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One Ash Homestead

Simple Soap from One Ash Homestead

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If you haven’t ever made your own soap, you may think it’s a really complicated process.  I know that’s what I thought.  I was afraid of the lye, didn’t understand how easy it was to be creative, and felt like I was learning chemistry. Then a friend showed me how she makes it, and after some alterations to make the recipe my own, I came up with this simple soap.

Once I had my recipe I have had so much fun creating soap.  It’s more than just making it- once you get to know this simple recipe, you can change your additives and make all sorts of creations for yourself, gifts or for selling.  When you get started the ideas are truly endless-  add seasonal scents, different liquids, and all sorts of herbs to make your soap truly your own.  We have used this soap around here for years, and I always have fun trying new scents and additives.

The trick to soap making?  Just get started and don’t be afraid!  Have fun, and enjoy! 

 

Simple Soap from One Ash Farm Recipes
(Remember to reference part one and part two of the soap series for tips on Homemade Soap Making)
 
2 cups of liquid~  this can be things like Chamomile Tea, pureed cucumbers mixed with 
some water or green tea, or goat milk.
6 ounces of food grade Lye~ weigh this out on your Digital Scale
8 ounces Olive Oil
16 ounces Coconut Oil 
1 1/2 lb. (24 ounces) shortening (yes, the kind you cook with)
Essential Oils or Soap Fragrance Oil
Any other additives (cornmeal, dried herbs, oatmeal, etc.)
 
– Combine the Liquid and the Lye and stir until mixed.  The mixture will begin to get hot from the Lye. Make sure to be wearing your apron and protective goggles.  And don’t splash!
– Slowly add the oils to the liquid/lye mixture, and using your stick blender mix thoroughly until saponification occurs.  (this is when the mixture begins to thick and you can see a trace, or trail, through the soap)
– Quickly add your Essential Oils (generally 2-3 ounces for this size batch of soap), and any additives. Make sure they are well blended using your stick blender.  *Do not over mix, and don’t let the soap harden.  
– Pour the completed mixture into your pre-greased soap mold. 
– This is where you can design the top of your soap bars.  Smooth the mixture, or give it some peaks like when you ice a cake.  You can also lightly press in some dried herbs like lavender or rosemary.
– Once the mixture is firm enough, turn your mold upside down onto a parchment or wax paper covered surface. (for me this is usually overnight since we live in a humid area). Utilizing a knife or other tool, cut the soap into the size and shape you want for your bars.
– Leave the soap for about 2 weeks, rotating occasionally so it dries all around. 
– After that you will have your own beautiful bars of soap to give or enjoy!  
 
Have fun making your own soap!
 

 

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Comments

  2. Lee Ann Perez says

    Great question! I think the most common is probably lavender. It's calming and relaxing. I like to mix lavender and rosemary or lemon. You can also try things like lemon or orange to make a soap that is more invigorating. Peppermint is a popular winter scent. And for men a cedar, pine or sandalwood is always good. If it's the first time you are making soap I would suggest you stay simple, but as you progress you can experiment with the different scents and combinations. If you have any other questions let me know! Thanks for the comment, and for reading our blog.

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  3. Deb B says

    …just make sure to always add the lye to the water, NOT the water to the lye! Could be dangerous!
    Just found you about a month ago, love your blog and all the good info you have here!…now I’m having fun reading all your hints, tips and just plain good reading-thanks!

    Reply

  5. Jackie says

    I can’t wait to try this. SOOOO simple. So many recipes talk about the liquid and oils being the same temperature, which seems over complicated after reading yours. When you say pre greased mold, what do you grease it with and does it leave residue on the soap?

    Reply

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