I’m getting ready to make soap! Are you? I hope Clover’s getting ready, too….in her own way.
Making homemade soap can be daunting. There are so many decisions and preparations. I’m breaking them down and working through them, dreaming about yummy-smelling homemade soap. I can do it! So can you!
I’ve never made melt-and-pour or hand milled soap. Many people consider these to be homemade soap impostors as they begin with a commercially-made soap or soap base. You’re not really making soap as much as re-making soap. The difference between melt-and-pour and hand milled is that in melt-and-pour, you don’t have to add water. You just melt the soap base and go from there. In hand milled, you grate soap and add water then go. In either case, you can still get creative with color, fragrance, and additives to make your own unique product, and it’s a perfectly valid craft. You don’t have to deal with any of that scary lye stuff.
Of course, I can’t take the easy way out, and, to me, that just doesn’t sound as satisfying. I want to really make soap, which means hot process or cold process. In hot process, the entire process takes place over a heat source. This is how our great-grandmas did it. In cold process, the saponification process takes place away from the heat source. (Saponification is the chemical process that occurs when fats/oils are combined with lye.) External heat is only used to melt the fats/oils. I intend to try both.
What goes into soap? What is soap? Soap is created by combining fat with lye. The fat can be all sorts of things–lard, tallow, shea or other butters, and all sorts of oils–many of which you can find in your kitchen. Lye is sodium hydroxide, otherwise known as caustic soda. This is, no doubt about it, a dangerous product, and I’ll post more about safety precautions before I make soap and I encourage you to research safety precautions on your own. Using lye is the fear that holds most people back from making soap. It’s a legitimate fear, but there’s no reason to let fear stop you from making soap. Many people have made soap and lived to tell about it. The key is educating yourself about safe use and proper procedures.
Our great-grandmas made their own lye by leaching wood ashes, resulting in uneven levels of strength. This is where homemade lye soap got the bad rap for being harsh. Commercial lye available today is of a standardized strength, which makes non-harsh soap a reliable accomplishment. (I’ve been a bit interested in making lye since we have a wood-stove, but I’m not so sure now. I’m more comfortable with using lye of a standardized strength. This is similar to the use of commercial lemon juice in canning–standardization in the product is a helper in safety and quality.)
What else goes into soap? Water. Our great-grandmas used rainwater–for the purity. You can try that (boil the rainwater after collecting it) or use distilled water. As for what else besides water–anything! This is where soap gets so creative and fun, in the additives. All sorts of things out of your kitchen or garden can be put in soap, as well as essential oils (natural) or fragrance oils (synthetic). You can also add color. Eventually, I hope to make soap using my own goat milk, too, but for now, that will have to wait. (CLOVER!)
I want to make a soap as natural as possible, so I intend to use additives right out of my kitchen. I like to smell like cookies, so I came up with a vanilla sugar recipe. Not only will this help me smell like cookies, it’s frugal. I’m going to use fat and oil out of my pantry–lard and olive oil. Creating your own recipe is fun–though it requires a little math. You can find soap tables online or in books that will guide you in the proper measurements. You can find a soap calculator here.
Math makes my head explode, plus I don’t know what I’m doing and the soap calculator looks like Greek to me, so I consulted my soapmaking guru, Cindy, for help in running my recipe ideas through the soap calculator to come up with the proper measures. (I’ll be posting it here when I make my first soap.) If you want to make soap with me using my recipe, you can probably find what you need in your kitchen, too. All we’ll need after that is the distilled water (or boiled rainwater) and lye.
Where can you get lye? Lye can be hard to find nowadays because of drug use, but you can sometimes find it at hardware stores. You can also buy it online.
So who’s getting ready with me? Your homework, should you choose to accept it:
1. Determine where you can get lye.
2. Decide on a recipe and lay in the ingredients.
See? Baby steps. We’re not making soap yet, we’re just getting ready. We don’t have to be scared, we’re not even going to open the lye and look at it. (Tuck it away safely, away from children and pets.)
Remember, if you want to make my recipe, other than the lye and distilled water or boiled rainwater, you’ll just need what’s probably already in your kitchen. (Vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, lard, and olive oil.) If you want to create your own, get crackin’ using the soap calculator or research tried-and-true soap recipes online or in books. (Soap is a chemical equation–don’t try to create a recipe without making the proper calculations–this is why it’s best as a beginner to either use an already-existing recipe or use a soap calculator and consult with an experienced soapmaker in formulating your own.)
Watch for Part 2 of my series on Getting Ready to Make Soap and not opening the scary lye yet!
And–surprise giveaway (ya gotta pay attention around here!): I’ll draw a random comment number on this post for another copy of Smart Soapmaking by Anne L. Watson. (I’ll have to actually order this one for you since I only bought one extra copy last time.) Eligible entry closes at 10 a.m. Eastern tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 23). The winner will be announced in this post soon after 10 a.m. Eastern tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 23).
Return to this post for an update with the winner. (You’ll need to send me your address if you win, so check back. Please understand that I can’t track giveaway winners down! Thank you!)
UPDATE 02/23/10: The winning comment number is #77, Cindy H. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)aol.com with your full name and address for shipping! (If anyone wonders how I draw numbers, I use random.org. It’s great for drawings!)
