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HomeSafeHome:  Anyone making their own soap?  |
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TwstdStitch
Farmgirl in Training
36 Posts
Jean
Pennsylvania
USA
36 Posts |
 Posted - May 18 2010 : 10:10:59 PM
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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 :))
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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 |
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TwstdStitch
Farmgirl in Training
36 Posts
Jean
Pennsylvania
USA
36 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 10:15:19 PM
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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 |
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JudyT
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Judy
Southwest
Wisconsin
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 05:53:25 AM
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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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missgive
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Kim
Blairsville
Georgia
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 6:25:53 PM
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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. |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 08:16:34 AM
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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!~ |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
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sunflowercritters
True Blue Farmgirl
1102 Posts
Debra
Springfield
Maine
USA
1102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 09:22:29 AM
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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/ |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 7:01:55 PM
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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!~ |
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SantaTeresita
True Blue Farmgirl
474 Posts
Teresita
Sacramento
CA
USA
474 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 7:50:13 PM
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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 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2011 : 10:17:07 PM
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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 |
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OneHippieChick
True Blue Farmgirl
195 Posts
Susan
Huntsville
AL
USA
195 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2011 : 12:36:13 AM
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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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peafarm
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Penny
South Dakota
182 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 08:45:31 AM
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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 |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2011 : 11:14:17 AM
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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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ChickieMama
True Blue Farmgirl
303 Posts
Angela
Banks
Oregon
USA
303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 30 2011 : 9:50:13 PM
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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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HomeSafeHome: Anyone making their own soap? |
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Anyone making their own soap?
