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Tip Store: Crafts & Hobbies: Soapmaking
Gardener's Soap
Do you love gardening (or know someone who does)? Do you have a lot of coffee grounds to compost each week (or know someone who does)? Then take those used coffee grounds into an amazing gift for yourself (or the other gardeners in your life) and turn them into Gardener's Soap.
This soap uses recycled coffee grounds (from the pods my machine uses) as the "scrubber" element, leaving dirty hands, elbows and knees (yes, I am a very messy gardener) clean and soft.
You will need:
500g block of clear melt-n-pour soap base
3 - 4 used and dried coffee pods
A little isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle
Soap mould (I used an old block cake tin lined with clingwrap)
A 2 litre Pyrex (or other microwave safe) bowl
A thermometer
Step 1. Prepare your soap mould. I used and old block cake tin that was lined with clingfilm. You could use silicone cake or cup cake moulds, they won't need lining.
Step 2. Cut the block of soap base into 1cm cubes. Drop them into a Pyrex bowl.
Step 3. Microwave on Medium-High for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave another 1 minute and remove from the microwave. Stir continuously until all the soap base has melted. I suggest taking the soap base out of the microwave before it has all melted so the temperature doesn't go above 50 degrees Celsius (if it goes over 50 degrees the soap can become cloudy).
Step 4. Drop the coffee grounds into the bowl and mix. Be sure to stir everything in thoroughly, so the grounds are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Step 5. Pour into the prepared soap mould/s. Use a spatula to scrape every last drop of soap out of the Pyrex dish.
Step 6. Spritz the top of the soap with the rubbing alcohol. This removes the little bubbles that are on the surface and leaves the top of the soap with a nice sheen.
Step 7. Let the soap set overnight. The next day turn it out onto a chopping board, remove the clingwrap and cut into blocks.
This soap uses recycled coffee grounds (from the pods my machine uses) as the "scrubber" element, leaving dirty hands, elbows and knees (yes, I am a very messy gardener) clean and soft.
You will need:
500g block of clear melt-n-pour soap base
3 - 4 used and dried coffee pods
A little isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle
Soap mould (I used an old block cake tin lined with clingwrap)
A 2 litre Pyrex (or other microwave safe) bowl
A thermometer
Step 1. Prepare your soap mould. I used and old block cake tin that was lined with clingfilm. You could use silicone cake or cup cake moulds, they won't need lining.
Step 2. Cut the block of soap base into 1cm cubes. Drop them into a Pyrex bowl.
Step 3. Microwave on Medium-High for 2 minutes. Stir. Microwave another 1 minute and remove from the microwave. Stir continuously until all the soap base has melted. I suggest taking the soap base out of the microwave before it has all melted so the temperature doesn't go above 50 degrees Celsius (if it goes over 50 degrees the soap can become cloudy).
Step 4. Drop the coffee grounds into the bowl and mix. Be sure to stir everything in thoroughly, so the grounds are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Step 5. Pour into the prepared soap mould/s. Use a spatula to scrape every last drop of soap out of the Pyrex dish.
Step 6. Spritz the top of the soap with the rubbing alcohol. This removes the little bubbles that are on the surface and leaves the top of the soap with a nice sheen.
Step 7. Let the soap set overnight. The next day turn it out onto a chopping board, remove the clingwrap and cut into blocks.
Rolled oats aren't just for breakfast. They can be a part of your beauty routine too. You can add them to the bath for a soothing and skin softening soak or you can use this deceptively simple oatmeal soap for the same result. It literally take 5 minutes to make, it's that quick and easy.
To make the soap you will need:
A food processor, blender or coffee grinder
1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cook)
1 large bar of natural soap
A large microwave safe jug
1 tbsp water
Wooden spoon
2 or 3 soap moulds (I use silicone patty pans)
1. Put the rolled oats in the food processor and process in short bursts until you have a coarse powder (you want to be able to see that it is oats, not a fine powder).
2. Grate the soap on the zester side of your grater (or use the grater attachment on your food processor).
3. Put the grated soap into the microwave jug and add the water. Stir. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, watching carefully that it doesn't bubble over. Stir to dissolve the soap. If the soap hasn't completely dissolved microwave another minute and stir
4. Quickly stir the oatmeal into the soap mixture. It will form a thick ball and begin to set almost straight away, so work quickly.
