Homemade Liquid Soap Guide: Easy and Safe Step-by-Step

Do you want to make your own hand soap in a fun and safe way? It’s easier than you think! With ingredients that are easy to find, you can create a liquid soap that keeps your home clean and fresh. Follow these simple steps for amazing results.

Hot Process Method for Liquid Soap

Ingredients

• Olive oil

• Coconut oil

• Castor oil

• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

• Distilled water

• Glycerin

• Essential oils (optional for fragrance)

Steps

1. Prepare your workspace:
   Make sure the area is clean and well-ventilated.

2. Measure the oils:
   Use a digital scale to weigh olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil accurately. Place them in a slow cooker and heat to 165°F (74°C).

3. Prepare the lye solution:
   Carefully add potassium hydroxide to the distilled water, stirring until fully dissolved.

4. Mix oils and lye solution:
   Use an immersion blender to combine the mixture, adding glycerin, until thickened.

5. Cook the soap:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until the mixture passes through the different stages of saponification.

6. Check soap readiness:
   Use a pH strip (should read 6-10) or test the soap by dissolving a small amount in hot water. If the water remains clear, the soap is ready.

7. Cool and dilute:
   Allow the soap to cool slightly, then gradually add distilled water while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.

8. Add fragrance:
   Add essential oils if desired and mix well.

9. Storage and use:
   Pour the soap into clean bottles and let it cool and thicken before use.

Safety Equipment

• Nitrile gloves: Protect hands from caustic chemicals.

• Safety goggles: Protect eyes from splashes.

• Long-sleeved clothing: Preferably cotton to protect skin.

• Apron: To shield your body from spills.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Separation of Ingredients

• Cause: Oils separating from water.

• Solution: Ensure thorough emulsification using an immersion blender. If separation occurs, reheat and mix again, or add a small amount of emulsifier to stabilize.

2. Soap not firming

• Cause: Incorrect oil-to-lye ratio or insufficient curing time.

• Solution: Double-check measurements and allow 4–6 weeks for proper curing.

3. Soap too thin

• Cause: Excess water in the mixture.

• Solution: Reduce water gradually to achieve a thicker consistency and better lather.