Homemade soap is an increasingly popular alternative to commercial products. Its manufacturing process not only allows for an effective and natural soap, but also provides a sense of control over the ingredients that come into contact with our skin and clothing. In addition, making homemade laundry soap It is a sustainable and economical option that reduces the environmental impact and chemicals we use in our home.
For those who want to learn how to make homemade laundry soap, this article not only provides the detailed steps of the recipe but also the advantages of opting for this natural formula.
Homemade soap making
Making homemade soap is an ancient tradition that has made a comeback in recent years due to the growing interest in more natural and sustainable products. Unlike commercial soaps that may contain agents that are harmful to the skin and the environment, homemade soap is completely natural and adaptable to the most specific needs of each user.
The process of making homemade soap involves a chemical reaction called saponification, which is generated when a base (such as caustic soda) is mixed with oils or fats. During this reaction, the fatty acids in the oils are transformed into glycerin and soap, resulting in a product that cleans effectively and is gentle on the skin.
A key element in soap making is the caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). Although handling it requires caution due to its corrosive nature, once saponification is complete, no harmful residue of soda remains in the final soap. It is only important to allow the soap to cure for a few weeks to stabilize.
In addition to the basic ingredients, such as vegetable oils and caustic soda, other ingredients can be added: additional elements, such as essential oils or natural additives (e.g. oats or clay), to harmonize the soap to our preferences and needs. Not to mention that we can make specific soaps for different uses: for washing clothes, for the body and even for specific uses such as exfoliating soaps.
How to make homemade laundry soap
The process of making homemade laundry soap is very similar to any other homemade soap, but with some specific ingredients and adjustments to ensure it is suitable for cleaning clothes.
When making this soap, you may prefer to use oils with high cleansing properties, such as coconut oil, and avoid strong fragrances if it is going to be used on clothing of people with sensitive skin. Below is a basic recipe for making your own homemade laundry soap.
Ingredients:
- 400 grams of coconut oil
- 400 grams of olive oil
- 200 grams of sunflower oil
- 200 grams of palm oil (optional)
- 185 grams of caustic soda
- 475 ml water
- 30-40 drops of essential oil (optional)
Equipment needed:
- Hand blender
- Big pot
- Kitchen thermometer
- Gloves and protective glasses
- Molds and knife
Instructions:
- Combine the oils in a large pot and heat slowly until they are melted and fully mixed. Then remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to about 38°C.
- In a heat-resistant glass container, carefully mix the caustic soda with the water. It is important to do this in a well-ventilated area.
- Once both mixtures reach the same temperature (approximately 38°C), slowly pour the caustic soda solution into the oil mixture. Use the hand blender to mix well.
- Continue beating until the mixture acquires a thick, mayonnaise-like consistency.
- Add essential oils if you want to add a soft fragrance.
- Pour the mixture into the soap molds. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them harden for 24 to 48 hours.
- Once solidified, cut the soap into bars and allow to cure for at least 4 weeks before use.
This homemade soap is especially useful for the delicate clothes as it does not contain chemicals that can damage fabrics. It is also ideal for people who suffer from allergies or sensitive skin, as it is much gentler than commercial detergents.
Advantages of using homemade laundry soap
The use of homemade laundry soap It has several advantages over conventional products. By making your own soap you have complete control over the ingredients you use, resulting in a product tailored to your cleaning and clothing care needs. Here are some of the main advantages:
- Natural Ingredients: Unlike commercial soaps that may contain harsh chemicals, homemade soap is made with natural ingredients. This is especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin or those who want to reduce their ecological footprint.
- Economic savings: Making your own homemade soap can be much more economical in the long run. With the ability to buy ingredients in bulk, you can lower the cost per unit.
- Personalization: You have the freedom to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences and needs. You can add essential oils for a custom fragrance or modify the formula to improve its effectiveness in cleaning certain types of fabric.
- Sustainability: By making your own soap, you are helping to reduce your environmental impact. Homemade soaps do not contain harsh chemicals and you can store the soap in reusable containers, reducing plastic waste.
Economic benefits of homemade soap
In addition to the low environmental impact, the Homemade soap It offers economic advantages. Making your own soap can be much more cost-effective than buying commercial detergents. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Buying Bulk Ingredients: Buying natural ingredients in bulk is often much more economical than buying small quantities repeatedly. Plus, it allows you to make large quantities of soap in one batch.
- Less waste: By making large batches of soap at once, you reduce the frequency with which you need to produce more, meaning each bar of soap lasts a long time.
- Savings on specific products: By customizing your soap recipe to suit your cleaning needs, you can make different types of soap without having to purchase multiple commercial products.
- Reuse of materials: You can reuse leftover cooking oils or packaging, which not only reduces waste disposal costs but also contributes to a more sustainable life.
Making homemade laundry soap is a practical, economical and environmentally friendly solution. Not only does it allow for easy customization, but it gives you complete control over the ingredients you use at home. Plus, it's ideal for those looking for ways to be more sustainable and reduce their reliance on chemicals.