| Author |
Cleaning Up:  Chemistry question re:homemade laundry soap  |
|
|
Bevb
True Blue Farmgirl
81 Posts
Bev
Moscow
ID
USA
81 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 27 2009 : 09:49:13 AM
|
I made my most recent batch of liquid laundry soap the other day. Instead of the cup of shaved soap, I substituted a cup of liquid lavender castile soap.
I made the usual way, boiled until clear, and put the batch into quart jars - set the jars on a shelf in the laundry room.
All the jars remain clear, with a tiny bit of residue on the bottom. The liquid is very thin.
Before using, I shake the jar, and measure out what I need. Each time I shake the jar, the mixture become thicker and thicker, cloudier and cloudier.
Any chemistry experts out there know what is going on?
The soap works great - and smells wonderful. |
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2009 : 10:11:51 AM
|
Hi Bev!
When you shake the jar you are becoming a catalyst for change. What I think is happening and it would take way too much digging in my brain for my high school chemistry class, but I think the borax is acting like an elastic joiner betweent the molecules of the soap, water, and washing soda. I remember doing an experement where we made rubbery "silly stuff" from borax because one of it's properties is to help join things together. I believe as you shake the jars it is helping the molecules rub together and find their connections. It will probably reach a viscosity of thin gravy. I am not 100% sure as I have never used the liquid castile soap.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
 |
|
|
Bevb
True Blue Farmgirl
81 Posts
Bev
Moscow
ID
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2009 : 4:52:42 PM
|
| Thanks Alee. It just seemed really weird. The upside is that after using half a jar, you can add more water and keep going! Never ending laundry soap! |
|
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
|
| |
Cleaning Up: Chemistry question re:homemade laundry soap |
|
Chemistry question re:homemade laundry soap
