Homemade soap articles

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dademoss

What I specialized in is oboslete
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😂😂😂😂😂😂 In the crockpot!?!?!
We’ve started buying natural soap and won’t go back. It’s on the list to make our own. What we buy now costs a small fortune
Hot process doesn’t have to cure for weeks. It can be used the next day.
 
How is the "hot process" different from the standard? I have not researched it as yet.
Hot process just means cooked which is the crockpot. It speeds the saponification process (reaction between lye and oils). Cold process doesn’t involve cooking but then you have to let it sit for 6-12 weeks depending upon recipe in order for the process to occur. If you try to use it too soon, the lye will burn you.
 
Hot process just means cooked which is the crockpot. It speeds the saponification process (reaction between lye and oils). Cold process doesn’t involve cooking but then you have to let it sit for 6-12 weeks depending upon recipe in order for the process to occur. If you try to use it too soon, the lye will burn you.
I am soooooo interested in this magic
 
Hot process just means cooked which is the crockpot. It speeds the saponification process (reaction between lye and oils). Cold process doesn’t involve cooking but then you have to let it sit for 6-12 weeks depending upon recipe in order for the process to occur. If you try to use it too soon, the lye will burn you.

Understood the process but good to know there is a method to speed it up. Are there time charts available anywhere or discussion? As you said, some can take weeks with "standard" methods.
When curing meats its done with time and cure based on weight and such. Just curious if there is something similar.
 
Understood the process but good to know there is a method to speed it up. Are there time charts available anywhere or discussion? As you said, some can take weeks with "standard" methods.
When curing meats its done with time and cure based on weight and such. Just curious if there is something similar.
I’m not sure about a chart - I’m sure a google search. I have a couple books I can dig into a little but I don’t make cold process so don’t have it memorized.
 
I’m not sure about a chart - I’m sure a google search. I have a couple books I can dig into a little but I don’t make cold process so don’t have it memorized.

Too late for me to dig tonight but now that I know there is an additional option I will look at it further. Thanks for the info. :)
 
Curing soap means it's drying out. When it stops losing weight it's cured. It also mellows some in the process.

Saponification should happen within 24-48 hours. Then it should be safe to touch. It's usable then but most people prefer to let it cure.
With hot process- cooking it, you should be able to touch it, and technically use it as soon as it's done. I use the pot scrapings to see how well it lathers and works. Hot process still needs to cure. (Unless of course you are like me and use some right away.)
 
I love soap. TJ max has a lot of different kinds, cranberry , pine scent, I also order from Cobble Hill, goat soap, would love to make my own...
 
Do not forget the sponge for home made soap:
Luffa aegyptiaca
Common Name(s):

Phonetic SpellingLOOF-fuh eh-jip-TEE-ah-kuhDescription
Luffah sponge gourd (also spelled loofah), is commonly used as a bath sponge, but young fruits that are less than 7 inches long and green can be eaten as squash or fresh cucumber substitute. As common as loofas are, most people don’t realize that they are made from a plant, and that plant can be grown right here in North Carolina! These cucurbit vegetables need at least 6 hours of full sun, well-drained soil, good air circulation, and a good, sturdy trellis to thrive. Mature luffas can be harvested in the fall when the gourds are tan, light and dry, and the seeds shake inside when rattled. To make your own “loofa,” simply soak the fruit in warm water for 5-20 minutes until the skin can be easily stripped off. When the skin is off, remove the seeds and excess pulp and rinse in a 10% chlorine bleach solution to lighten the sponges.
 
Does anyone have some recommendations for books on soap making?
The more primitive the methods in the book the better!
I already make hot process soap but am looking to expand my reference library a bit. So actual physical books I can order..not online articles, videos or instructions.
Thanks
 
@Rebecca I have two books on natural soap making, can't seem to locate the other one... but I know it's also covered in one of the FoxFire books I have. I started buying books in the early 90's on just about every primitive skill I could think of. I know some of my book are no longer in print so you might check used book dealers.

"The Natural Soap Book" Making Herbal and Vegetable-based Soaps by Susan Miller Cavitch
 
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Thanks so much for the suggestion Peanut!
I love the Firefox books, I think I am missing only one of the series now. I do usually keep an eye on used book sellers. My area is currently in "lockdown" and books are classed as non essential :dunno: so its all online shopping if I want them at the moment.
 
Anytime I want information on vintage crafts I go to Gutenburg.org (it's the entire Gutenburg library).
Down load your book and edit out what doesn't appeal to you and print out just what you want. I save the books in their entirety in my library of libraries. I have back-ups on an external hard drive that is kept in a HEMP resistant triple envelope.
 
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