Nursecookie says:
I’m sorta with you. But I’m behind a little bit. I’m starting on candles tomorrow. I’m just now getting ready to read about soap. Bought four books, but haven’t had the chance to read them yet. I will research lye. And find a recipe. You’re going fast for a girl who just found your site 2 weeks ago. I really like your site and forum. It’s my favorite–I follow about 30 blogs.
On February 22, 2010 at 1:26 am
Jo says:
Pick me! Pick me! Looking forward to following your soap-making adventure. Lye is scary to me, too. :bugeyed: That’s one reason I’ve never tried to make soap. :help:
On February 22, 2010 at 1:33 am
Tobey says:
What a fun adventure! I’m looking forward to seeing the Chickens in the Road take on soap making and join in.
It would be marvelous to win the book, but no matter what, I’ll be here reading every post and admiring every picture.
On February 22, 2010 at 1:39 am
Kathy says:
Like everyone else, I’d love a copy of the soap making book. With you making it first, us having detailed instructions from someone we trust, it might just be do-able. Thanks.
On February 22, 2010 at 1:41 am
Marla says:
Look forward to seeing your soap making results!! I’d love a copy of the book.
On February 22, 2010 at 1:47 am
Blessings says:
I’d love a copy of the soap making book. REALLY~REALLY would love the book!
I’m with everyone else with your guidance it may not be scary making soap after all!
~HUGS~~
On February 22, 2010 at 1:53 am
Debi says:
Good luck! It’s something I’ve thought about in the past, but never more than that.. It skeers me!
On February 22, 2010 at 1:58 am
Sheila Z says:
Soap making is something I’ve never attempted, but I’d like to.
On February 22, 2010 at 2:03 am
Sonia Thames says:
Looking forward to following you on your soapmaking journey. Since I am also interesting in making my own soap, it is going to be a pleasure watching you and reading up on your posts as you progress in soapmaking.
Thanks for a wonderful and enjoyable web site. Chickens in the Road is now my #1 site to visit 🙂
Sonia (Lexington,SC)
On February 22, 2010 at 2:20 am
Richelle says:
Would love to make soap myself, and… I’ve got plenty of goat’s milk! Reading the soap making book first would be lovely to get really in the mood…
Richelle
On February 22, 2010 at 3:51 am
carsek says:
For goat milk soap simply replace the water in your recipe with milk. Freeze the milk till slushy then SLOWLY add, stirring all the while. The heat produced will turn it carmelly colored, that is why you make it slushy first, to slow down the color. Thats it!! Using part coconut oil makes a much nicer soap.
Its fun!
On February 22, 2010 at 4:25 am
Maureen says:
Please enter me! I will definitely figure out where to find lye around here.
On February 22, 2010 at 6:00 am
Linda says:
Do you think Clover is in the family way? :snuggle: How exciting! I sure hope so! :sheepjump:
On February 22, 2010 at 6:10 am
stacy says:
Sounds fun!!Something definately to try!
On February 22, 2010 at 6:26 am
Carmen Smith says:
I’ve been making soap for awhile, you will LOVE it! I order my lye from Bittercreek candle supply if anyone needs help finding it:) Have fun, it’s addicting!!!
On February 22, 2010 at 6:42 am
Leah says:
You always do a great job researching things! I do want to make some soaps to use and for gift giving.
On February 22, 2010 at 6:54 am
vande2 says:
Lye IS scary! I’ve been admiring soap makers and reading about making soap on craft forums, but I haven’t gotten up the nerve to try it yet. My grandma used to make soap, starting with fat rendering, and it was interesting to watch. I’d like to try it! 🙂
On February 22, 2010 at 7:00 am
WatkinsGal says:
I’ve done the melt an pour soap before. To me, it’s like making fake homemade soap. It turned out great, but I just didn’t get the “I made my own soap” satisfaction. Must overcome my chemical/lye process fear!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:08 am
Amy Price says:
I have made melt and pour soap for years and I make one where I include cocoa butter, bee pollen and honey. That is the only soap my husband will use. I have a quick question concerning candles that maybe you can help with. You gave me the courage to make candles so I took my Christmas gift card and bought all the necessary ingredients. My first batch turned out great. The second not so much. I use soy wax and there is hardly a flame at all and it is burning straight down. Could it be the wicks? or maybe the wax? I’m not sure. I hate to waste all the candles. I made 6 big ones. Thanks and enter me in the giveaway!!! :wave:
On February 22, 2010 at 7:17 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Amy, I haven’t tried soy wax yet, so I don’t know about that!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:20 am
CindyP says:
You can do it, Suzanne! :happyflower:
On February 22, 2010 at 7:23 am
Sharon says:
Hello! I am so excited to learn about soap making with you! I just delved into candle-making with great success, so I am hoping for more of the same!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:24 am
Karen Anne says:
I was curious about the mention of lye in relation to drugs, so I googled and came across this:
“Over-the-counter cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, red phosphorous, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, lye, lantern fuel, and antifreeze are among the ingredients most commonly used.”
Wow, really sounds like something you’d want to cook up 🙂 Kind of puts drugs in the Darwin Award category, if they weren’t there already.
On February 22, 2010 at 7:24 am
Glenie says:
I’m thinking of trying this with you – not sure yet, but I would love the book.
