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We use soap every day, but many people don’t realize that most commercial “soap” is actually made of harsh detergents that can irritate and dry out their skin.  Since real soap has become hard to find, many crafters have started making their own.  Soapmaking is easy to learn, and few things are more rewarding than taking a bath or shower with a bar of soap you made yourself.

We use soap every day, but many people don’t realize that most commercial “soap” is actually made of harsh detergents that can irritate and dry out their skin.  Since real soap has become hard to find, many crafters have started making their own.  Soapmaking is easy to learn, and few things are more rewarding than taking a bath or shower with a bar of soap you made yourself.

Many soapmaking tools are common kitchen items.  You will need a four quart stainless steel or enamel pot, a large heat proof pitcher, a small bowl, wooden or plastic spoons, two thermometers, and rubber gloves.  Do not use any utensils for food preparation after you have made soap with them.  You will also need safety goggles, a plastic container with a lid to use as a mold, (baby wipe containers work very well), and an old bath towel.  The final and most expensive piece of equipment is an accurate scale. A digital scale which has a tare feature and measures in ounces is best.

Many soapmaking tools are common kitchen items.  You will need a one gallon stainless steel or enamel pot, a large heat proof pitcher, a small bowl, wooden or plastic spoons, two thermometers, and rubber gloves.  Do not use any utensils for food preparation after you have made soap with them.  You will also need safety goggles, a plastic container with a lid to use as a mold, (baby wipe containers work very well), and an old bath towel.  The final and most expensive piece of equipment is an accurate scale. A digital scale which has a tare feature and measures in ounces is best.

To make two pounds of mild castile soap, you will need 1.5 pounds of olive oil, 1 ounce of beeswax pearls, 4 ounces of lye (available at most hardware stores where it is sold as a drain cleaner), 10 ounces of distilled water, a small amount of vegetable shortening, and any scents or colorings you wish to add.  (Only use scents and pigments intended for use on the skin).

To make two pounds of mild castile soap, you will need 1.5 pounds of olive oil, 1 ounce of beeswax pearls, 4 ounces of lye (available at most hardware stores where it is sold as a drain cleaner), 10 ounces of distilled water, a small amount of vegetable shortening, and any scents or colorings you wish to add.  (Only use scents and pigments intended for use on the skin).