5. Pour the oatmeal soap into the soap moulds. Allow to set for 24 hours. Remove from the moulds and allow to air dry to set completely.
From Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing, 2md May, 2011
To make the soap you will need:
A food processor, blender or coffee grinder
1/2 cup rolled oats (not quick cook)
1 large bar of natural soap
A large microwave safe jug
1 tbsp water
Wooden spoon
2 or 3 soap moulds (I use silicone patty pans)
1. Put the rolled oats in the food processor and process in short bursts until you have a coarse powder (you want to be able to see that it is oats, not a fine powder).
2. Grate the soap on the zester side of your grater (or use the grater attachment on your food processor).
3. Put the grated soap into the microwave jug and add the water. Stir. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, watching carefully that it doesn't bubble over. Stir to dissolve the soap. If the soap hasn't completely dissolved microwave another minute and stir
4. Quickly stir the oatmeal into the soap mixture. It will form a thick ball and begin to set almost straight away, so work quickly.
5. Pour the oatmeal soap into the soap moulds. Allow to set for 24 hours. Remove from the moulds and allow to air dry to set completely.
From Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing, 2md May, 2011
Left Over Soap Bars
Do you see those left over tiny bars of soap you tend to throw away when it becomes too difficult, slippery and too small for your hands in the shower. Well, just dry them off, put in a clean container to keep. I do this with all our left over soaps at home. I have three kids and we go through bars of soap in no time. Before you put them away in containers, make sure to sterilize the left over soap bars with very hot water. Dry and keep in containers. When you have enough left over bars collected, just moisten and wet the bars to mould a new, multi colour, very fragrant soap to use at home. I use the cookie cutters from my kitchen to mould my fun shapes like stars or hearts. It's fun and you'll never throw your left over bars of soap again.
Contributed by Maria Paula Fernandez, 25th January 2011
Contributed by Maria Paula Fernandez, 25th January 2011
Basic Family Soap Recipe
Here is a basic recipe I use for my family... it makes about 4kg of soap.
Ingredients:
1kg Copha (Coconut Oil)
2kg Olive Oil
500g Palm Oil (Yellow Frymasta)
502g Lye (Caustic Soda)
1256g Water
Step 1. Using digital scales measure everything accurately. DO NOT substitute fats because lye/fat ratios are different for the various fats/oils.
Step 2. Melt the fats together over a slow heat then take off stove.
Step 3. Add lye to water, stirring in a well ventilated area. When both mixtures are about 60 degrees Celsius mix together using a stick mixer until trace. At this stage you can add colours, essential oils, other stuff if you want to.
Step 4. Pour into moulds, leave for 24 hours then cut it all up or unmould. This soap is ready to use in about 4 weeks.
NOTE: Only use stainless steel, ceramic and plastic.... the mixture will eat through aluminium.
Contributed by Rose, Kilmore, September 5th 2006
Ingredients:
1kg Copha (Coconut Oil)
2kg Olive Oil
500g Palm Oil (Yellow Frymasta)
502g Lye (Caustic Soda)
1256g Water
Step 1. Using digital scales measure everything accurately. DO NOT substitute fats because lye/fat ratios are different for the various fats/oils.
Step 2. Melt the fats together over a slow heat then take off stove.
Step 3. Add lye to water, stirring in a well ventilated area. When both mixtures are about 60 degrees Celsius mix together using a stick mixer until trace. At this stage you can add colours, essential oils, other stuff if you want to.
Step 4. Pour into moulds, leave for 24 hours then cut it all up or unmould. This soap is ready to use in about 4 weeks.
NOTE: Only use stainless steel, ceramic and plastic.... the mixture will eat through aluminium.
Contributed by Rose, Kilmore, September 5th 2006
Recipe for Castile Soap (pure Olive oil) Cold Process Method
Ingredients:
1475gms Olive oil
198gms Lye (Caustic soda)
567gms water - cold
This makes approximatel 2 kilos. There are heaps of websites for soap making, here's a good one with another recipe: http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/jude/castille.htm
Contributed by Deanne, Werribee, September 2nd 2006
Website: http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/jude/castille.htm
1475gms Olive oil
198gms Lye (Caustic soda)
567gms water - cold
This makes approximatel 2 kilos. There are heaps of websites for soap making, here's a good one with another recipe: http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/jude/castille.htm
Contributed by Deanne, Werribee, September 2nd 2006
Website: http://www.aussiesoapsupplies.com.au/jude/castille.htm
Foolproof Soap Recipe
I do make soap. This recipe is relatively foolproof.