On February 22, 2010 at 7:30 am
Susan Bryant says:
I would love, love, love to make soap! I will be brave and follow you! I would like to be entered to win the Smart Soapmaking book. Thank you!!
I really enjoy your blog. We are living parallel lives in parallel counties! Life is good!
susan
On February 22, 2010 at 7:31 am
Mittened Paw says:
I can’t wait to learn how to make soap with you! Sounds like fun (except for the lye part). Would love to win the book.
On February 22, 2010 at 7:36 am
Donna says:
Ooo-Oooo [jumping up and down with hand in air] pick me, pick me! Got my fingers, toes and eyes crossed hoping it’ll be my number for the book! :clover:
On February 22, 2010 at 7:38 am
Prairie Kerri says:
Funny I was thinking I needed to make soap this week! I have dairy goats and will freeze excess milk in breast milk storage bags. My most favorites are a shampoo bar and a shaving bar which has bentonite clay in it! Oh, I almost forgot, I WOULD LOVE, to have a copy of that book! Blessings!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:43 am
heidiannie says:
I have the lard, oil, distilled water and shea butter all ready to go- no Lye yet- and I’d love to have a chance to win the book!
Thanks for this tutorial, Suzanne, I’ve been dreaming about making my own soap for at least 20 years!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:44 am
Kelly Walker says:
Can’t wait to see what you come up with this time…..soap! Will it be vanilla scented so we smell like a cookie when we go feed the babies??????
On February 22, 2010 at 7:45 am
Katy says:
Hmm, soap. I really want to try it but it is scary. I guess if you promise to hold my hand I can do it though!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:48 am
Dawn says:
You know, you are really making it difficult for me to go to work–posting all this home made stuff that I want to stay home and make! I don’t know if I really want to make soap, but I’m looking forward to the adventure with you!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:49 am
Sarah says:
I have been wanting to make soap for a while too. I want to use our goat’s milk and beeswax from our bees! SUPER natural! Love it!
A book would be wonderful~! :heart:
On February 22, 2010 at 7:49 am
Patty says:
Count me in…I want to learn how to make soap too!! :snoopy:
On February 22, 2010 at 7:51 am
egglady says:
“we” accidentally made our own lye last year by leaving the ash bucket on the lawn with the lid off. (It’s hard to get good help!) it wasn’t too scary, but it sure killed a lot of grass!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:52 am
Sally says:
I bought some lye years ago and tucked it away safely….and got too busy to get back to it! I think I know where it is. Wonder if it is still good? I’m game seems like the right time to try it! Getting a free book would be cool too.
On February 22, 2010 at 7:52 am
Prairie Kerri says:
I also forgot. I get my lye at Lowe’s or Ace hardware. If you go to the septic area you usually can find it. It’s made by Roebic and is a tall white container with a yellow, red and black label that says ‘Crystal Drain Opener’. Whatever you find, just make sure it is 100% sodium hydroxide! Happy soapmaking! Oh, and on my last post I botched up my blog addy. Come on over!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:53 am
StellaLouise says:
I can’t wait to see how it turns out! I have soap making on my to do someday list, but its way down at the bottom! Maybe I should move it towards the top!
On February 22, 2010 at 7:59 am
Nikki says:
Me too Suzanne!
Thanks.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:04 am
Nancy says:
My mother used to make soap when she was a kid. She used ashes. Hmmm. Must give her a call and ask more questions. But I’ll buy commercially made.
This is going to be so much fun. I feel like the little sister trailing behind her big sister (Suzanne!). Cool stuff happening here.
Nancy
On February 22, 2010 at 8:07 am
Brenda says:
You are so brave- and I want to be brave with you! I have never made soap by myself- but I want to!
On February 22, 2010 at 8:13 am
Jenny says:
I’ve got the lye on hand and a recipe! I only need to grab a couple more ingredients that I can get locally. Would love to win this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
~Jenny~
On February 22, 2010 at 8:15 am
Mary from Baton Rouge says:
I am there with you Suzanne! I have been researching soap recipes all weekend. You got me thinking with your last post. I checked out a book with lots of recipes at the Library. The book is called “Better Home Basics for the Home” by Annie Berthold-Bond. I just can’t get enough. It has home recipes for cleaning supplies, body care, laundry, etc. The task is daunting, but lets lace up our boots and get started!!
By the way, I would love the soap making book!
On February 22, 2010 at 8:17 am
kerri says:
It’s fun learning about how the women who came before us did things, and doubly fun watching you learn and try the old ways. Fascinating stuff, Suzanne. Thanks for doing the research and sharing your findings.
I’m really looking forward to seeing your posts about soap making.
I’d love to win the book. Thanks!
Wishing you a sunshiny day. :sun: We saw the sun yesterday but have more clouds this morning.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:20 am
Casie says:
Yeah!! So happy you are giving away another soap making book!!
On February 22, 2010 at 8:24 am
Marianne G says:
Your ambition and great tutoring skills inspire me to try many new things! Hope I get to add soap making to the list!
On February 22, 2010 at 8:24 am
Laura says:
I made soap in the fall, saved bacon grease until I had enough. Actually, making the lye based soap is soooo easy – the hardest part for me was FINDING the Lye.
Think I have just about enough grease in the fridge, maybe we should have bacon for breakfast……..
Would love to win a book with more ideas/directions for soap.
