Homemade soap

I have no idea, but I'd like to see if anyone else haws any ideas... I've been wanting to make my own soap for ages, but never got around to getting supplies. I even have a book called The Complete Soapmaker, i think it's solid soaps though, which I like.

Also bath salts... I assume for that though you could just get some sea salts and/or epsom salts or something and mix in the oil?

I make my own soaps & shampoo, although I don't often make liquid. Here's a good, basic recipe for liquid soap from one of my books:

1 oz potassium hydroxide
2.5 oz distilled water
3.8 oz. coconut oil (not hydrogenated)
2.5 oz distilled water
1/2 tsp essential oil

1. Dissolve potassium hydroxide in the 2.5 oz of water - set aside and let it cool to between 80-100 degrees F

2. heat coconut oil and 2.5 oz of water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan (not aluminum - glass is safest) to 180 degrees F - globs will be suspended in the water.

3. Remove from heat and gently drizzle the potassium hydroxide solution into the oil and water solution. Stir gently.

4. Re-heat the mixture until the temp. nears 180 degrees, stir constantly but gently - the mixture will slowly thicken. Do not let the soap get above 180 degrees.

5. After ~15 minutes pour the gel-like mixture into a heat resistant bowl and let it solidify & cool for 24 hours. This is your soap base.

6. anytime after 24 hours but within 8-12 weeks, scoop half the base into the heavy bottomed saucepan and add 1/2 cup water. Don't stir, but scrunch the soap into the water (a rubber spatula works well) until the soap and water have formed a uniform texture.

7. Strain into a glass container (to remove any bits, chunks or lather that may have formed) and enjoy! Save th remainder of the base until you need more soap - no preservatives mean it doesn't last as long once it's finished.

Good Luck! In my experience, making your own soap is much easier than it sounds. This is a basic, one-oil recipe, but it you're someone who reacts to pure coconut oil, let me know and I'll send you a recipe for a hybrid soap with other oils mixed in.

Oh, my goodness! I read the title of this thread as "Homemade soup." Then the first words I saw when I opened the thread were "essential oils." I am sorry to say I don't know anything about soap making, but it is something I would love to learn.

OMG Me too I was all excited cuz I could share how my ham and bean soup making went. LOL

When sis had her business, she could get a clear unscented liquid soap. I'll ask her what and where she got it.

I miss her mint julep soap. Smelled good and very refreshing.

I make my own soap and bath salts and creams however, no liquid soap, so I may try that recipe as well.

Coooolio.

I have no idea, but I think it would be neat to learn how! I have always been interested to learn how to make the soap bars you see in the bath shops! All the different scents and types of soap available.

Good Luck, Michelle!

I've never tried making soap, but my DIL does it quite often and hers is wonderful stuff. She's never made liquid soap though.

Please post your pictures....I'd love to see your finished products! Good luck!