Ingredients:
2 kilos of olive oil - the cheaper the better.
257 grams of caustic soda
Pour about 400 mls of water into a large jug, pour in the caustic soda and stir until its dissolved. Then add more water to make up 800 mls. This will be very hot so take care.
Pour your oil into a large container (I use a 4 litre ice cream container) then pour in the lye mixture.
Use a stick blender and beat the mixture. Beat until the mixture turns to a thick custard texture (which is still pourable).
Get 2 or 3 1-litre tetra milk containers, or any other containers to make up the volume. Pour in the mixture till about 2 cm from the top and put in a safe place. The mixture should get hotter and may even rise so, again take care.
In two or more days tear off the paper and cut into whatever size blocks you want. Let harden for as long as you can - the longer the better.
In this mixture (as you start to beat) you can add about 10 mls of essential oil or dried and powdered mint leaves and add 5 ml peppermint oil and 5 mls spearmint.
You can do the same with basil. Both are very nice.
The plain soap can even be used as a shampoo bar. Rinse with a little apple cider vinegar for a great shine and a great feel.
Contributed by Merinda, Frenchs Forest, September 2nd 2006
Ingredients:
2 kilos of olive oil - the cheaper the better.
257 grams of caustic soda
Pour about 400 mls of water into a large jug, pour in the caustic soda and stir until its dissolved. Then add more water to make up 800 mls. This will be very hot so take care.
Pour your oil into a large container (I use a 4 litre ice cream container) then pour in the lye mixture.
Use a stick blender and beat the mixture. Beat until the mixture turns to a thick custard texture (which is still pourable).
Get 2 or 3 1-litre tetra milk containers, or any other containers to make up the volume. Pour in the mixture till about 2 cm from the top and put in a safe place. The mixture should get hotter and may even rise so, again take care.
In two or more days tear off the paper and cut into whatever size blocks you want. Let harden for as long as you can - the longer the better.
In this mixture (as you start to beat) you can add about 10 mls of essential oil or dried and powdered mint leaves and add 5 ml peppermint oil and 5 mls spearmint.
You can do the same with basil. Both are very nice.
The plain soap can even be used as a shampoo bar. Rinse with a little apple cider vinegar for a great shine and a great feel.
Contributed by Merinda, Frenchs Forest, September 2nd 2006
Tried and True Soap Recipe
I am just about to make a new batch of soap. I have made this recipe before and I still have my last cake on the go. It gets school socks clean and is so hard it doesn't melt in the bath, even if left in water for hours.
I use a gas flame, as it is easy to control.
I put a footstool in front of stove to stand on, as you need to see over the top on the tin bucket.
Put a copper wire across the tin to rest wooden spoon on.
Need a long wooden spoon to stir boiling soap.
Use rubber gloves, eye protection and have some cold water handy in case of burn. Caustic eats the fat in your skin so be very careful not to get any splashed on you. You must wash for ages if you get burned.
Save all the tins from veggies and fruit, and any trays (you can cut the cakes to any size) need to be discarded after soap is set.
Get a tin bucket from a fish shop or restaurant and take 5 lbs (5 x 500g) rendered mutton or beef dripping , 1lb (500g) powdered resin and put in clean tin half filled with water, about 16 pints. Boil for 1/2 hour stirring well. Remove from fire and add 3 tablespoons borax. Then SLOWLY!!! ADD 1LB TIN OF CAUSTIC SODA, ABOUT 1 TABLESPOON, or less AT A TIME AS IT TENDS TO BUBBLE OVER AND IS MIGHTY DANGEROUS AND MIGHT BURN YOU. Then add 1/2 cup kerosene and boil for 2 hours gently on a low flame. When done, pour out into suitable tins and stand for 2 days. Cut bottom and push through. Cut into shapes and allow to dry. Add citronella, rosemary, oatmeal or other herbs, etc if liked.
