How to Make Biodegradable Soap
Biodegradable soap does not leave behind chemicals. Synthetic ingredients found in commercial soaps have an impact on our health and the environment. Basic soaps remain biodegradable until chemicals, such as preservatives, are added that create potential toxins. Homemade soaps give you the flexibility to add your own ingredients, such as herbs and scents, to personalize the soap to your own tastes. Making your own soup may take time and patience, but it will be worth helping the environment and protecting your health.
Things You'll Need
- 5-ounce coffee
- Measuring cups
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Scale
- 2 oz. lye
- Thermometer
- 8 oz. soybean oil
- 4 oz. olive oil
- 4 oz. coconut oil
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Plastic container with lid
- Towel
- Wax paper
- Knife
Instructions
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1
Make one cup of coffee. Place it in the refrigerator to allow it to cool.
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2
Pour 5-ounce of coffee into a measuring cup. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
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3
Place a measuring cup on the scale. Set the scale to zero, or turn it on after you add the measuring cup.
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4
Pour the lye in the measuring cup. You will need to measure out 2 ounces of lye. Pour the lye in a well-ventilated area because the fumes are dangerous
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5
Pour the lye into the coffee carefully. Do not allow the lye to splash onto any surface.
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6
Place the lye and coffee off to the side. The coffee will become hot. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. The mixture needs to reach 100 to 110 degrees F.
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7
Combine the soybean oil, olive oil and coconut oil in a saucepan. Place the pan over medium high heat and allow the mixture to reach 100 degrees F.
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8
Pour the lye and coffee mixture into the oil mixture. Stir the solution with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir until the mixture becomes thick like honey.
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9
Pour the soap solution into a plastic container. Place the lid on the container, and wrap it in a towel to insulate the soap. Allow it to set for 48 hours.
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10
Remove the towel from the plastic container. The soap needs to be hard. If it appears soft, remove the lid and allow it to set for an additional 24 hours. If the soap appears hard, remove it from the container by turning the plastic container over onto the wax paper.
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11
Cut the biodegradable soap into bars. Use a knife to cut the soap easily by running the knife under hot water.
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12
Allow the soap to cure for three to four weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Lye is caustic. Always pour it in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
References
- Photo Credit soap image by ivan kmit from Fotolia.com
