@Dani
Crockpot Soap
12.8 oz olive oil (B grade not extra virgin)
3.2 oz coconut oil
6 oz water
2.2 oz lye (NaOH)
*essential oil and grapefruit seed extract - these are optional. The GSE is to help preserve shelf life. Ours doesn't last that long
On low heat in crockpot, begin melting coconut oil. In glass jar, put water. Take outside or at least near an open window, then
add lye to water and stir with wooden spoon. When dissolved and aired out, bring back inside. Once coconut oil is melted, add olive oil and stir together. By this time, the lye water is a good temperature. Use stick blender to mix to trace. Leave crockpot on low, covered for 1 hour. When hour is up, stir in essential oils and GSE if desired. Pour into mold. Wrap or cover with old bath towel and leave it over night. The next day, unmold &/or cut. It is safe to use at this point or leave it for a couple days to dry a bit.
***MY NOTES: I have a picante salsa jar I use because it is kinda >< shaped which makes it easier to hang onto. I measured the water the first time and put it in the jar then used a permanent marker to draw a line on the jar so I don't have to measure in a different cup each time I make soap. It is very important to add the lye to the water and not the other way around. The chemical reaction between the two creates its own heat and an odor. I use a paint stick to stir instead of ruining a good wooden spoon. They do wear out over time so then I just get a new paint stick. It's important not to use metals. Trace is when it begins to thicken - they say just pudding-like. It is very important to accurately measure the main ingredients (for the saponification process to occur properly.) But I don't measure the essential oils. I would say a generous 1/4 tsp. of essential oils - maybe a skosh more. I don't like my soap over scented but like it to have some scent (if that makes sense.) With the GSE - just 5 drops for this recipe. For this recipe, my favorite mold is a 1 quart milk or cream carton. The second day, you can just tear it away and it makes 5 nice sized bars. The reason for wrapping it in a towel is because you don't want it to cool too quickly.
I have and use other recipes too, but this is my go-to.
If I have skipped something or if something isn't clear, just holler.