| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LakeOntarioFarmgirl |
Posted - Aug 14 2009 : 2:46:40 PM
Forgive me if this is the wrong place to post this, I just joined today!
I love making my own soap though, and wondered if anyone else here does?
BTW- I also make my own laundry soap.  |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ChickieMama |
Posted - Mar 30 2011 : 9:50:13 PM
I did not know that there is a "cold" way of making soap. I will have to look it up. I have always been afraid of the process involved with making soap but have wanted to do it for years.
Farmgirl Sister#2808
"Happy Hens make Happy Eggs"
http://lazyjoranch.blogspot.com
http://etsy.com/shop/lazyjoranch
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| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 11 2011 : 11:14:17 AM
Liquid soap is a tough one. It takes a while to get the technique down right. I have several books about it but have never tried it. I do know that certain fragrance oils and essential oils can thin the soap. I've heard that adding table salt will help to thicken it back up. Good luck!
Handmade soap and lotion bars! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #1000
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| peafarm |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 08:45:31 AM
I am FRUSTRATED at getting a consistent product for liquid hand soap. I had one batch that I consider a success and the others are only immediate family worthy 
I seem to be okay getting the clarity desired, but the thickness and color (I like to include goat's milk).
Is it reasonable to be able to add Goat's milk without having the batch turn out so dark? If I add it at trace, the soap is a lovely brown gel. If I add it at the dilution stage it is a color I can live with but am fearful that it will go rancid since the cooking portion / chemical reaction portion is complete ... am I thinking right or is there hope?
On the thickness, it is either too thin or my latest batch looks good - all dissolved - but as it sequestors it has a really thick top layer (top 1/3). I know I cut back my liquid way back to attack the thinness issue...is it just a matter of adding more water...or...
Ok...know this is a book. If someone has any advice or wants to take it offline, I would SO appreciate it!
(I do love my CP and CPOP goat's milk soap. And the shampoo bars, and the laundry soap ... but liquid hand soap is my nemesis!)
Penny
www.peafarm.weebly.com |
| OneHippieChick |
Posted - Feb 02 2011 : 12:36:13 AM
Hi Jean! I know this is over a year old, but thought I'd try to answer your question about washing soda. I'm not exactly sure what's in it, but it's literally called "washing soda". The only kind I can find is Arm & Hammer washing soda and I buy it at Kroger. I use the washing soda PLUS the borax plus grated soap and water to make my liquid laundry detergent. The Fels Naptha soap is an old timey basic lye soap that some of us grate and use in our laundry detergents. Hope this helps!
quote:
Originally posted by TwstdStitch
I have a stupid question...as soon as I sign off I bet I'll remember the answer. LOL
What do you consider "washing soda" ?? I use Borax along with my other detergent and always thought THAT was washing soda. Or are you talking about something different when you mention Borax? I use the "20 Mule Team.....".
Also, saw someone here mention the Fells Naptha soap and would love to have a recipe for making my own. Thanks :))[/br]
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Susan ~ Farmgirl Sister #1978
Fiber artist, spins, knits, crochets, sews, weaves, quilts, soap maker, as well as various beauty products and some natural cosmetics
Working on getting my Etsy website and blog up and running - stay tuned!
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| batznthebelfry |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 10:17:07 PM
I have been making old fashioned lye soap for years, found a recipe from 1865 that is just like your great grand parents may have used. Yes I know some of you will cringe at the fact I use animal fats but I love the old ways of doing things so I am happy with what I do. I grew up in the Ozarks of Missouri where lye soap was used for washing clothes, floors, dishes & bodies. for gifts I will add natural herbs to it such as mints, lemongrass & so on. I am going to teach myself how to make lye from ash this summer once I don't need the wood stove going anymore. Hey I wonder if there is a patch for that...lol...Michele'
The Old Batz Farm |
| SantaTeresita |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 7:50:13 PM
I've been here since early January and enjoying getting my feet wet. I have been interested in homemade laundry soap for a while. But I don't really know quite where to begin.
Would anyone like to give some recommendations for a real beginner to get introduced to soap making? I don't know quite where to begin!
"Find your own Calcutta!" Mother Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #2503 |
| countrymommy85 |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 7:01:55 PM
Thanks Suzanne! Now I feel better about trying out soap making at home!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
| sunflowercritters |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 09:22:29 AM
Hi Brenda, Welcome to the family of farm girls. I've have been making Goat soap for about three years. Just love it. It is so rewarding as well. I also love giving to others, as a servant of God. Love brightening up others day. Would like the recipes as well of the dish soap, and also your laundry soaps ladies that wouldn't mind share the recipes.
