour mixture into molds and let it set for 24-48 hours
6. Cut and cure the soap
- Remove soap from molds and cut into bars
- Allow bars to cure for 4-6 weeks before using
Gathering Ingredients and Equipment
- Discuss the different types of oils and their properties
- Explain the importance of using lye and distilled water
- Emphasize the need for safety gear when working with lye
Preparing the Lye Solution
- Provide detailed instructions on how to measure and mix the lye and water
- Stress the importance of handling lye with caution
- Explain the cooling process for the lye solution
Melting and Mixing Oils
- Discuss the melting process for the oils and the optimal temperature
- Highlight the importance of allowing the oils to cool before adding the lye solution
- Provide tips for choosing and combining different oils
Combining Lye Solution and Oils
- Explain the careful process of slowly combining the lye solution and oils
- Define 'trace' and how to recognize when the mixture reaches this stage
- Emphasize the need for constant stirring during this step
Adding Scents and Pouring into Molds
- Discuss the different options for adding scents to the soap
- Provide guidance on how to pour the mixture into molds and achieve desired shapes
- Highlight the importance of allowing the soap to set for the recommended time
Cutting and Curing the Soap
- Explain the process of removing the soap from molds and cutting it into bars
- Emphasize the importance of allowing the soap to cure before use
- Provide tips for storing and preserving the homemade soap during the curing process