How to Make Liquid Castile Soap
Liquid Castile soap is a versatile, all-natural and environmentally friendly soap that can be used for various purposes, such as washing dishes, laundry, personal care, and cleaning around the home. The soap is free from harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients, making it a perfect alternative for those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making your own liquid Castile soap at home.
Ingredients:
– 10 oz. water
– 3 oz. potassium hydroxide (KOH)
– 16 oz. olive oil
– Optional: Essential oils (for scent)
Equipment:
– Heat-resistant glass container (for mixing lye solution)
– Kitchen scale (to measure ingredients accurately)
– Stainless steel or plastic spoon (for mixing)
– Protective gloves and eyewear (for safety)
– Stick or immersion blender (to aid in mixing)
– Sealable plastic bottles or containers (for storage)
Step 1: Preparing the Lye Solution
Firstly, put on protective gloves and eyewear for safety. Inaccurate measurements can lead to imbalances in the ingredients; therefore, it’s crucial to weigh the water and potassium hydroxide using a kitchen scale.
Combine the water and potassium hydroxide in a heat-resistant glass container and gently stir using a stainless steel or plastic spoon until the potassium hydroxide dissolves completely. Be cautious as the solution is caustic and can cause burns if mishandled.
Step 2: Measuring the Olive Oil
Measure 16 oz. of olive oil using a kitchen scale in another container.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Slowly pour the lye solution into the container with olive oil while stirring gently. The consistency will start to thicken as you mix them.
Step 4: Blending the Mixture
Use a stick or immersion blender to mix the solution further. Blend until it reaches a creamy and smooth texture, which may take anywhere between 5-15 minutes.
Step 5: Adding Essential Oils
If you’d like to add a pleasant scent to your liquid Castile soap, you can include essential oils. There is a wide variety of essential oils available, such as lavender or peppermint – feel free to use your preferred scent. Add the desired amount of essential oil into the soap mixture and blend for an additional minute.
Step 6: Letting the Soap Mature
To allow the soap to reach its full potential, let it sit undisturbed in a warm area for a week. The soap pH will stabilize during this period, resulting in a milder and more effective soap.
Step 7: Storing the Liquid Castile Soap
After a week, transfer your homemade liquid Castile soap into sealable plastic bottles or containers for storage and future use.
And there you have it – your very own homemade liquid Castile soap! Enjoy using this versatile and eco-friendly soap that’s gentle on your skin and perfect for numerous cleaning purposes around your home.