Things You'll Need:
- Container for lye solution
- 12 quart pot for fat and lye
- Wooden spoon
- Candy thermometer
- Rubber gloves
- Soap mold
- Blanket or cardboard to cover mold
- Newspapers to cover work area
- 2 lb. 10 oz. olive oil
- 1 lb. 7 oz. solid vegetable shortening
- 1 lb. coconut oil
- 10 1/2 oz. lye
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Step 1
To prepare the lye solution, slowly add lye (potash or sodium hydroxide crystals) to 1 pint 8 oz. of cold water, stirring with a wooden spoon as you pour. The water temperature should rise to 200 degrees Fahrenheit as the crystals react with the water.
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Step 2
Allow the solution to cool, and pour it into a 2-quart glass container.
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Step 3
In order to make soap, the temperature of the fat and the lye solution should be between 95 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit before mixing them together. Mix 2 lbs. 10 oz. olive oil, 1 lb. 7 oz. solid vegetable shortening and 1 lb. coconut oil, and place in container in hot water. In a separate container, place the lye solution in a pot of hot water.
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Step 4
When both the fat and lye have reached the desired temperature, stir the fat mixture first, and add the lye all at once, continuing to stir.
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Step 5
After the mixture turns dark, then lighter again, drop one drop of water onto the surface. If it remains on the surface for a moment, the mixture is ready. It should have the consistency of sour cream.
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Step 6
Mix 1 1/2 oz. glycerine and 1 1/2 oz. castor oil into the soap mixture, pour it into a mold, and cover it with blankets or cardboard.
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Step 7
Cool for 24 hours. Remove the soap from the mold, and leave it sitting uncovered in a well-ventilated location for approximately four weeks.