Have fun learning and keep us posted how your doing.
God Bless; farm girl sister Deb
I Thessalonians 5:16,17
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
http://sunflowercritters.blogspot.com/ |
| Wildcrafter |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 08:52:56 AM
You don't heat up the lye. When lye is added to cold water, it raises in temperature to about 180 degrees. You can do this part outside. I have been making soap for 22 years, both cold and hot process soap, and I've never lost a house to it! ;-)
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www.goodnaturedearthling.com
Cedar Mountain Herb School
http://goodnaturedearthling.wordpress.com/
Become a fan! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Natured-Earthling/85786527923
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| countrymommy85 |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 08:16:34 AM
I have been wanting to make my own soap for a while. The only thing holding me back is working with lye. I'm a little nervous about it because I have a propane stove and the books keep saying how flammable the fumes are... I don't want to blow my house up! I thought "well what did they do back in the day when all they had was lye soap and what did they heat it up with?".
I also found a "recipe" for homemade lye from wood ashes. Is that recommended, has any one tried that method? Does anyone else make soap on a propane stove? Thanks!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
| missgive |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 6:25:53 PM
I have made bar soaps with oatmeal before, which is great for rashes and itchy skin - used oconut oil and oatmeal to help it soften the skin. Also made my own detergent recently - it is liquid, not very thick. I use vinegar to rinse too - but the real gems are the addition of washer balls and dryer bals - they are reusable balls (9 small balls for the washer and 2 large nubby balls for the dryer) that help make the the clothes softer in both the wash and dryer. The same ones are usable for at least three years. I may have to try the dry detergent next - after I finish off the 5 gallons of detergent i just made.
Kim (aka missgive)
Proud Farmgirl Sister #927
A Farmgirl Sister headed for my mountain home and farm in 2010. |
| JudyT |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 05:53:25 AM
Thanks Jean, I'm going to look into this.
quote:
Originally posted by TwstdStitch
Judy: This is why I use the olive oil soap base. Was searching for something to help my 80 year old Mother who couldn't find a soap she used to use years ago. All she remembered was it was olive oil and there was a clay in it. The easy M and P recipe I used made her happy. It's great, but not greasy.
quote:
Originally posted by JudyT
I have been wanting to make my own soap for a while now since I have a bit of dry skin but not real bad. Does anyone have advice on this about a good homemade soap to help dry skin?
JudyT~Illinois
Farmgirl #599
I was born a city girl, but I'm a "farm" girl at heart, sharing my life at,
http://dailyyarnsnmore.com
Jean
Quilter, knitter, spinner/dyer, veggie gardener and craft-a-holic
Sister #1455
Hanging By a Thread Henhouse
Judy~Farmgirl Sister #599
I was born a city girl, but I'm a "farmgirl" at heart, sharing my life at...http://dailyyarnsnmore.com
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| TwstdStitch |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 10:15:19 PM
Judy: This is why I use the olive oil soap base. Was searching for something to help my 80 year old Mother who couldn't find a soap she used to use years ago. All she remembered was it was olive oil and there was a clay in it. The easy M and P recipe I used made her happy. It's great, but not greasy.
quote:
Originally posted by JudyT
I have been wanting to make my own soap for a while now since I have a bit of dry skin but not real bad. Does anyone have advice on this about a good homemade soap to help dry skin?
JudyT~Illinois
Farmgirl #599
I was born a city girl, but I'm a "farm" girl at heart, sharing my life at,
http://dailyyarnsnmore.com
Jean
Quilter, knitter, spinner/dyer, veggie gardener and craft-a-holic
Sister #1455
Hanging By a Thread Henhouse |
| TwstdStitch |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 10:10:59 PM
I have a stupid question...as soon as I sign off I bet I'll remember the answer. LOL
What do you consider "washing soda" ?? I use Borax along with my other detergent and always thought THAT was washing soda. Or are you talking about something different when you mention Borax? I use the "20 Mule Team.....".
Also, saw someone here mention the Fells Naptha soap and would love to have a recipe for making my own. Thanks :))
quote:
Originally posted by kristin sherrill
Robin, here's the recipe I use.
4 pounds Borax
" " baking soda
" " washing soda
1 1/2 bars of grated Zote soap or 3 bars grated Fells Naptha
Mix all together. I use about 1/4 cup per load and a little more for really dirty clothes. I also use vinegar for the rinse. And I hang every thing out on the line and it's never hard. I do like the crispy towels though.
Kris
Happiness is simple.
