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Try This:  Goat milk soap  |
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Kassie_K
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
Wisconsin
USA
16 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 26 2005 : 09:20:08 AM
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I make soap allot. I will share the basic recipe,you can change it to your needs, Blender Milk Soap 1 cup of melted lard, 1 cup of oil,1 cup of GOAT milk, 1/4 cup of lye and 1/4 cup of rain water. Put the lye in a steel bowl in the sink add the rain water stir with a wooden spoon till it is milkie clear. In the blender add the melted lard, oil, and milk,blend 3 seconds, add lye mixture make sure the cover is on Blender,blend till it traceing [Filmie] Pour in molds, leave in molds for 24 hours and take out and put in a place so it will cure for 3 weeks. You can play around with the oils, just make sure that it measures out to 2 cups. If the soap will not come out of the molds, place in freezer for an hour,it will fall out.You can put the soap on brown paper bags to cure or a wire rack.
When the door opens, It's GODS will. |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2005 : 10:17:56 AM
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I make soap also, and I have a few concerns with this recipe that I think any one who has never made soap should be aware of.
#1 lye is caustic and as a liquid is still caustic so when making soap you should always follow safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves and old clothes with long sleeves and jeans or long pants. If it gets in your skin even a tiny drop can cause a serious burn!
#2Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes as lye and raw soap can cause blindness. It takes a while for the soponafication process to completely neutralise the mixture, that is why you cure the soap or dry it, to finish the process.
#3 never do this with your children in the room or any distractions as you would not want them to accidentally touch the lye mixture.
#4You must also know to use stainless steel or tempered glass for mixing the lye with the water as the mixture of lye and water creates a very hot reaction that can melt most plastics and reacts with aluminum, and it gives off fumes that can over come you so it is advised that you have proper ventilation and allow this mixture to cool to 108 degrees before proceeding with the mixing, also it is important for the milk and oils to be at the same temperature. Another reaction that occurs with goat milk soap is the creation of Ammonia fumes so during the mixing of this recipe you could have that to deal with as well. Ventilate.
#5 better yet spend a little time reading about the process of soap making and all the safety proceedures before you begin with a recipe.
One good book is: The Natural Soap book, by Susan Miller Cavitch
There are many others but this is my favorite.
#6 when you add the lye to the oil mixture you must use precautions and pour slowly to avoid splashing of this caustic substance! Any on your counter tops or clothing or skin can cause serious damage, It can eat through the counter tops.
I don't want to be a wet blanket here but there is serious danger making soap if you do not know what you are doing! You should also not use the same utensils to make soap that you use for your cooking.
songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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Kassie_K
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
Wisconsin
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2005 : 3:35:14 PM
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Well Eileen I Thank You for that write up,but you just scared the ladies half to death. Wet blanket for sure. I make soap all the time and I do know what I am talking about.
When the door opens, It's GODS will. |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2005 : 4:17:38 PM
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I too have a simple soap recipe on my website to share. http://www.thymeforewe.com/buddyburner.html
I've made 10,000+ pounds of soap. I did this as a business for several years back when there were hundreds of soap makers in the US instead of hundreds in each state. My business was written about in Crafts Report magazine. After the story my business became too large to manage while taking care of my terminally ill mother. I sold the wholesale accounts and large equipment and kept the retail aspect of the business. So, there's a little of my soap making background.
It's interesting to read the differences in how soap makers make soap.
For safety's sake , to keep the water from becoming 160° very fast lye should always be added to water instead of water poured into lye. Doing this backward is probably the biggest hazard to soap makers.
When mixing lye into water be sure your gloves cover your wrists. The steam given off as the water heats contains lye and will irritate your skin.
I use .88¢ plastic pitchers to add lye to cold water because my containers have good handles to hold. I haven't had lye go much over 160° when using room temp water.
quote:
I don't want to be a wet blanket here but there is serious danger making soap if you do not know what you are doing!