Contributed by Lynn, Gladstone, August 31st 2006
I use a gas flame, as it is easy to control.
I put a footstool in front of stove to stand on, as you need to see over the top on the tin bucket.
Put a copper wire across the tin to rest wooden spoon on.
Need a long wooden spoon to stir boiling soap.
Use rubber gloves, eye protection and have some cold water handy in case of burn. Caustic eats the fat in your skin so be very careful not to get any splashed on you. You must wash for ages if you get burned.
Save all the tins from veggies and fruit, and any trays (you can cut the cakes to any size) need to be discarded after soap is set.
Get a tin bucket from a fish shop or restaurant and take 5 lbs (5 x 500g) rendered mutton or beef dripping , 1lb (500g) powdered resin and put in clean tin half filled with water, about 16 pints. Boil for 1/2 hour stirring well. Remove from fire and add 3 tablespoons borax. Then SLOWLY!!! ADD 1LB TIN OF CAUSTIC SODA, ABOUT 1 TABLESPOON, or less AT A TIME AS IT TENDS TO BUBBLE OVER AND IS MIGHTY DANGEROUS AND MIGHT BURN YOU. Then add 1/2 cup kerosene and boil for 2 hours gently on a low flame. When done, pour out into suitable tins and stand for 2 days. Cut bottom and push through. Cut into shapes and allow to dry. Add citronella, rosemary, oatmeal or other herbs, etc if liked.
Contributed by Lynn, Gladstone, August 31st 2006
Vanilla and Almond Soap
This soap is great for removing dirt and oil from the skin without drying. Vanilla gives it a delicious fragrance and the ground almonds provide a beautifully textured soap.
Ingredients:
1/3 Cup whole almonds
113.5g Castile bath soap
1/4 Cup distilled water
1 Tablespoon almond extract
1/8 Teaspoon vanilla fragrance oil
Step 1. Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder and set aside.
Step 2. Shred the soap and set aside.
Step 3. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to the boil; then reduce heat to a simmer. Add bath soap and mix until dissolved.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond oil, and vanilla fragrance oil, stirring until well blended.
Step 5. Spoon the soap into a mould and let set for five hours or until hardened.
Step 6. Use it in the shower! Enjoy!
Contributed by Korina, Woy Woy, August 31st 2006
Ingredients:
1/3 Cup whole almonds
113.5g Castile bath soap
1/4 Cup distilled water
1 Tablespoon almond extract
1/8 Teaspoon vanilla fragrance oil
Step 1. Grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor or coffee grinder and set aside.
Step 2. Shred the soap and set aside.
Step 3. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to the boil; then reduce heat to a simmer. Add bath soap and mix until dissolved.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the almond powder, almond oil, and vanilla fragrance oil, stirring until well blended.
Step 5. Spoon the soap into a mould and let set for five hours or until hardened.
Step 6. Use it in the shower! Enjoy!
Contributed by Korina, Woy Woy, August 31st 2006
Looking for Soap Recipes
A magazine called Grass Roots has loads of cheap and very good recipes. Library usually have these in their magazine area but you can buy them from newsagents and another place I have found is www.dogpile.com You type in what you a looking for and it goes to any site you need. I have found lots in this site.
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, August 31st 2006
Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, August 31st 2006
This is a Basic Soap Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups of solid vegetable oil
3/4 cup of water
1/2 cup of caustic soda (keep away from kids and use gloves it burns!)
Heat the oil until melted taking care not to make it too hot. Add the caustic soda to water and stir until completely dissolved (this will make the water VERY hot). This solution is called "lye". When the lye has cooled pour into the warm oil stirring constantly. As they mix they will begin to form soap (saponify).
Stir constantly until mixture thickens. It should look like thick pea soup. Add any colouring and/or essential oil for fragrance (tea tree oil will make it antiseptic).
Pour into a clean mould - one litre milk cartons or even just a box such as an empty wine cask.
The mixture will harden after 24 hours. Leave in mould for one week, it will have some scum on the top which can be cut off and the rest of the soap can be sliced or cut into pieces depending on your mould shape. I find slicing gives better results.
Leave soap three more weeks to harden before use.
