How To Make Soap

There is absolutely no reason why someone can't learn how to make soap today. With an abundance of information available on the Internet and ingredients readily available it is easier than you think to learn. All it takes is a strong desire to learn and an interest in this hobby.

Through researching various techniques, I have learned that many people resist getting started making soap because they feel that it is too much work or that they pretty much have to learn to make a good batch of soap through trial and error. They give up out of frustration.

While there are no guarantees that the soap that you make will come out perfectly every time, there are tips and easy tricks that you can learn to lessen if not eliminate the frustration of not being able to make a good batch of soap.

As a matter of fact, once your learn the correct soap making techniques, the sky is the limit as far as what you can do with the end result. For instance, you could give the soaps as gifts, sell them online or at craft fairs and so on. You can even sell them to boutiques or novelty stores.

Think about it, you could even start your own business as so many others successfully have. Your success can only be limited by your desire to succeed. So, give it a try, you may be surprised at how easy it is to learn how to make soap! You may also make some money in the process.

To your soap making success!

Lorraine Cote
Check it out here: http://howto-makesoap.blogspot.com

Here's a list of what to do when learning how to make soap. First of all, there are two processes that can be used in making soap. First is what is called the "cold" process and secondly you have the "hot" process.

This is a basic overview on what to do in the process of making your own soap. These are good points to start from.

Here's what you should be doing.
Decide if you will use the cold or hot process to make your soap

Assemble the utensils you will be using

Find a space to work in that is well lighted and ventilated

Organize the ingredients that you will be using

Choose your molds

Begin the soap making process

Cleanup and storage

Once you decide which process you will use, either the cold or hot method, you will be ready to begin.

You will be using various utensils to make soap. First you need a pot of some sort. It is important to use only stainless steel or ceramic.

When choosing a space to work in, the kitchen is the most logical place unless you are lucky enough to have a place where all your crafting is done. Clear a good size space to assemble the things you need and cover the surface you will be working on.

Gather the ingredients that you will need to make soap. Make sure to do your homework here and aside from the basic chemicals needed, choose additives such as fragrances that are "skin friendly."

Choose your mold according to what you want the end product to look like. There is a multitude of molds available to make soap. The new silicone ones are great because they already have a "non-stick" surface and once your soap hardens, it will pop out easily. They also come in may shapes, which is great for making all sorts of novelty looking soaps.

You are now ready to begin the process of making soap. You may have to do a few batches until you get the results you are looking for but you have to start somewhere and it's a great primer to learn how to make soap.
In future articles, I will explore the hot and cold process in depth as well as outline the actual steps for making soap.

After you make a batch of soap, don't forget that cleanup is important. Washing your utensils in good old hot soapy water will do. Make sure to store all your chemicals and additives in a safe place until the next time they are needed.

Lorraine Cote
http://www.howto-makesoap.blogspot.com

When first starting out and just learning how to make soap, it is important to make sure that you buy the correct tools and supplies. While you don't have to spend a fortune on these there are a few essential tools that you will need.

Basic Supplies
Depending which process used in making your soap (the cold or hot processes), the tools that you will use will differ. I will be sharing just the basic tools needed regardless of what process you will choose.

Since you will be working with harsh chemicals, it is important to choose the right material of tools. In other words, because lye is used in the making of soap, it should never be mixed in containers that are made of metals except for stainless steel. If mixed in other metal type containers, it will degrade the metal and embed fragments of that metal into your soap.

Material Safe To Use in Making Soap
Always choose mixing containers, molds, bowls, pots, stirring utensils etc. It is also agreeable to use tools and containers made from ceramic and glass. Heavy plastic is also an acceptable material to use. Remember to use the right materials for the job.

Basic Tools Needed
You will need:
A container to mix your "recipe" in. Remember that it should be stainless steel, ceramic, glass or heavy plastic.

A pot to heat ingredients in (if you use the cold process, you will use the microwave). Remember that the pot should only be stainless steel.

Stirring utensil (again, use stainless or plastic).

A Spatula (use a heavy rubber one with a plastic or wooden handle). This helps to scrape the mixture out of the mixing container easily.

A ladle (use stainless steel) to scoop the mixture into the molds.

Candy or meat thermometers (you will need 2). You will use one when checking the temperature of your fat mixture and one when checking the lye mixture.

Measuring utensils such as measuring spoons and you will need a good scale.

Safety equipment such as gloves, pot holders, covering for your work space, eye goggles and covering for your clothes.

Some type of soap mold. Make sure to choose a mold appropriate to the process you are using for making your soap.

Quick Tip
You can use various mixing containers that have a pouring spout to pour into your molds. It is always important to use the right tools and equipment when learning how to make soap.

To your soap making success!
Lorraine Cote