I think being a "wet blanket" is appropriate, responsible and necessary. Lye is dangerous. It should make people anxious. I clear the kitchen when I mix lye and water. You cannot be too safe with lye. Don't be paranoid or make yourself nervous but do be very very careful.
If I'm out of my favorite scent I use a bar the day after it was made. It won't last long because it hasn't dried but as long as it's well made it's safe to use. If you can handle it with bare hands when you unmold and cut it you should be able to shower with it. If the lye hasn't saponified in 24 hours there's a problem. Once saponification stops any free lye is going to remain in the soap.
I like Susan Cavitch's books too. She's a very nice woman, easy to talk to, down to earth and she knows how to make awesome soap.
There's nothing like real soap. We haven't had moisturizers in our house since I started making soap. It's not harsh like detergent bars (Lever, Dial, etc) and leaves you feeling soft and clean.
Robin
Thyme For Ewe Farm
www.thymeforewe.com |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2005 : 7:58:25 PM
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Kassie,
I am sorry you were offended.
The precautions stated were not aimed at you but to make certain that those people who subscribe to this forum who have never made soap and are possibly not aware of the dangers involved in soap making do not attempt the recipe you have shared without being made aware that it is necessary to proceed with caution, and that there are appropriate utensils to use and those that do not work. Almost all of the recipies I have seen come with these precautions stated clearly for the safety of the consumer. I would not want Mary Jane or staff or any of us to become liable for any accidents caused using a recipe without the precautionary statements appropriately assigned. I never assume that just because I know there is possible danger in a process that everybody else also knows. Better to inform than be sorry later.
Eileen
songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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Kassie_K
Farmgirl in Training
16 Posts
Wisconsin
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2005 : 08:57:28 AM
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I am sorry Ladies,when you don;t have little ones under your feet everyday, you forget how dangerous somethings are. Its OK,I must remember this. THANK YOU
When the door opens, It's GODS will. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2005 : 12:43:51 PM
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I understand a little why you were offended Kassie. Probably if the reply had come from MaryJane herself or someone on the staff of MJF, it would have been easier to accept. When another reader, as yourself, becomes authoritative, it can seem offensive.
But reading these posts surely brings home the fact that everyone posting here is genuinely concerned about possible dangers to one another!
Thank you to all who have made soap for the wonderful information!
jpbluesky
"Keep us here, all simply in the springing of the year." From A Prayer in Spring by Robert Frost |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Mar 28 2005 1:09:46 PM |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2005 : 1:03:43 PM
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I tend to do most of my soapmaking late at night..less chance of little kids around. I mix my lye/water solution in a recycled 46 oz juice bottle (glass) which I punch two holes in for pouring when I pour it into the oils at the right time. I love it. It has LYE!! written on it and I hide it under the kitchen sink where no one ventures but me. That is where i hide the wooden spoons I stir soap with too. They look so ugly now I doubt anyone would use them for cooking anyway, but I just feel better if they are out of the way.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2005 : 09:11:20 AM
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The warnings about lye are good to keep in mind.
I tell you I was terrified the first batch I made, face shield, high rubber gloves and large full apron and husband donned the same way.
I'm not quite so fanatical about it now, but still open windows to ventilate while the lye water is cooling, eye protection and a jug of vinegar ready to neutrilize the lye if splashes happen.
My soapmaking supplies are hidden in Redwing crocks, 12 gallon, 5 gallon and 3 gallon,stacked neatly in the corner of my kitchen.
When making soap, I usually like to be alone and no distractions.
I usually make HOT PROCESS soap, so I need to keep focused.
KarenP
from Wisconsin's dairy air |
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ladybugsmom6
True Blue Farmgirl
128 Posts
Tami
Horicon
WI
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2005 : 1:14:12 PM
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I love the idea of making gaots mlk soap. OUr 4H leader raises goats and has offered to teachus to make it. But my kids 10, 9, 7, 6 want to learn to make soap.I would like to make bees wax soap...But I am clueless. any ideas?
