Introduction: Lemon Soap
These instructions will teach basic techniques of how to make your own homemade lemon soap assuming you have never created soap before. Whether you are a crafty person looking for a project or you are looking for a more natural alternative to commercial soap, making soap is fun, and addictive. There are several different methods to making soap, and once you understand the basics you will soon be adding your favorite fragrance essential oils that commercial manufactured soap can’t even begin to compete with.
Warning and Caution:
Creating soap is a chemical reaction. In the steps ahead you will be creating mixtures using lye. It is important to wear gloves and protective eyewear as mixtures will get really hot and dangerous. It is also important to make sure all the lye is converted or the finished soap can burn. The instructions will provide you additional detail and information on how to make sure all is converted and well.
Material and Equipment
35 oz lemon oil
6 oz lye
10 oz water
1 oz additional essential oils ( optional and of your choice) * only if you want to mix and add different smells
Thermometer
Stick blender
Crock pot
Spatula
Plastic spoon
Glass measuring cups Scale
Soap mold Glass bowls
Step 1: Set Crockpot to Low and Weigh Ingredients.
Step 2: Add Water to the Glass Bowl and Slowly Add the Lye to Water While Mixing.
DO WITH CAUTION:
Do this while wearing your protective gear and do not breathe the vapors. Order is important so make sure you are pouring the lye into the water. The mixture will get very hot so place to the side for 10 minutes while you work on step 3.
Step 3: Place Lemon Oil in a Saucepan and Heat to 130F
Step 4: Place Lemon Oil Into the Crockpot.
Step 5: Add Lye to Crockpot and Stir
Step 6: Using the Stick Blender Mix Until the Mixture Has the Texture of a Light Pudding
Step 7: Cover Mixture and Let Cook on Low.
Note: It is important to make sure all the lye is converted. You will notice the oils rising up to the sides and folding back into the mixture. Allow it to cook for 45 minutes- 1 hour. When ready the soap will look like Vaseline with no oil puddles in the middle. To double check, take a little of the soap and rub it between your fingers. It should feel waxy.
Step 8: (Optional) If You Are Adding Essential Oil, Wait Until the Mixture Cools and Now Add Them.
Step 9: Spoon Mixture Into Your Mold and Allow for It to Cool.
Step 10: Cut Bar As Soon As It’s Cool and Firm.
Most bars need 24 hours to harden