Re-edited info from http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Do-It-Yourself/Soap on WikiBooks.
Making soap from lard.
Equipment
- Lard or some sort of fat.
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye.
- Glass beaker and stirring rod.
- Bunsen burner or other means of heating solution.
- Mold for making soap bars (any flexible plastic container).
- Vinegar just in case.
| Read SAFETY NOTES (below) !!! |
Safety Notes
- Gloves, labcoat and appropriate eyeware should be worn when handling the Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).
- You should do this in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a fume hood.
- DO NOT BREATHE THE FUMES.
- Wash with vinegar if you get some on your skin (have some vinegar handy before starting the experiment) - DO NOT wash with water!.
- Mixing lye with water results in a chemical reaction that creates extreme heat - hence, washing lye off your hands (for example) with water will only initiate that reaction on your hand, resulting in chemical burn.
| Read SAFETY NOTES (above) !!! |
What to do
- Place 16 oz. of lard (or any other fat, such as oil or butter) in a beaker.
- In another container add 2.1 oz. (59.5 g) of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to 6 oz. (170g) of water (do not add water to Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) - it will splatter) stir to dissolve and let cool to 110 F.
- Melt fat under low heat to 110º F (49 ºC) and add the Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution while stirring until the base has completely reacted with the lard (about 20 to 30 minutes)
- Pour the mixture of base and lard into molds.
- Let this cool and sit for a day or two. Let the soap cakes cure for three weeks before using.
Additional Soapmaking References
- History and Process of Soap Making
- Cold process for Soapmaking
- Melt and Pour process for Soapmaking
- Rebatching technique
