Thread: The Chemistry of Soap

Originally Posted by churley

I'll probably post a few more glossary words, and then after all of that I can post a really simple cold process recipe for those of you who are more adventurous and you can try your own hand at making a little soap. (if anyone is interested) If you like to cook, you'll enjoy making soap.

XXWarm Regards, Colleen

I (and my wife) are interested in this, and am wondering if this was posted? If so, can someone please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Mike

Hi Mike, Colleen here...

I've not written it yet...sorry. I have to have lots of "homework" turned in tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. and as usual I'm behind But as long as folks are interested, I'll go thru all the different oils used in soapmaking and what they contribute to the soap, like BIG lather, creamy lather, low lather...etc. and if they have any skin care properties, such as emollients or humectants. I may write little bits thru out the coming week, instead of saving it to do all at once....

Of course I would do better on my homework, if I could stay off of the forum... its additive! Colleen

Colleen,

Thanks for the reply! I am most interested, and is my wife. She has been playing around with making decorative soaps, but uses the bases available at craft stores and would like to be able to make the entire things from scratch. I have switched over to natural soaps for the shower as well as my shaving mug, and would very much like to be able to make my own.

Thank you for sharing your hard-earned knowledge.

Mike

Is the thread different this evening, or is it just me?

I've thought about our topic thru out the day, and have decided to write just bits thru out the coming week. Its a lot of information and I think to much to digest at one sitting.

If anyone is interested in trying to make a batch of soap (cold-process) here is a list of utensils you will want to have on hand. Most people have these items already on hand, but you may need to purchase a few.

1) 8 quart ENAMEL or STAINLESS STEEL pot.

(YOU MUST NOT USE ANYTHING ALUMINUM, it reacts badly to lye solution )

2) a source of heat

3) two large plastic tubs....cat litter box from Wal-mart works good

4) SCALE....this one is very important. You really need a digital weighing in oz. and grams. For just beginning, if you are VERY CAREFUL in your measurements you MAY be able to get by with a regular food scale...also at Wally world $7 bucks.

5) separate container for measuring lye (sodium hydroxide)

you CANNOT substitute this item.....I am unsure about availability for folks, as they took it off the shelves in the US... You can purchase small quanities thru soapmaking vendors..."The Chemistry Store" is a good place.

6) Pyrex, Heat resistant large glass measuing container. At least a 4 cup size.

7) Stainless steel large spoons.

8) Heavy duty waxed paper

9) some type of mold....at this stage of the game, you're only limited by your imagination. Anything plastic is fine.. The small plastic drawer separaters work pretty good ( knives, forks and spoons type)

10) masking tape

11) SAFETY GOGGLES AND GLOVES......

I cannot stress these last items enough. Lye is a highly caustic material, if not handled properly you can get a VERY NASTY burn....it can also cause BLINDNESS and DEATH if ingested. This is a grown-up project and not suitable for children, and you also need to be aware of the location of your pets. If they drank some of the lye solution it would kill them!!!!!!!!!

and for my big giant Disclaimer.....You try this project at your own risk, I will not be held responcible...and I'm sure it would be safe to say that no member or administrative personnel of Straight Razor Place, will be held liable.

Now....with all that aside, gather up your utensils thru out the week, and we'll make some soap come the weekend.

lol....and I forgot to sign my name...

Colleen

Already got all my utensils ready. I use LYE in an old family recipe for german soft pretzles.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Already got all my utensils ready. I use LYE in an old family recipe for german soft pretzles.

Where do you get your lye?

Its been years since I looked for it. Back then I could find it in the hardware store.

I think you still can. It does wonders on clogged drains and is necessary for biodiesel production. Mix it in in bad ratios and you get saponification. The Diesel shaving soap

All of that sounded really good i did not really think about how care goes into soap, I am going to enjoy using some tonight.