PS I ALWAYS check this blog first thing, love to read your posts.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:30 am
carol bellamy says:
I love making soap. I bought my lye on line. As long as you follow safety instructions, it seems fine. I would love to have the book.
Thanks
On February 22, 2010 at 8:38 am
Lacey says:
It does sound scary but sign me up for the drawing anyways.
Thanks.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:41 am
Anke says:
Can’t wait to see how you make soap. I’ve learned so much from you already…
I’d be so very happy if I won the book. 🙂
On February 22, 2010 at 8:45 am
Miss Kitty says:
For folks looking for lye…I purchase it at our local Tru Value Hardware store. It’s sold as crystals of 100% lye drain opener. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe!
On February 22, 2010 at 8:47 am
Townie Farm Girl says:
Baby steps….I would like to be considered for the giveaway please…
On February 22, 2010 at 8:57 am
Heather from KY says:
I want to make soap but lye SCARES ME!!!! I think I’ll let you do it and after you succeed (I know you will, Suzanne!) I may get brave! And please enter me in the drawing.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:59 am
Mary says:
Here’s a lye calculator that makes the math thing much easier. I just tweak the fat amounts until it tells me I need exactly 12 oz of lye (or whatever amount of lye I have) then I make the soap like that. 🙂
https://www.thesage.com/calcs/lyecalc2.php
On February 22, 2010 at 9:00 am
Deborah R says:
I’m afraid of lye. I think I might just watch the first time. But please enter me for the book.
BTW…how is your cheese coming along?
On February 22, 2010 at 9:00 am
LauraP says:
Relax! Lye’s not nearly as scary as hot grease, fire, gasoline, falling off tall ladders…. You’re much more likely to get a serious burn frying chicken than when making soap. Seriously, I’ve made tons of soap and am completely comfortable working with lye. Tons. Really. Never had more than a bit of skin irritation where I got splashed when not wearing rubber gloves. Sure, you should be careful, use gloves and eye protection, wash everything well when you’re finished. Use common sense, and have fun. Soapmaking is a blast!
On February 22, 2010 at 9:01 am
Hlhohnholz says:
The lye part always scares me, too. But how cool to be able to make your own soap! If The End Of The World As We Know It (TEOTWAWKI) comes, my family is gonna be the cleanest one on the block. 😀
On February 22, 2010 at 9:02 am
Terry says:
I’ve made soap before but would love to make goats milk soap. Looking forward to part II. Terry
On February 22, 2010 at 9:05 am
Nancy says:
I feel so much better knowing I’m not the only one afraid of the lye! I am determined to make soap though so slowly I’m trying to overcome my fear…my cousin makes soap all the time, she actually has an online business selling her wonderful soap, and friends have offered to show me how but I’m still leary! Evverything I have tried with you has turned out beautifully (well, except maybe the crochet 😉 ) so I have hopes for your tutorial! I would love to win the book!
On February 22, 2010 at 9:13 am
Cyndi says:
I think I’m going to join you for this one….I’m using your recipe – that feels better to me and then it will match your body spray and xmas is almost done 😀 ….Please enter me for the soap making book. Thanks.
On February 22, 2010 at 9:15 am
Chic says:
YES! I’ve been waiting for you to get started on soap making so I could give it a try so please put me in for the draw too!!!
On February 22, 2010 at 9:27 am
Jean says:
Me, too! I would love to try soapmaking again. It’s been years.
On February 22, 2010 at 9:29 am
RhuBARB says:
My mother and grandmother always made homemade soap. They did this in the large “butcher” kettle in the Spring. All winter mom would save any fat drippings from sausage, bacon, etc. for this purpose. Oh how I wish I had paid closer attention to how they did this. I am so excited to watch you do this and would like to try it myself! The soap made by mom was the BEST laundry soap ever – you could rub it on grass stains and such and the stains came out every time. I still have a few small pieces of this soap.
Another interesting thing is that a local church in our area gathers tons of partially used hotel soap bars from all over the country and they grate them and melt them to make all kinds of soap products for the needy and third world countries – isn’t that a great recycling idea!!!?
I would be honoured to win a copy of your book.
On February 22, 2010 at 9:35 am
Lynn says:
My niece introduced me to your site. She also makes her own laundry soap and shared the recipe on FB. I have not had a chance to try it yet (or even look at the recipe) but at 1¢ a load, I don’t think I can ignore this one.
I remember once reading (or on TV? It was a long time ago) that typically an egg would be cracked in the lye solution (ash bucket & rainwater); if it “fried” the strength was right for soap making. It definitely sounds like something to be careful with!
Good luck in your soap-making endeavors! (If I win the book I will gift it to you Erin!)
Lynn
On February 22, 2010 at 9:36 am
Kristen E says:
I’ve made a LOT of soap over the years (I even sold at craft fairs for a short time), but someone borrowed my favorite soapmaking book and never returned it. 🙁 I could really use another book!
On February 22, 2010 at 9:49 am
MNStacey says:
How fun! I would love to try and make some kind of Honey/Almond soap. I love anything almond!
On February 22, 2010 at 9:53 am
Lisa Cummings says:
It is just a mystery to me! I am willing to learn!