-Tami
livin' right and loven' life! |
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pollyesther
Farmgirl in Training
35 Posts
Karen
FL
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2006 : 08:20:35 AM
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Thanks to both of you ladies, Kassie & Eileen, for the wonderful soap making recipe and the sage safety advice. Both have been noted and are sure to help a first time soapmaker, like myself, turn out a nice batch without injury.
Again, many thanks! |
Edited by - pollyesther on Mar 01 2006 08:20:54 AM |
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Shirley
True Blue Farmgirl
734 Posts
Shirley
Olympia
Wa
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2006 : 12:18:01 PM
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Well, I have to agree with Eileen, soap making can be dangerous if not done with caution.
The book all say never all the water to the lye,(there is one that says this but she has been called on it )
You should always wear googles while dealing with the lye, it only takes one slip or one little splash to have it in an eye . If it is splashed on a counter or on your skin, it can be washed off , and you can feel it start to burn so you know to get it washed off. but in your eyes its not that easy. I also use rubber gloves while stiring the mixture, its alot easier to wash off the glove then burning hands. andstill when pouring into mold sometimes my arn above the gloves get some on them(burning feeling, wash off soon)
Its not going to eat through your skin instantly.
This is just my opinion, but I think its very dangerous to use a blender to mix the soap in, I use a stick blender where you can keep a better control of where the soap is going.
Like I said this is only my opinion so dont get all bent about it, I dont think however that this would be good idea for a beginner to start out making soap.
The discussion was good on here, and reading a bunch of soap books is a very good idea before you start
Thanks
shirley who has been making cold precess soap for a very looooooong time |
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HollyDee
Farmgirl in Training
45 Posts
Holly
Coburg
Oregon
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2006 : 5:31:51 PM
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A big Thank You to Kassie K. I have been reading up, gearing up, procrastinating because with little time without little ones Most of the recipes and precautions are just too lengthy. Your recipe sounds so doable, and then Thank You for all the reminders and tips of the dangers of Lye. You are all so great can't wait to make a batch, even want a goat for the milk ( and companionship) You are all great and to also be sensitive so noone is offended. Just an appreciation going out to you all. Were do you get this elusive lye though?
Holly Dee Also almost out of store bought dish soap and want to go organic. Do you have an elementery recipe for dish soap for doing dishes by hand? Gracious! |
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hammondfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Julie
New Caney
Texas
77 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2006 : 05:09:03 AM
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I have used a stick blender since my very first batch of soap. It has worked very well for me.
Speaking of goats, we milk our own goats for our goat milk soap. It is very hard to milk and still keep up with making of the soap. However, I do enjoy the goats.
Best Regards,
Julie
Hammond Farm
www.hammondfarm.com
People Tested Goat Approved, tm |
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shellybien0319
Farmgirl in Training
13 Posts
NM
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2006 : 09:08:46 AM
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If one were to venture into soap making for the first time, where would one buy lye?
Michelle |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2006 : 10:42:33 AM
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Hi, Michelle, you can find Red Devil Lye at the grocery store, I think it comes in an 18 ounce can now. Don't mistake it for Drano, that has lots of other chemicals in it besides sodium hydroxide (lye). If you're by a bigger town that has industry, you can maybe find it in a chemical supply store. When I lived in San Diego, I could get it in 10 pound increments, for about $1/pound. Now, in Spokane, I have to buy 50 pounds, but it is still about $1/pound and I don't have any kids around to get into it. Good luck. And have fun, I just love the soap making process! Judy
The Rooster crows, but the Hen lays the egg. ~ Texas Proverb |
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prairiemomma
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Cherri
McPherson
KS
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2006 : 2:05:07 PM
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Fellow soap makers...how cool. I'm getting ready to venture into this new skill. Fortunately I have a friend close by who I think will be able to help me if I hit a snag, but reading all the previous suggestions has also been helpful. I think the most confusing for me is doing the recalculations if you want to use different oils or a larger or smaller batch. 
