HOW TO MAKE REAL SOAP
EQUIPMENT:
.01g scale
large glass bowls
thermometer
large spoons
large stock pot
plastic bags
soap mold - search web for inspiration
parchment paper
hand blender/mixer
spatulas
blanket/towel
WEIGH EVERYTHING EXTREMELY CAREFULLY. A SMALL ERROR CAN RUIN YOUR BATCH
makes 12x 4oz bars
14oz tallow
10oz olive oil
8oz coconut oil
4.1oz sodium hydroxide (lye)
12.2oz distilled water
1. Combine all the fats and oils in the stock pot over medium low heat until melted and uniform consistency is achieved. Remove from heat and cool to between 100-110F
2. Safety first: goggles, gloves, long sleeves/pants. Mix the lye and the water, stir until dissolved. It will be hot from the chemical reaction. Allow to cool to between 100-110F. If the oils and lye are not cooled to the same range, you can fill your sink with the hottest water from the tap to raise the temperature again.
3. Line the mold with parchment paper
4. When both lye and fats/oils are between 100-110F, carefully pour the lye water into the pot of fats/oils. Using the blender or mixer, mix for 1-2 minutes and then let rest for 4-5 minutes. Repeat mixing and resting until a thin trace is achieved; you will know you have reached trace when the mixture is still a thin liquid, but a spoonful of it dribbled back in leaves a visible trail in the mixture. If the trail is raised from the surface and the mixture is thickening, you've gone a little too far, pour into your mold immediately. If it's as thick as pudding, you're way over. If this happens, don't worry, the batch isn't ruined.
5. Pour mixture into mold and cover with a lid, cutting board, or similar. Insulate it with the blanket/towel. You may need to use the spatula if your trace is too thick.
6. After 24 hours, remove the soap from the mold. If it seems too soft when trying to remove it, wait another 24 hours. Cut the soap into approximately 12 equally sized bars. Cure the bars for 4-6 weeks, turning at least once per week.
