Soap Making Directions

Soap can be easy and fun to make, provided that you follow simple safety precautions when using caustic soda (lye). Please read our safety tips before proceeding and make sure you are wearing protective gear and clothing for your eyes and skin.

Basic Steps to Soap Making

  1. Read safety precautions and put on safety equipment and proper clothing prior to handling soap making ingredients.

  2. Gather all your equipment and ingredients.

  3. Accurately weigh out the water, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and carrier oils for your recipe.

  4. Mix your caustic soda with the water to make a lye solution.

    DO NOT ADD THE WATER TO THE CAUSTIC SODA - ALWAYS ADD CAUSTIC SODA TO WATER

  5. Gently melt the carrier oils.

  6. Equalise the temperature of the caustic soda solution and the carrier oils at 34° to 38° C.

  7. While mixing, slowly pour the lye solution into the carrier oils.

  8. Check for trace.

  9. Add colour, scent, clays and botanicals.

  10. Pour the warm soap into soap moulds.

  11. Wrap your moulds in an old towel or blanket to insulate it.

  12. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours depending on the carrier oils used and the size of the soap moulds.

  13. Remove the soap from the mould(s) and allow to cure.

For more detailed, step by step instructions with recommendations and tested recipes, please purchase our Soap Kit Instruction Booklet, which is also provided with any of our Soap Kits.

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