Re making soap

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simpleman

simpleman

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Has anybody ever took old used soap bars and melted them down to make a regular size soap bar? I've heard it can be done just not sure how, or if it can really be done.
Next, does anybody make lye soap, if so, how? My Grandmother made it but I was to stupid at the time to watch and learn!
 
I figure in just screening wood ash for most soap needs, I will experiment til I get it right. we had a soap discussion here quiet a while ago,
Here is the big search https://www.homesteadingforum.org/search/82059/?page=3&q=soap+making&o=relevance
more relevant to your question https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532132
And one more https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532137
https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532137ore
more https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532028

now the disclaimer, these may be parts of the same thread, I didn't look that deep.
 
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Tirediron said:
I figure in just screening wood ash for most soap needs, I will experiment til I get it right. we had a soap discussion here quiet a while ago,
Here is the big search https://www.homesteadingforum.org/search/82059/?page=3&q=soap+making&o=relevance
more relevant to your question https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532132
And one more https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532137
https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532137ore
more https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532028

now the disclaimer, these may be parts of the same thread, I didn't look that deep.
Click to expand...
Appreciate it, I looked, and even used the search bar, but got no returns. Maybe I worded it wrong? I put in "making soap". Tried just soap, but got soap operas! Lol
Thanks, I'll view the ones you gave me!
 
Sometimes, google is useful. The syntax for a website search is:

making soap site:www.homesteadingforum.org

Give that query to google and it will search the listed site for the terms.
 
I think this time it could have been the right words, but the search engine didn't like the order.
 
simpleman said:
Has anybody ever took old used soap bars and melted them down to make a regular size soap bar?
Click to expand...
Every time a bar gets small, I weld it to the top of a new bar.
I never end up with a sliver stuck to the soap dish. :thumbs:
I always keep 6 months+ worth in the cabinet.
Soap is just not that expensive. I am not working for 3 hours to make $4 of soap.
 
Supervisor42 said:
Every time a bar gets small, I weld it to the top of a new bar.
I never end up with a sliver stuck to the soap dish. :thumbs:
I always keep 6 months+ worth in the cabinet.
Soap is just not that expensive. I am not working for 3 hours to make $4 of soap.
Click to expand...
I have several large packages put back, but still keep the old ones, just never know!
Also another thing for my Wife to complain about me keeping!😸😸
 
You could grate the slivers, then roll them in a ball. Husband does what Supervisor does, with his Irish Spring. Or you can grate the slivers, stir them into hot water, make a liquid soap. I'm looking for one of those antique soap baskets...they are like a small wire cage with a handle, that you put a bar of soap in, like a bar of castille soap, and run it under water for soap to do the dishes with.
 
Amish Heart said:
You could grate the slivers, then roll them in a ball. Husband does what Supervisor does, with his Irish Spring. Or you can grate the slivers, stir them into hot water, make a liquid soap. I'm looking for one of those antique soap baskets...they are like a small wire cage with a handle, that you put a bar of soap in, like a bar of castille soap, and run it under water for soap to do the dishes with.
Click to expand...
Well dang, I use Irish Spring also!
Soap basket sounds like a cool thing! Next time the Wife and I can get out antique shopping, I will look for one for ya! Hoping to go next month when they have a big Antique festival down the road!
I'll try the grating thing also, Thanks!
 
Tirediron said:
I figure in just screening wood ash for most soap needs, I will experiment til I get it right. we had a soap discussion here quiet a while ago,
Here is the big search https://www.homesteadingforum.org/search/82059/?page=3&q=soap+making&o=relevance
more relevant to your question https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532132
And one more https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532137
https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532137ore
more https://www.homesteadingforum.org/threads/making-soap.3266/page-3#post-532028

now the disclaimer, these may be parts of the same thread, I didn't look that deep.
Click to expand...
Our threads are being deleted!! 🙁
 
I sewed cloth bags out of white T shirt material with a draw string closure that were a bit bigger than a bar of soap.. I would put the left over slivers in the bag and use for an ...after work... shower product...

I also used the bags for coffee grounds in the big stainless steel coffee pot I used on the wood fired HOBO stove... Turn the bag inside out, rinse off coffee grounds, let dry, reuse.. They would turn a bit dark color, but that didn't matter..
 
When I had a sliver of soap left that was too small to lather properly I’d dig out a new bar to shower with. I’d make sure both the bar and the sliver would get good and wet then I’d press them together. By the time I took my next shower they would have dried and welded together. Lather, rinse, repeat, with the next sliver.
 
If you cannot find your posts, you may click on your member name in the upper right hand corner of the page. Your user control panel will open. Then you can click on Your Content.

1716441929313.png


You can also use the search feature, the topic and your member name and search.
 
Swing said:
If you cannot find your posts, you may click on your member name in the upper right hand corner of the page. Your user control panel will open. Then you can click on Your Content.

View attachment 152856

You can also use the search feature, the topic and your member name and search.
Click to expand...
Gone = gone. All of them.:(
(except posts where I joked about it in the chat threads)
 
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We save up almost done bars of soap and the soap we get from hotels. Once we have a collection, we grind them up in a food processor. Then, with a little water, the soap-burger is melted in the microwave or a double boiler. Once liquified, the soap-cream is poured into molds that are just recycled plastic food containers that are the right size. The soap is then dried for a month or so into solids bars.
 
Has anybody ever took old used soap bars and melted them down to make a regular size soap bar? I've heard it can be done just not sure how, or if it can really be done.
Click to expand...


plop the soap in water...let it get soft..then squeeze them together in ball...wash ya self
 
Cabin Fever said:
We save up almost done bars of soap and the soap we get from hotels. Once we have a collection, we grind them up in a food processor. Then, with a little water, the soap-burger is melted in the microwave or a double boiler. Once liquified, the soap-cream is poured into molds that are just recycled plastic food containers that are the right size. The soap is then dried for a month or so into solids bars.
Click to expand...
I just happened to have a old food processor I was about to throw away! Thanks!! 👍 👍
 
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