On February 22, 2010 at 9:54 am
Sharon Gosney says:
I can’t wait for part 2. Are you planning on making glycerin soap?Put me in for the draw, Thanks
On February 22, 2010 at 9:59 am
Moi says:
Please put my name in the pot. 🙂
On February 22, 2010 at 10:10 am
Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:
I’ve always wanted to make soap ever since I read the book “The Dalaney Sisters: Having our Say.” They made their own soap until the day they each died, well into their 100s. Talk about resourceful. Excellent book if you haven’t read it. Good Luck and make the instructions very easy so I can try it at home.
Susan
On February 22, 2010 at 10:13 am
Pete says:
Yep. Gathering supplies – have most of the necessities. Just waiting for spring. Got this idea that I want to make soap outside. Not that it is necessary, but a part of the experience I want to have!
Having a book would be nice… :happypuppy:
On February 22, 2010 at 10:14 am
Karen W says:
My first comment! my husband is the one interested in learning to make soap, I want to learn to make cheese… we now have 3 goats in milk, we have six new babies, Our Clover clone, Princess Buttercup had two boys, 2 months ago and her daughters, (our first timer twins) each had one baby girl within a day of each other with our newest born yesterday afternoon!….the cuteness here is almost painful! Don’t know how to milk yet….
would love to win the book on soapmaking, can’t wait for you to post on making goat’s milk soap!
We started our own little farm last year,so we love your blog, it’s like reading about our own lives, only well written and with great humor! what an adventure and your posts on the goats trysts was too funny, we pulled up lawn chairs the day we got our reg. nigie bucks and sat there like true city folk gone country listening to their vocals and watching their x-rated antics, lol.
love your blog!
Karen W
On February 22, 2010 at 10:15 am
craftymom says:
I make soap too, it really is fun to make and I love knowing what’s in it. I agree with a previous poster who said that frying chicken was more dangerous than dealing with lye. Really, it is. If anyone makes candy, that hot sugar mixture is so much more dangerous.
On February 22, 2010 at 10:17 am
ScreamingSardine says:
AMY PRICE: If your first batch turned out great, and you’re using the same type of soy wax, then it’s probably your wicks (if you used a different kind). That happened to me, and it was my wicks. I now use a thicker wick for my candles, and the melt is great.
Suzanne, please put me in the drawing for the book. Thanks!
On February 22, 2010 at 10:17 am
Jane Anderson says:
Soapmaking is still on my bucket list.
Jane in Kansas
On February 22, 2010 at 10:19 am
MMHONEY says:
I REMEMBER THE LYE SOAP. IT WAS NOT A FANCY BATH SOAP BUT A HARD WORKING SOAP. TOOK OUT STAINS. MADE FROM WOOD ASHES. KILLED POISON IVY. AND HAD IT’S OWN SMELL AND LOOK. I AM SURE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF SHORT CUTS. GOO FOR IT……
On February 22, 2010 at 10:28 am
Cindy H. says:
Another way on the road to being self-sufficient. :o)
On February 22, 2010 at 10:35 am
brenda harmon says:
Please put me in for the soap making book. Thanks!
On February 22, 2010 at 10:45 am
Becky says:
I like this post – my sister in law and I spoke yesterday about getting ready to do this. I found a soap mold pattern on line and have given it to my husband to build us this mold.
On February 22, 2010 at 10:45 am
geena says:
Oh my we grew up with homemade soap. never have been brave enough to try tho; can’t wait to see how it turns out. I would love the book. :shimmy:
On February 22, 2010 at 10:45 am
Ruthdigs - Exeter UK says:
I’d still lobve to win this book and join you in your soap making adventure. Can’t wait to see a goats milk one. CLOVER!! :smilerabbit:
On February 22, 2010 at 10:47 am
Kathy R says:
Hi Suzanne. Please enter my name for the drawing. I have been thinking of making soap, but haven’t gotten to it yet. Lye is not that scary as long as you take the proper precautions (good gloves and ventilation). I love to follow all your trials and tribulations.
On February 22, 2010 at 10:47 am
Jennifer Robin says:
Can’t wait to follow along; handmade soap is all I will use for my skin, but I buy it from someone who has already figured out the scary lye part. Maybe I’ll finally get the courage to make my own. A book would definitely help!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:05 am
Aedrielle says:
What fun! I’m excited to try this. I checked out the soap calculator, it looks helpful!! 🙂
I’d love to win the book! :woof:
On February 22, 2010 at 11:07 am
Jennifer Gregg says:
I have been dreaming of soapmaking for a while now. Have been browsing books at the library (they only have melt and pour instructions). I would love a book! I love this post-keep ’em coming.
On February 22, 2010 at 11:08 am
claudia w says:
I had all the ingredients to make laundry soap, but for some reason chikened out. There’s no lye in laundry soap, I think. I do want to give this a try!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:08 am
Deb says:
Wanna win it!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:09 am
jean says:
Well I’ll be over in the corner watching you. I’m not ready to try it but maybe after you do it I’ll go for it.
On February 22, 2010 at 11:11 am
claudia w says:
My bad! I forgot that I had not checked on the book giveaway from before…I went to check and lo and behold…my name was chosen! I just sent an email with my information. But if by chance my name is chosen again, You will need to pick someone else’s comment.
