- Gather necessary ingredients and materials
- Prepare your workspace
- Choose a soap-making method
- Follow a basic soap recipe
- Add scents, colors, and other additives
- Allow the soap to cure
Gather necessary ingredients and materials
Gather ingredients such as oils, lye, water, and any additional additives. You will also need equipment like a stainless steel pot, thermometer, and molds.
Prepare your workspace
Ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Lay down newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect surfaces from spills.
Choose a soap-making method
Decide whether you want to make soap using the cold process, hot process, or melt and pour method. Each method has its own set of requirements and techniques.
Follow a basic soap recipe
Find a simple soap recipe that suits your preferences and skill level. Follow the recipe carefully, paying close attention to measurements and temperatures.
Add scents, colors, and other additives
Once the soap mixture reaches trace, you can add essential oils, herbs, or colorants to customize your soap. Be cautious when working with these additives and follow recommended usage rates.
Allow the soap to cure
After pouring the soap into molds, allow it to cure for several weeks. This process allows the soap to harden and the lye to fully saponify, resulting in a mild and gentle bar of soap.