Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Line your soap mold with parchment paper if you’re using a loaf pan.
2. Measure Ingredients
Use a kitchen scale to accurately measure out 100 grams of caustic soda, 1 liter of oil, and 300 ml of water.
3. Mix the Lye Solution
Slowly and carefully add the caustic soda to the water (never the other way around) while stirring gently. The mixture will heat up quickly, so be cautious. Stir until the caustic soda is completely dissolved. Allow the solution to cool down to about 100°F (38°C).
4. Heat the Oil
While the lye solution is cooling, heat the oil in a stainless steel pot until it reaches about 100°F (38°C). You want the oil and lye solution to be at roughly the same temperature when you combine them.
5. Combine Lye Solution and Oil
Slowly pour the lye solution into the oil while stirring continuously. Stir the mixture until it thickens to a trace, meaning it has a pudding-like consistency. This can take about 15-30 minutes of stirring.
6. Pour into Mold
Once the mixture reaches trace, pour it into your prepared soap mold. Smooth the top with a spoon if needed.
7. Let It Set
Cover the mold with a towel and let it sit undisturbed in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours.
8. Unmold and Cure
After 24-48 hours, remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars. Place the bars in a well-ventilated area and allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks. This curing time lets the soap harden and ensures that all the lye has reacted, making the soap safe to use.
Using Your Laundry Bar Soap
Once your soap is fully cured, it’s ready to use! Simply grate a small amount and add it to your laundry for a natural and effective cleaner.
Making laundry bar soap with just three ingredients is a rewarding and practical project. Not only will you have a great cleaning product, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of creating something useful with your own hands. Happy soap making!