Thank you so much!!!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:16 am
Mandie says:
I am so excited you are doing this! I have wanted to make soap for some time now. I have the lye just need to buy the lard. I see that in stores all the time around here (south). I am pumped. Please enter me to win that book!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:20 am
boydsandthebees says:
Me, me, me, me!!!!! (jumping up and down with my hand in the air!!) I just added the supplies to make laundry soap to my shopping list this morning and then I read your post. I already have the lye. I’m going to be working right along with you. I so enjoy making as much as I can myself!!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:37 am
lavenderblue says:
I “ska-wed” as my daughter used to say. But I may be brave enough. How long do we have on this ingredient gathering thing? Also, how do you use the lye calculator if you are using different fats and oils combined? Can you use different fats and oils combined? And my biggest concern, what kind of cooking vessel will lye not eat through?
As you can tell, I would love to have the book to answer all my questions.
On February 22, 2010 at 11:37 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
lavenderblue–yes, you can use different fat/oils, just put them in the calculator. I’m going to do a post about utensils and equipment etc!
On February 22, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Meghan says:
My, you are a brave woman. Planning to open a can of Scary Lye! You must play dramatic music in the background when you do get to that step.
Good luck! And I love your blog!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:38 am
Betsy says:
I’ve made soap before, and I’ve enjoyed the process greatly — so I’ll just pass on two bits of advice: 1) wear goggles and gloves, and 2) think carefully about how the soap will be molded — wax paper cups work out well, and I prefer using them to making a sheet of soap, and then attempting to cut the soap into bars without jagged edges.
On February 22, 2010 at 11:59 am
Mariah says:
pick me, pick me! But even if I don’t win the book, I’m still making soap! 🙂
On February 22, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Betsy says:
Ooh, second comment for anyone who is going to try this — be cautious about buying drain cleaner — most contain aluminum particles. You want 100% lye (sodium hydroxide).
On February 22, 2010 at 12:04 pm
SuzieQ says:
Would love to try this.. :fairy:
On February 22, 2010 at 12:55 pm
mzzterry says:
oh wow. if i win this my great granny will be jumping up in her grave! she would be so excited to know that i learned to do this after all these ages. my granny ran what was called a “landrymat”(heavy emphasis on the E sound before mat) where she washed out the oil field workers clothes in wringer type washers with homemade soap and she had to boil the water on her stove, here in East Texas during the oil boom.
On February 22, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Becky says:
I love that you’re documenting the baby steps. Making real homemade soap is on my “to learn how to do” list. That books sounds great!
On February 22, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Connie Crowl says:
Please enter me in the drawing for the soapmaking book.
I just purchased goat’s milk soap and lotion from a great lady named Marsha of Laurel Fork Farms in Tucker Co. WV. My Dad grew up on the other end of the Laurel Fork River in Randolph Co. WV. God’s country.
Connie Lambert Crowl
On February 22, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Marymac says:
please enter me in the drawing for the soap making book.
On February 22, 2010 at 1:16 pm
SharonBinWA says:
You’ve really done your research. Making soap is something I’ve always wanted to try to make. I’m going to continue reading your steps. Glad to see that you’ll be taking the fear out of working with lye. :help:
On February 22, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Linda G says:
Do it yourself soap making still sounds scary to me. I am enjoying you go through the process and breaking it down for us. It gives me hope that when I grow up (never) I can make soap also.
On February 22, 2010 at 1:58 pm
ticka1 says:
You are educating me on just the process of making soap with the book – recipes and supplies. I would love the book.
On February 22, 2010 at 2:02 pm
mommafox says:
Always watched my Mom make “lye” soap, but was too young to really take an interest in it. She made hers with the wood ash some of the time. Think I am finally old enough to tackle soap making now. :happybutterfly Would love to win the book and finally give it a try.
On February 22, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Christina says:
I’d love the soap making book!
On February 22, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Suzanne says:
I would love to win the book. If I don’t though I’ll just have to keep watching how you do it and try that way.
On February 22, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Kelley says:
Soap – yay! :sun:
On February 22, 2010 at 2:15 pm
margiesbooboo says:
I’m interested!
On February 22, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Margret says:
I remember trying to make soap with lye and lard years ago. It must have been a hot process, because I recall it was difficult to get it to the correct temperature so it would set up. When it worked, it made a pure white mild soap that worked wonders in the washing machine (shredded) and was easy on the hands. I just might have to try it again after all these years.
On February 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Lisa says:
Okay, I just worked up the nerve to try the candles. So, I have been saving some up. I will definitely have to wait until summer before I actually tackle making soap.
On February 22, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Michelle (MG) Braden says:
I used to own my own store and sold handmade soaps & toiletries – my soaps were made from scratch (ie using lye). It really isn’t so scary. The biggest thing to remember is to ALWAYS pour the lye into the water, never the water into the lye. A lot of soapers use the “snow falls on the lake” phrase to remember this.
Handmade soap is just about the best thing ever and I miss it. Hmm, might be time to bring out the old soaping pot! :yes:
On February 22, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Mary Tullila says:
:butterfly: Soapmaking with natural elements is God’s GIFT in taking out the DIRT!!! Ok now you can pick me!!! Susan, I just love your blog…and loking forward to getting rid of some “dirt” in a frilly way =) Have a blessed day!! :purpleflower:
On February 22, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Deb says:
I’ve been researching soapmaking for awhile too. I’m collecting books (I don’t have this one yet, hint, hint), reading articles online, etc. I’ve played with melt and pour soap and hand milled soap. I cook at a school and when I cooked 100 lbs of hamburger for chili I saved all the grease, took it home and strained it and now I have two #10 cans full of beef tallow to make soap with! I can’t wait to make it; just have to find the lye and get my utensils together.