Jean
Quilter, knitter, spinner/dyer, veggie gardener and craft-a-holic
Sister #1455
Hanging By a Thread Henhouse |
| TwstdStitch |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 9:43:44 PM
Hi Brenda: I just started making soap last year. I buy large buckets of the olive oil "melt n pour" base and go nuts from there. I would really like to learn how to use lye, but so far can't get past my uncomfortable feeling of trying it. I use french clay and lavendar, for one...and this is the batch that usually gets grabbed up by family and friends first. lol Maybe there's a merit badge in soap making and I'll finally jump in and use lye???
Jean
Quilter, knitter, spinner/dyer, veggie gardener and craft-a-holic
Sister #1455
Here's to a simpler way of life !!! |
| JudyT |
Posted - May 16 2010 : 04:38:51 AM
I have been wanting to make my own soap for a while now since I have a bit of dry skin but not real bad. Does anyone have advice on this about a good homemade soap to help dry skin?
JudyT~Illinois
Farmgirl #599
I was born a city girl, but I'm a "farm" girl at heart, sharing my life at,
http://dailyyarnsnmore.com |
| shepherdess |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 8:58:59 PM
Thanks so much. I will try it
Robin
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From Sheep to Handspun."
http://mountainmorningfarm.blogspot.com |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 4:26:33 PM
Robin, here's the recipe I use.
4 pounds Borax
" " baking soda
" " washing soda
1 1/2 bars of grated Zote soap or 3 bars grated Fells Naptha
Mix all together. I use about 1/4 cup per load and a little more for really dirty clothes. I also use vinegar for the rinse. And I hang every thing out on the line and it's never hard. I do like the crispy towels though.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| shepherdess |
Posted - Apr 26 2010 : 10:07:23 PM
If you would share the dry laundry detergent recipe I would love to have it. Thanks
Robin
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From Sheep to Handspun."
http://mountainmorningfarm.blogspot.com |
| catramsey |
Posted - Apr 26 2010 : 9:38:19 PM
I am gathering my products together to make the dry laundry detergent. A co-worker made some and gave me a sample. It really cleans so much better and smells clean too.
Cathy
Pflugerville, TX |
| Daisy7896 |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 05:51:01 AM
Judy, it's always fun to make soap for the first time! You don't have to make it outside as long as you have a well vented area you will be fine. I make my soaps in my basement with a large fan running, works just fine. I've been making goat milk CP soap for over 5 years now and have been working on selling it, so far it's been a hit. I love experimenting with all the different ingredients and additive that are out their for natural soaps. It truely can be a work of art!
I love my goats |
| jclambert |
Posted - Mar 11 2010 : 05:33:31 AM
I'm a newbie too. I have gathered up all the lye soap making stuff and plan to try it as soon as the weather is good enough to do it outside. I found my stuff on Lehmans Non-electric website. They carry the lye, oils and molds and books on soap making.
Judy
*Love one another* |
| lunamom |
Posted - Mar 10 2010 : 5:17:53 PM
Hi Brenda...and everyone eles too!
i AM ALSO NEW TO THE FORUM AND I'M ALSO A "SOAPER"I have a small home busness making homemade soaps,scrubs and body butters-i also make and sell natural dog shampoos and i just started selling my homemade natural cleaning products!My hubby and i are homesteaders and grow and raise are own food-i've been looking for friends with like interests..and this looks like the place to be!!
Julie
Shoot for the moon-even if you miss it yo will land among the stars! |
| marmieto12 |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 7:00:36 PM
I make my bar soaps too and have sold enough over the years to not have to pay for my own. I use the ugly bars and grate for laundry soap. The Soapmaker's Companion a nice book. You can learn quite a bit by watching/reading the tutorials online. I have taught others and our homeschool teens came for a workshop too.
Don't be afraid to try it. I recommend goggles!
Laura;Dreaming of big girl farm...
Farmgirl # 148
Farm Girl Projects http://justsimplythegirls.blogspot.com
My Vinyl Decor Business http://thegirlscreate.blogspot.com |
| shabby-mama |
Posted - Feb 27 2010 : 1:57:13 PM
Hi,
Did you try adding borax to the mix? I usually soak my whites overnight, rinse them, then rewash. Bit of a chore, but not bad rather than using bleach.
Nicola
quote:
Originally posted by bagabondstudio
Hi Have a laundry soap question??? I have made my first batch of Landry soap using Fel naphtha recipe. Everything turned out good. My question is i have 3 boys which equals lots of dirty socks. I didnt think the soap did a great job on getting some stains out. Can i add bleach to a load of laundry using The homemade laundry soap. I dont want to blow myself up
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