Liquid Soap Making Tips

You may prefer to have liquid soap for washing your hands. This is easy to dispense and not as messy as having a soap bar next to the sink.

Fortunately, liquid soap making is easy once you have mastered the basics of making a batch of simple soap.

Step 1: Select a recipe for a simple soap as well as a recipe for hand-milled soap. You will need to follow the procedure for making the simple soap as specified in the recipe, but you will not need to give it much curing time.

Instead, let your simple soap sit for about three days.

Step 2: After three days, remove your soap from the mold and shave, grate or chop the simple soap mold or bar into small pieces.

Be sure to wear your rubber gloves, as the soap is still caustic at this point.

Step 3: Measure out approximately one cup of the shredded soap and combine this with any desired additives, scents or dyes.

You will want to combine these in the ratio directed by the hand-milled recipe you have selected.

Step 4: Place one cup of shredded soap and the additives you have selected into your double boiler. Add three cups of water.

You will vary the water amount if you are making a soap gel because soap gels take less water than liquid soaps.

Step 5: Melt the soap gradually over medium heat and stir smoothly. Note: The soap pieces may not melt completely.

Using a whisk or a fork may help you to break down some of the lumps.

Any small pieces of soap that may remain can be strained out later on.

Step 6: When the soap has melted, check the consistency of the soap mixture. You can do this by removing some of the soap and allowing it to cool.

Using a pan in cold water will speed up the cooling process. The desired consistency should be runny.

If your soap is too thick, you can add additional water. If the mixture is too diluted you can also add extra soap shavings.

You can reheat the mixture as necessary to produce the ideal texture.

Step 7: When the consistency is correct, you can then pour the soap into the container of your choice. You can add any essential oil to scent your soap before pouring your finished product into bottles.

Try adding 6 to 10 drops per 500ml. Your liquid soap should have a shelf life of approximately 6 to 8 months.

Step 8: You do not need to cure the final product. You can use your finished product immediately.

HELPFUL HINTS

The big difference between making hard soaps and making liquid soaps lies in how long you hold the trace process.

With liquid soap making, you want to blend the soap base well beyond trace.

Trace will occur as the soap thickens and holds dropped soap droplets on the surface for only a moment.

Store your liquid soap in a cool dry place to reduce the probability of your soap separating and going rancid. This tendency is due to the high moisture content of liquid soaps and gels.

Liquid soaps also have a tendency to dry out.

To ensure that your soap consistency is adequate you will want to shake the bottle before using.

If the soap is only used sporadically, you will need to remember to shake the bottle every couple of days. To keep your soap gel in a gel form you will need to use containers with lids.

Water content differentiates between liquid soap that is dispensed and a gel that you have to dip into.

You can experiment with the proportions of water to soap to find a personal texture preference for your soap or gel.

Refrain from using heavy additives in your liquid soap since these elements will sink to the bottom of your soap and may affect the lifespan of your soap.

Because gels are a thicker consistency, you have more leeway in your selection of additives when you are making gels.

Recipe

For the purpose of these basic instructions, we will use the following ingredients:

Basic Liquid Soap

Grated, sliced, or shaved simple soap
Water
Any desired additives, scent, or dye

NOTE - You will want to have a ratio of one-ounce of grated simple soap to four ounces of water to make liquid soap. Additionally, you want a ratio of two ounces of grated simple soap to five ounces of water to make gel soap.

Combine additives, scents, and dyes in proportions listed in the hand-milled soap recipe you are using. This will ensure a good finished product.

Go to soap making for additional information and more soap making tips.