On February 22, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Zoeysmama says:
I’ve always wanted to make my own soap, but haven’t yet ventured down that road. I’ve learned a lot from the comments on this post. Imagine how much more I could learn from a book!
On February 22, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Estella says:
I think I will just watch this time.
On February 22, 2010 at 4:13 pm
ScarlettSeraph says:
:dancingmonster:
Woo-Hoo! I’m soooo looking forward to this one, and I’d love the book… of course. Though I may just go pick one up myself 🙂
On February 22, 2010 at 4:16 pm
MMT says:
Really wanna make soap too. Please enter me in the drawing.
On February 22, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Kimberly says:
:cowsleep:
Making soap sounds like the most awesome gift idea…you can give low-cost gifts from the heart. Thanks Suzanne for bringing your ideas to the web. I always love coming to your site and finding something new :wave:
On February 22, 2010 at 4:26 pm
G-Mama says:
I once belonged to a church where the older ladies (I was young at the time) made soap that they sent away to missionaries. We all helped out by saving fat for them. I think they may have sold some too. I wasn’t interested in buying any at the time because I remembered the strong, smelly lye soap my grandma made. The soap making was done once a year. I never witnessed it, but I remember there were only a couple of women who were trusted with calculating the recipe and handling the dreaded lye. After it had cured and been cut, another get together was held to wrap the soap bars. Besides saving fat, we also saved scraps of soap from our homes and small bars of soap from hotels, etc. These were used for making something other than lye soap, I guess. I would love to have a copy of the soap making book. Your stories about it have intrigued me.
On February 22, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Jennifer says:
My daughter and I have been researching making sheep milk soap! We’d love to win the book and get started making soap with you!
On February 22, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Debbie in Memphis says:
This sounds so exciting and scary. I can’t wait to see how it all turns out :happyfeet:
On February 22, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Kelly Gregory says:
Oh my gosh, HOW FUN!!! I am completely on board with you!! LET’S MAKE SOAP!!!!!!!
On February 22, 2010 at 5:50 pm
MrsC says:
Lye [big gulp]. Oh, how I want to join in… But, I’m so afraid of lye…
Please enter me in the contest.
Happy farming,
Kelly
On February 22, 2010 at 5:52 pm
bonnieblue says:
I’d love to win the soap making book! That’s one of my “someday” I’m gonna do it things, like milking a cow and making cheese!
On February 22, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Darlene in North Georgia says:
Deb
If all you did was strain the fat, you’re going to want to clean it before you use it. Google “cleaning fat” and it will tell you how to do it.
Lye isn’t scary, it’s all the horror stories we’ve heard from people who didn’t respect it that’s the problem. Sort of like being afraid to cook because you’ve heard about houses being burned down by cooking.
1.) A poem: Do what ya oughta, add the lye to the watta (water)
2.) Keep an open bottle of vinegar next to you. Vinegar instantly neutralizes lye. So if the bottle is open, you can instantly access it to pour on any spill.
3.) Use your enamel roasting pan for the “cooking pot”. One half for the lye mixture, the other for the fat melting & mixing together of the soap.
4.) Use a scale to WEIGH your ingredients.
5.) DO NOT USE ALCOHOL-BASED additives in your soap. It WILL ruin the batch! So that means regular Vanilla extract is OUT. It also means that CANDLE scents are out! Now if you put a vanilla bean in sugar, oil/fat or water and let it soak and then use THAT, it may work. I think it might be worth it to try warming a SMALL amount of oil, soaking the vanilla bean in that for a few weeks and then using that at the end of the process. Where you normally add the scent so that the scent isn’t cooked out of it. Otherwise, you’re going to have to buy scent. I’m not so sure about using sugar in a soap recipe. Most of the “sweet” scents are artificial, I’m not sure of the chemistry if real sugar were used. Again, you’d want to use it at the end, when you’d normally add scents. Use just a portion of a batch of soap, that way, it will only ruin a small amount of soap if it doesn’t work out the way you want (the soap doesn’t set up).
I’ve only made soap a few times, but these are things I’ve gleaned from doing it.
I’d love the book!
On February 22, 2010 at 6:55 pm
~ Jackie says:
I’m so glad I get to watch you do this, its sort of like, “OK, you go first!” when we were kids. 🙂 Yep, Lye is scary, the one thing that has kept me leary enough to try this on my own. I’m a hands on learner, so step by step pics are the next best thing. 🙂
On February 22, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Grace Reynolds says:
Can’t wait for your next installment. I will be following you all the way, tho I still need to get more courage to try it.
Please enter me in the drawing. 🙂
Grace in CA
On February 22, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Marcia says:
I remember my Grandmother and Great Grandmother making soap. It was a summer outside kind of job that took all day. I remember walking home with a few bars of soap later in the week. It was good to scrub bare feet if you walked in poison ivy. Grandmother used to stick her needles and pins in a bar of soap for safe keeping and to prevent rust.
