The urge to "go green" and to give handmade gifts has brought a heightened interest in handmade items. Coconut oil soaps is one of these items. Those who want to make things themselves so that they know what is in it and that there is no unnecessary waste are big proponents of making their own soaps. There are several recipes and methods for making soap, but all are pretty similar.
Good soaps have high fatty contents. They are made from lye, fats, and scents, as well as color. Different concentration of fat, called superfat, make the different consistencies of soap. The higher percentage of superfat make a higher quality of conditioning soap. Coconut, being considered the best of all fats, as a concentration of 20% superfat. The closer that percentage gets to 20% in other fats, the better the quality.
Due to the handling of hot oils, and lye, which is dangerous for skin damage, making soap is not to be taken lightly. It must be approached with care, taking recommended procedures. Gloves, though not necessary, are a good idea in pouring hot oils and in mixing the lye and oils. A good thermometer, and a special scale designed for accurately weighing the oils, are a good idea.
It is recommended that you use dedicated materials and equipment for your soap making. The main reason is that it is more convenient to keep it all together and to not have to do a thorough washing like you would have to do to reuse these tools for something else. You can usually find the tools, even the suggested crock pot, at yard sales and thrift stores. Items should be glass, stainless steel, or crockery.
Essential tools include a stainless steel pot or crock pot. And old electric crock pot is excellent. A digital scale is needed to weigh the ingredients so as not to make the soap too oily or too harsh. Glass or plastic cups and bowls are needed to divide the oils and heat them to a certain temperature and hold them. A stick blender is safest for mixing the lye and oils. A metal and a wooden spoon and a rubber spatula are also needed. Some sort of soap mold, or waxed cardboard cartons such as milk comes in. Beautiful, decorative silicon molds are a great added tool, but not required.
There are a few safety rules that must be followed due to the caustic lye, and accidents can happen. Gloves and safety eyewear is essential. Also, having a large bottle of vinegar at hand is important. The vinegar neutralizes the lye in case it gets splashed on the person or any belongings. Due to these safety issues, it is not really intended for children, although with strict attention it could be done.
You can make your signature mark with colors and scents. Essential oils can add scents. For coloring, use dyes, but try to make them pastel so not as much dye is required, which can change the consistency. Strong scents not only can change the consistency, but can irritate the skin. Also, many people object to strong scents.
Soap making is a very enjoyable hobby which is inexpensive and doesn't require much to pursue it in the way of tools and equipment. The oils, also, are very inexpensive. All tools and equipment are reusable and the colors and scents are a negligible amount. Even the silicon molds are relatively inexpensive, and can be added one at a time as funds become available.
Good soaps have high fatty contents. They are made from lye, fats, and scents, as well as color. Different concentration of fat, called superfat, make the different consistencies of soap. The higher percentage of superfat make a higher quality of conditioning soap. Coconut, being considered the best of all fats, as a concentration of 20% superfat. The closer that percentage gets to 20% in other fats, the better the quality.
Due to the handling of hot oils, and lye, which is dangerous for skin damage, making soap is not to be taken lightly. It must be approached with care, taking recommended procedures. Gloves, though not necessary, are a good idea in pouring hot oils and in mixing the lye and oils. A good thermometer, and a special scale designed for accurately weighing the oils, are a good idea.
It is recommended that you use dedicated materials and equipment for your soap making. The main reason is that it is more convenient to keep it all together and to not have to do a thorough washing like you would have to do to reuse these tools for something else. You can usually find the tools, even the suggested crock pot, at yard sales and thrift stores. Items should be glass, stainless steel, or crockery.
Essential tools include a stainless steel pot or crock pot. And old electric crock pot is excellent. A digital scale is needed to weigh the ingredients so as not to make the soap too oily or too harsh. Glass or plastic cups and bowls are needed to divide the oils and heat them to a certain temperature and hold them. A stick blender is safest for mixing the lye and oils. A metal and a wooden spoon and a rubber spatula are also needed. Some sort of soap mold, or waxed cardboard cartons such as milk comes in. Beautiful, decorative silicon molds are a great added tool, but not required.
There are a few safety rules that must be followed due to the caustic lye, and accidents can happen. Gloves and safety eyewear is essential. Also, having a large bottle of vinegar at hand is important. The vinegar neutralizes the lye in case it gets splashed on the person or any belongings. Due to these safety issues, it is not really intended for children, although with strict attention it could be done.
You can make your signature mark with colors and scents. Essential oils can add scents. For coloring, use dyes, but try to make them pastel so not as much dye is required, which can change the consistency. Strong scents not only can change the consistency, but can irritate the skin. Also, many people object to strong scents.
Soap making is a very enjoyable hobby which is inexpensive and doesn't require much to pursue it in the way of tools and equipment. The oils, also, are very inexpensive. All tools and equipment are reusable and the colors and scents are a negligible amount. Even the silicon molds are relatively inexpensive, and can be added one at a time as funds become available.
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Get an overview of the things to consider when purchasing soap and view our selection of coconut oil soaps at http://www.ascsoapworks.com/blog/coconut-oil-in-soaps now.
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