You can use different moulds for shapes. Ask at your supermarket for the plastic moulds that hold up the deodorant bottles etc however I do find that a tall long container such as a milk carton gives nice results. Don't use hard plastic containers, as you will have to cut it away to get soap out.
I use my Kenwood chef to do the beating (on very slow as splashes are dangerous) but use an old whisk or k-beater as the lye makes it go black.
There are a lot of variations. My favourite is to add sorbolene cream just before the soap gets too thick...you get a lovely soap that leaves your skin really soft. Any kind of fat can be used but the hard fats like you find in blocks at the supermarket are the most convenient and cost effective. When you make your own soap all the glycerine is left in the soap. In commercial soap this is removed. So homemade soap is much kinder to your skin. Good luck!
Contributed by Silvia, Port Kennedy, August 31st 2006
2 cups of solid vegetable oil
3/4 cup of water
1/2 cup of caustic soda (keep away from kids and use gloves it burns!)
Heat the oil until melted taking care not to make it too hot. Add the caustic soda to water and stir until completely dissolved (this will make the water VERY hot). This solution is called "lye". When the lye has cooled pour into the warm oil stirring constantly. As they mix they will begin to form soap (saponify).
Stir constantly until mixture thickens. It should look like thick pea soup. Add any colouring and/or essential oil for fragrance (tea tree oil will make it antiseptic).
Pour into a clean mould - one litre milk cartons or even just a box such as an empty wine cask.
The mixture will harden after 24 hours. Leave in mould for one week, it will have some scum on the top which can be cut off and the rest of the soap can be sliced or cut into pieces depending on your mould shape. I find slicing gives better results.
Leave soap three more weeks to harden before use.
You can use different moulds for shapes. Ask at your supermarket for the plastic moulds that hold up the deodorant bottles etc however I do find that a tall long container such as a milk carton gives nice results. Don't use hard plastic containers, as you will have to cut it away to get soap out.
I use my Kenwood chef to do the beating (on very slow as splashes are dangerous) but use an old whisk or k-beater as the lye makes it go black.
There are a lot of variations. My favourite is to add sorbolene cream just before the soap gets too thick...you get a lovely soap that leaves your skin really soft. Any kind of fat can be used but the hard fats like you find in blocks at the supermarket are the most convenient and cost effective. When you make your own soap all the glycerine is left in the soap. In commercial soap this is removed. So homemade soap is much kinder to your skin. Good luck!
Contributed by Silvia, Port Kennedy, August 31st 2006
Homemade Soap Recipe
Ingredients:
3 kg clean, unsalted mutton fat (rendered down)
500g caustic soda
2 litres water Melt the mutton fat and allow to cool but not set.
Slowly add the caustic soda to the water - it will bubble for a while and grow hot - and when it has dissolved set aside until just warm. Pour the liquid fat into the water solution and stir until well combined (about 2 minutes). Pour the mixture into a mould (a baking dish does fine) cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place for approximately 24 hours. Cut into 5 cm squares and leave to dry for a month before using.
N.B. Take care when using caustic soda as it is dangerous if it boils over. Wear rubber gloves. If you want, you can add essential oil to the water beforehand to make perfumed soap. My grandmother used to save the fat from under the grill tray to use for the soap. You render it down my straining through a cheesecloth or similar type of strainer to remove impurities.
Contributed by Lesley, Rooty Hill, August 30th 2006
3 kg clean, unsalted mutton fat (rendered down)
500g caustic soda
2 litres water Melt the mutton fat and allow to cool but not set.
Slowly add the caustic soda to the water - it will bubble for a while and grow hot - and when it has dissolved set aside until just warm. Pour the liquid fat into the water solution and stir until well combined (about 2 minutes). Pour the mixture into a mould (a baking dish does fine) cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place for approximately 24 hours. Cut into 5 cm squares and leave to dry for a month before using.
N.B. Take care when using caustic soda as it is dangerous if it boils over. Wear rubber gloves. If you want, you can add essential oil to the water beforehand to make perfumed soap. My grandmother used to save the fat from under the grill tray to use for the soap. You render it down my straining through a cheesecloth or similar type of strainer to remove impurities.
Contributed by Lesley, Rooty Hill, August 30th 2006