I think this would be a good Girl Scout project to make at Camp with older girls. I’d use your book give away to make soap at home a few times, then be ready to make it for a Tour of Homes and then at Girl Scout Camp. Better yet, supervise the girls making it at Tour of Homes.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:14 pm
propwashz says:
I’ve always wanted to try making lavender soap….a book about soapmaking would probably be helpful…
On February 22, 2010 at 8:36 pm
JoJo says:
Suzanne, please don’t enter me in the contest because I bought the book after reading your first entry about soapmaking. It hasn’t arrived yet, and I’m very nervous about the lye part. Wouldn’t lye make the soap very harsh to your skin? It just seems weird. I’m planning on following with you on the soap making journey.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Kat says:
Oh boy! I’m crossing my fingers again, maybe second time’s the charm. Yesterday, I took my first shower with my homemade soap. It was a 100% olive oil (castile)soap, just barely scented with rosemary. BEST SOAP EVER! I’m getting ready to make my 4th batch ever sometime later this week.
On February 22, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Beth Brown says:
I’d love to win the book! I buy goats milk soap at the farmer’s market and would like to learn how to make my own.
Beth aka oneoldgoat
On February 22, 2010 at 9:03 pm
mafong says:
I really enjoy reading about all of your projects and trying your recipes. I am anxious to see how the soap turns out. My sister is also following your progress and would like for us to take on this project.
Mafong
On February 22, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Leisha says:
Suzanne – I am thrilled you are entering the soap making arena – we have made one batch at our little homestead and are ready for more sudzy adventure…..the book would be a great addition – thanks for loving us like you do !!!! :happyflower:
On February 22, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Alice Christopher says:
I am very much into homemade, all natural and being more self sufficient. Your posts are inspiring and very helpful. I really enjoy your sense of humor. I’m currently trying the knitting thing. making soap sounds like a very interesting project. Thank You.
On February 22, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Marionette says:
I love making soap… Lard makes a very smooth creamy soap and beef tallow makes a firm and creamy soap. I have also tried with deer fat, and the results are similar to beef tallow. I wish you the best of luck Suzanne, with your efforts! After reading your blog and enjoying your site, I know you will have no trouble at all! Your efforts will be worth the results. There is nothing like the real thing, your skin will love you. I make a “man soap” for my husband using beer as the liquid, deer fat, and I add an oakmoss fragrance blend that he loves. Coconut oil ads lather, but lather can be drying. Olive oil is a gentler oil to use, as it produces smaller bubbles (less lather). Canola is chemically similar to olive oil, and much cheaper. I have made homemade soap since 1995, and it is so satisfying creating such a useful thing for your family! Have fun, don’t be afraid of the lye (while using proper precautions of course!), and feel free to experiment with herbs, spices, essential oils, and different liquids, such as teas and other infusions!
On February 22, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Melody says:
I would like to be picked.I want to learn how to make soap.
On February 22, 2010 at 10:12 pm
amber says:
How fun I hope to start soon
On February 22, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Mary says:
Well, you can pick me if ya want..I’ve never made that kind of soap before, because using Lye does concern me. However, I’m willing to try it if you decide to pick my number. I’ve often thought about making it that way (someday).
Thanks for letting me post! :sheepjump: :duck:
On February 22, 2010 at 10:21 pm
farmershae says:
I’ve always known that when we ‘retire’ to the farm, I will make hand made soap, but when I recently bought my first bar of goats milk soap, I was in love. I have to move soap-making up my to-do list! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!!!!
On February 22, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Meg says:
Count me in for the soap-making book draw!
On February 22, 2010 at 11:47 pm
mommy2jj says:
pick me pick me! I have always wanted to do this
On February 23, 2010 at 12:01 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
Cool! I can’t wait to try this right along with you! I want that book!! PLEASE!
On February 23, 2010 at 12:54 am
Becky says:
Serously, If you want to make soap a real easy way try blender soap. Its fast and easy. Just look up on the web.
On February 23, 2010 at 4:43 am
Laura B. in Greenwood, IN says:
Soapmaking? Yeah, I could do that! Please let me win the book, please, please, please :woof:
On February 23, 2010 at 6:12 am
Anna says:
I feel so lucky to still have a couple of pieces of the lye soap my dear grandmother made. I do use them to remove particularly stubborn stains in the laundry, so they are getting smaller. (There is no commercial stain removing product that can touch them for effectiveness in that department.) I really cherish them.
On February 23, 2010 at 6:47 am
MousE says:
I’m looking forward to your soap adventure. Count me in on the contest!
Thank you!
On February 23, 2010 at 8:24 am
RhuBARB says:
Lucky #77 🙂
On February 23, 2010 at 11:45 am
lisa brawner says:
You will have fun making lye soap. i cant imagine not making my own soap anymore. I was scared at first and then realized if i was just cafeful i would be fine. Now i make a batch every couple of weeks . I get my llye at Do It Best Hardware or Home Depot. You can also find it at feed mills and tractor supply stores sometimes. I look forward to reading about your soap adventures !
On February 24, 2010 at 8:57 am
The Grateful Gardener says:
Making lye isn’t all that hard. Burn HARDWOOD in your stove, save the ashes and cold coals. Put them in a bucket of water and let them sit a spell, then strain off the water. American Indians and mountain folks still make lye that way. 🙂
On October 4, 2010 at 6:01 pm