Homemade soap is not for the absent-minded or for those who add a dash of this and a pinch of that when they're making a recipe. Soap is based on the chemical interaction of fats, lye and water. It takes patience and following a precise recipe. When successful, the resulting soap is creamy, lathers well and smells wonderful. Vary the scent with different essential oils.
Toddler Talk: The Cottage
Toddler Talk: DIY Train SetLye Mixture
Step 1
Put on the goggles and rubber gloves. This is very important because lye burns.
Step 2
Fill the pitcher with 8 oz. distilled water.
Step 3
Weigh the glass container. Add enough lye so the container plus the lye equals the weight of the container plus 3.35 oz. For example: If the glass weighs 4 oz., the weight of both the glass and the lye should be 7.35 oz. The weight has to be exact.
Step 4
Add the lye to the water very slowly and carefully. Avoid splashing. Stir. The water will turn cloudy and then clear. The lye solution will heat up. It may even start bubbling. Stir until the lye is completely dissolved.
Step 5
Set aside to cool in a safe place until the temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
