Homemade soap

This homemade soap recipe requires tallow, if you would like a tallow free recipe please head here.

For the novice homesteader, venturing into the realm of homemade soap-making represents a rite of passage, a tangible symbol of self-sufficiency and a step towards mastering the art of sustainable living. It embodies the spirit of independence and resourcefulness, transforming basic ingredients like tallow and beeswax into a luxurious staple of daily life.

However, the journey towards crafting the perfect bar of soap is not without its challenges, especially for the apprehensive beginner. The process requires careful attention to detail, from mastering the delicate balance of ingredients to navigating the complexities of saponification. It demands patience and perseverance, as each batch may present its own set of surprises and lessons to be learned. However, within the uncertainty lies the excitement of exploration and the gratification of fashioning something authentically one’s own. As you rinse away the day’s toil on the homestead and gaze upon the soap you’ve crafted, a surge of achievement rushes through you, reminding you of the journey from raw ingredients to finished product, and reaffirming the bond between effort and reward in the homesteading lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 400g tallow
• 100g beeswax
• 300g coconut oil
• 140g lye (sodium hydroxide)
• 325ml distilled water
• 20-30g essential oil (adjust to your preference)
• Optional flower petals

Instructions:

1. Put on safety gear including gloves and goggles.
2. In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the lye to the water (not the other way around) while stirring. Be cautious of the fumes.
3. Let the lye mixture cool down to around 43°C (110°F).
4. In a separate pot, melt the tallow, beeswax, and coconut oil together until fully liquid.
5. Allow both mixtures to cool until they reach around 43°C (110°F).
6. Slowly pour the lye mixture into the oil mixture, stirring continuously.
7. Use a stick blender to mix the ingredients until it reaches trace, which is when the mixture thickens to the consistency of thin custard.
8. Once at trace, add the essential oil and stir well to distribute evenly. (optional add the flower petals at this point)
9. Pour the soap mixture into molds.
10. Let the soap harden for 24-48 hours.
11. Once fully hardened, remove the soap from the molds and cut it into bars if necessary.
12. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dry place before using.

Notes

Mixing lye with water generates an exothermic reaction, meaning it produces heat. When lye (sodium hydroxide) is dissolved in water, the process releases heat energy. This reaction is quite vigorous and can cause the temperature of the mixture to rise significantly. It’s important to handle this process with caution, as the heat produced can cause the mixture to splatter or boil over if not properly managed. Additionally, it’s essential to add the lye to the water slowly and in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes that may be produced. Safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and long sleeves should be worn to protect the skin and eyes from contact with the caustic solution.