Skin Care Resources: Soap Making Most soaps that are available in stores these days are manufactured with machines, but there are also soaps that are made with traditional methods. One traditional method for making soap involves the use of white wood ashes and an oil or a fat. The resulting product is a strong lye-based soap that is effective in removing grease in pots and pans. This soap can also be refined into bars for convenient usage. Materials and Equipment - Uncontaminated white wood ashes from hardwood trees
- Some fat or oil
- Container filled with clean soft water
- A wooden or metal container, such as a pot or pan, for blending materials
- A little salt will be useful in the soap making process
- Few pieces of charcoal to add abrasive qualities (optional)
- Equipment for heating, straining, molding, and drying can also be used
Types of Oils The type of fat or oil used can have a direct and significant effect on the quality and effectiveness of the finished soap product. Certain types of fat and oil can add bubble-forming qualities to soap, while others have better cleaning properties. As such, it is important to take the purpose of the soap into consideration when selecting the type of fat or oil. Some of the types of fat and oil that are commonly used for traditional soap making include: - Neem oil (antiseptic)
- Tallow
- Coconut (bubbles)
- Palm oil
- Palm kernel (bubbles)
- Cocoa butter
- Shea butter
- Ground peanut
Perfuming and Colors When making traditional soap in the form of bars, perfumes and color can be added in the later stages of the melting process. Before pouring the final product into a mold, put scented flowers and plants into the mixture and boil for about one hour. Essential oils can be added as well. Then, allow the mixture to harden and melt it down again later. Once it becomes liquid again, remove the flowers and plants, leaving only the scent in the mixture. At this point, commercial dyes and pigments can be added to give color to the soap. How to Make Soap The process of making soap begins with the making of lye water. This can be done by pouring boiling water over cooled white wood ashes. The mixture should be placed in a container with closeable holes at the bottom and left to cure for half a day or overnight. After that, drain the water into a separate container and filter it a few times through the ashes by draining it through the bottom of the container. One traditional method for testing the lye water’s strength is to place an egg into the mixture. If half of the egg floats over the surface of the mixture, the lye water has the right strength. It is necessary to take measures to protect your hands, eyes, and skin while performing the following steps, because lye can cause burns. The next thing to do is to add grease or oil to the mixture. Melt and strain it through a cheese cloth, and place it in cold water. The grease or oil will become a hard block in the water. Next, heat the lye water, add the block, and wait until white bubbles appear on the surface of the mixture. The soap will float to the surface if salt is added to the cooling solution, making it easier to collect. The soap can be refined through re-melting, a process that also provides the opportunity to add perfume and color. Make a mold by lining a wooden container with a wet cloth. Ideally, the sides of the container should be removable, so that the soap can be easily removed later. Allow the soap to sit for a full day, and then carefully remove it from the mold. At this stage, the soap is still a little corrosive, and therefore, it should not be handled without protective equipment. Use wire to cut the soap into bars, and place the bars in a dark and cool place for drying. The soap will dry and cure properly in a month. Here are some resources for people who are interested in soap making.
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