Instruction Manual for DIY Cold Process Soap Creation for Novices
DIY Cold Process Soap: Making Natural Bars with Deer Tallow (and More!)
Ready to ditch store-bought soaps full of harsh chemicals and additives? Embrace the art of soap making, a self-sufficient skill for a more natural and chemical-free lifestyle. Here's how to create gentle, homemade soap using deer tallow and other simple ingredients.
My soap making adventure began as I questioned the ingredients in my food and realized the same care was needed for what I apply on my skin. Store-bought soaps were a no-go, so I set out to learn the craft myself. And let's face it, homemade soap looks cooler on a bathroom shelf!
Don't be Scared of Lye!Yes, lye is caustic, but it's all under control with a few precautions and common sense. While it may seem intimidating, with the right safety measures in place, you'll find it's more manageable than you think.
Why Make Soap From Scratch?Customizing your soap ingredients means avoiding synthetic additives and fragrances that can irritate your skin. And the options are limitless! From different fats to additives like shea butter and beeswax, you'll love experimenting with different combinations. Next time, swap the deer tallow for lard or grass-fed beef tallow, or consider other fats like olive oil or coconut oil.
Enjoy the Benefits of Cold Process SoapBy crafting your soap, you'll have peace of mind knowing exactly what's on your skin. Plus, it's a versatile skill you can share with your family and friends.
Get Started with This Easy Recipe
- 10.72 ounces Distilled Water
- 3.91 ounces Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
- 16 ounces Deer Tallow
- 4 ounces Coconut Oil
- 3.2 ounces Sweet Almond Oil
- 5 ounces Olive Oil
- .5 ounces Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- .5 ounces Cinnamon Essential Oil
Safety First- Wear rubber gloves, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toed shoes, and goggles when handling lye.- Keep lye and soap-making equipment out of reach of children.- Ensure your workspace is well-organized and safe.
How It's Done1. Prepare your mold by lining it with freezer paper, shiny side up.2. Measure water and lye separately, then carefully mix the lye with the water.3. Melt the oils together in a pot at around 100-110°F (49°C).4. Monitor temperatures while waiting for both mixtures to cool to around 100-110°F (49°C).5. Blend the lye solution with the oils using an immersion blender, aiming for a trace (pudding-like consistency).6. Stir in essential oils.7. Pour the soap mixture into the mold and allow it to set for 24-36 hours.8. Unmold, cut, and cure the soap for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dry place.
Gear Up for More DIY Projects
- Homemade Comfrey Ointment
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- Homemade Goat Milk Lotion
Happy soap making! 💪🚪✨🌿✨🚪💪
Connect with me for more tips, inspiration, and updates! Follow me on Facebook at* The Rustic Elk and on Instagram @TheRusticElk. Let's support and encourage each other on this soap-making adventure!*
Incorporating a natural, homemade lifestyle, you can expand your DIY projects to include home-and-garden additions such as herbal infused oils or homemade comfrey ointment, complementing your self-sufficient soap making art. With your soap-making skills, you might even embark on creating soap-inspired decorations for your home, showcasing a harmonious blend of home-and-garden lifestyle and DIY cold process soap crafting.
