Liquid soap, often referred to as liquid detergent, is a versatile cleansing product that comes in a liquid form and is used for various cleaning purposes. It’s typically formulated to effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces, hands, and other items. Liquid soap can be made from a combination of ingredients that work together to create a cleaning solution with specific properties.
Making your own liquid soap is a great way to save money and control the ingredients in your products. If you’re interested in crafting your own liquid soap, especially in the context of Nigeria as mentioned earlier, it’s essential to find recipes and guidelines tailored to the ingredients and resources available in your region.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring and teaching you how to make 25 liters of liquid soap using simple and affordable ingredients.
Why make your own liquid soap?
There are many benefits to making your own liquid soap. Here are a few of the most common ones:
- Cost-Effective: Homemade liquid soap can be significantly more budget-friendly compared to store-bought options. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and reusing containers, you can save money over time.
- Customization: When you make your own liquid soap, you have full control over the ingredients used. This means you can customize the soap’s scent, color, consistency, and even its cleansing properties to suit your preferences.
- Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Many commercial liquid soaps contain additives, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances that may not align with your preferences for natural or organic products. Making your own soap allows you to avoid potentially harmful chemicals and select only the ingredients you’re comfortable using.
- Reducing Waste: By making your own soap, you can reduce plastic waste by using reusable containers and minimizing packaging. This is particularly relevant in today’s world, where plastic pollution is a significant concern.
- Educational Experience: Soap-making is a hands-on learning opportunity. You can gain insights into the chemistry of soap production, experiment with different ingredients, and develop a new skill that might even lead to other creative endeavors.
How To Make 25 Litres Of Liquid Soap
Ingredients:
- 10 liters of water
- 1 kilogram of caustic soda (NaOH)
- 1 kilogram of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- 1 kilogram of trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- 1 kilogram of Texapon N70
- 1/2 cup of fragrance oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup of food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves to protect yourself from caustic soda.
- Dissolve the caustic soda in 5 liters of water in a large pot.
- Add the SLS and TSP to the caustic soda solution and stir until dissolved.
- Add the Texapon N70 and stir until dissolved.
- If desired, add the fragrance oil and food coloring and stir until blended.
- Pour the liquid soap into a clean container.
- Let the liquid soap cool and thicken before using.
Safety Precautions:
- Caustic soda is a highly corrosive substance. It can cause burns to the skin and eyes. Always wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves when working with caustic soda.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when making liquid soap. The fumes from caustic soda can be harmful if inhaled.
- Keep liquid soap out of reach of children and pets.
Tips:
- You can use different types of oils and fats to make liquid soap. Coconut oil, olive oil, and palm oil are all good choices.
- You can add essential oils to your liquid soap to give it a pleasant scent.
- You can also add colorants to your liquid soap to make it more visually appealing.
More tips:
- If your liquid soap is too thick, you can add more water.
- If your liquid soap is too thin, you can add more SLS or TSP.
- If your liquid soap has a cloudy appearance, you can filter it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter.
Remember, this is a basic guide, and soap-making can be a nuanced process that requires practice to perfect. Also, the exact measurements and procedures might need to be adjusted based on the specific ingredients and resources available in your locality. Always follow safety guidelines, and if you’re new to soap-making, consider starting with smaller batches before attempting a large batch of 25 liters.
FAQ:
Are there different oils I can use?
Certainly, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of oils to suit your preferences. However, it’s crucial to select oils that are suitable for soap-making and to adjust your caustic soda accordingly.
How long does soap last?
When stored in a cool, dry place and sealed in an airtight container, your soap can maintain its quality for up to a year.
Can I use tap water in place of distilled water?
It’s recommended to use distilled water instead of tap water. Tap water might contain impurities that could impact the quality of the soap.
Do I have to use the soap for my own personal use?
You’re welcome to use this soap for personal use. However, ensure the soap has fully cured before applying it to your skin to prevent potential irritation.
How can I cure soap?
For optimal results, pour the soap into a large plastic container or glass. Allow it to rest for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. Over time, the soap will solidify, and any residual water will evaporate. This curing process enhances the soap’s longevity.’