Living simply with hopefulness and joy! |
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frontierlady
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
KY
57 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2006 : 06:57:16 AM
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I saw a post about children being underfoot....Don't forget about
pet's! Especially cats!
I was mixing my lye/water mixture outside and a cat bumped into
my arm! It left a terrible stain on the porch! Thank goodness
it was only the porch!
I always keep vinegar right at my side when I do soap too, mostly
when I do the lye/water mixing.
Always work with safety in mind. |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 7:49:17 PM
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Hi soap makers, Do any of you use an online lye calculator, if so which one and how do you like it?
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl
1014 Posts
Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2007 : 3:18:41 PM
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Michelle, Pure 100% Lye is getting very hard to come by. I buy it 100 - 200 lbs at a time, and I go though a supplier. They dont make Red devil any more, but if you can still find it.... BUY IT ALL.
I have been making soap for a very long time. The best book I have found is the soapmakers companion by Susan Miller Cavitch
Also www.millersoap.com is excellent. Although I have been offered 2 book deals on soap making, I am not a writer.
Becareful and respect the lye. Many accidents have happened and recently there was on with a 2 yr old boy who pulled a pitcher off of a counter on his head. It did get into his eyes... the mother acted quickly and he is ok. She was brave enough to post this with pictures on a soap board with a warning to other parents. So being a bit afraid of it may be a good thing.... Remember chemistry lab? Use your good lab skills. This is organic chemistry.
I do agree with Robin and Eileen. From reading what they wrote, they are experienced soapmakers... and take the safty issue seriously.
My 2 cents of advice is just go out and invest in a digital scale and a stick blender.
You can find lots of stainless steel bowls at the thrift store.
I dont recommend anyone making soap by volume do it by weight.
Dont stir lye with a wooden spoon.... you will ruin a perfectally good wooden spoon. Rubbermaid plastic spoon is a better choice. I use a chopstick and rubbermaid gallon pitchers.
Lye spill... Dilute with water. Vinagar is not a strong enough acid to counter act the lye. Water Water Water is the best thing.
First batch? Make it in a crock pot.... no waiting for it to cure. You can use it as soon as it is cool enough to touch.
Every oil has a different saponification value... make sure you are using the correct amount of lye for the oils. If you are making a tiny batch (5lb or less) this is much more critical.
Soapmaking can be Lots of Fun and a very addicting hobbie.
But it is better to be safe than sorry.
If anyone has questions, please ask... you can email me. Or better post pubically, Others may have the same questions.
HTH, I take soap making personally
Botanical-Bath.com
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2007 : 11:12:18 PM
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We cannot buy Lye anywhere now in our area. Only at soap suppliers. Because it is used for making Meth.
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From sheep to handspun."
http://mountainmorningfarm.blogspot.com |
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl
1014 Posts
Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2007 : 11:59:24 PM
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Lye will be getting harder to buy from a soap supplier because USPS has changed it rules on what you can ship. No lye No liquids. If you want less than 50 lbs, you may want to find a soapmakers gathering. They usually will have a co-op on lye in small quanties. I went to the Ohio one last month, and they did have a bunch of co-ops and suppliers came soap you could cash and carry all kinds of supplies.
E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com |
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2007 : 8:15:39 PM
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Always respect the lye! I met a soapmaker who said she didn't bother with goggles, gloves, long sleeves and etc. I think she was crazy/...just waiting for a trip to the ER. Also prepare your lye water when kids are napping or nowhere near you, and when you can do it without interruption.
Grew up on a farm...moved to da city... |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2007 : 11:51:35 AM
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Here in Ms it is very hard to find, I buy mine through Lehman's catalog. Some states are different.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
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nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2007 : 7:19:31 PM
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There are chemical companies around here that will sell 50 pound bags, that may be more than you want, sometimes I go in with a couple other small time soapmakers. I'm mostly a candlemaker.
Grew up on a farm...moved to da city... |
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Try This: Goat milk soap |
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Goat milk soap
