How to be a Soapmaker

Soap making is a great hobby. It can also be a wonderful business. Becoming a soapmaker is not terribly difficult. Once you have a few basic skills and knowledge, you will be a soapmaker. It may take a few tries to make soap; but once you have a technique down, you will be enjoying handmade soap. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Scale
• Stainless steel pot
• Sodium hydroxide
• Soap mold
• Stick blender
• Oils

Learn the Basics of Soap Making

1. Learn the fundamentals of soap making. You can read books, search the Internet or take a class from another soap maker.
2. Understand the chemical reaction that makes soap. The process is saponification. Soap is formed when the oils react with sodium hydroxide. Finding the right balance is part of the art and chemistry of soap making.
3. Study the proprieties of the oils. There are many oils you can use to make soap. Some oils make soap sudsier, whereas others make harder bars of soap. Knowing these properties will help you be a better soapmaker.

Gather Your Soapmaking Materials

4. Gather your equipment. Most of the equipment you can find around your house. You will need a scale and stainless steel cooking pot. You will also need a soap mold. This can be anything from a plastic container to a PVC pip.
5. Ensure you have the proper safety equipment. Working with sodium hydroxide means you need to take certain safety steps. You will need a face mask for fumes. Keeping vinegar on hand will help if you accidentally get sodium hydroxide on your skin. It will stop the burn. Long sleeves and pants will also protect your skin from accidents. Always keep a working fire extinguisher close to the stove.
6. Find a soap recipe that you would like to try. Start with a basic recipe with only a few main oils. Soap recipes can be found online and books.
7. Locate a place to purchase sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is known as lye and is a drain cleaner.
8. Purchase the oils that are in your recipe. Common oils, such as olive and canola oil, are bought in the grocery store. Other specialty oils, such as sweet almond and cocoa butter, may be harder to find. Try your local health food store or mail order.

Make Soap

9. Prepare the oil and sodium hydroxide phase. Take all safety measures. Weigh out both the water and sodium hydroxide according to recipe amounts. Always add the sodium hydroxide to the water for safety. Set aside to cool.
10. Unite the oil phase of the soap ingredients. Many oils are solids at room temperature. Apply low heat to melt the oils together. Set aside to cool.
11. Combine the two phases once they have reached the temperature the recipe calls for. For safety, add the water and sodium hydroxide to the oil. Use a stick blender to mix the soap.
12. Mix the raw soap until you see that it has saponified. You can tell this stage when it is the consistency of pudding.
13. Pour the raw soap into your soap mold. Be careful, as the soap may be very warm. Set it aside for several days.
14. Turn your soap out of the molds. Your soap will need to cure for approximately six more weeks, and then you will have soap that you are able to use.

Tips & Warnings

• The first time you make soap, it may not turn out perfect. Keep trying. Not many soap makers have the first perfect batch of soap.
• Sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminum. Be sure you use stainless steel or wooden tools. It can also burn. Keep away from skin and eyes. Do what you can to avoid breathing fumes.