Making soap can be done in the comfort of your own home. Most people use soap making as a profitable business, as a means to give personalized gifts or bath wedding favors without having to break the bank, or simply for personal use with the ingredients and scents that are specially created to their liking. Here are the procedures in making soap bars:
First, prepare your materials. They should include goggles to protect your eyes from the chemicals, a stainless steel pot, a stainless steel pan, thermometer, wood spoon (use this spoon when mixing the ingredients and not ordinary dining spoons), knife, and a mold for one big block of soap.
To start, mix the vegetable oil and fat in the pot and heat it evenly. When they have combined, take the pot off the stove and leave it to cool off. In a jug, combine one part water with one part sodium hydroxide and constantly stir them until the sodium hydroxide has dissolved in water. With the heat produced by the chemical, check the temperature using the thermometer and wait for it to get to 55 degrees C (130 degrees F). If it has reached this temperature, you can now combine this mixture with the cooled mixture of vegetable oil and fat.
After combining them, consistently mix them as you will need to thicken up this mixture. If it is thick enough to be poured into the mold, pour it slowly so no bubbles will form. Do another check by tapping it on the sides to release the trapped air that might produce bubbles (or hollows) inside. Have it solidify for at least a day and keep it wrapped in a towel during this time. When it has hardened after a day, you can cut the block into small bars of soap. Have the soap bars rest for at least 4 weeks so that the chemicals and oil are thoroughly mixed.
If you want to add aromatherapy oils for that added special effect, add the essentials oils after you have combined both liquid mixtures, i.e., before pouring them in the mold. The process that big manufacturers of soap use is only slightly different and their use of other harsh chemicals may even be bad for end users. Use these simple steps and you can make your own soap bars that are gentle on the skin and have the look and smell that is just for you.
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By: Criss White
Criss White is a professional article writer for craft, wedding, and other topics. To view some bath wedding favors, or to get some baptism favors, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors.