Urban Scavenging & Other Postmodern Green Pursuits: Recent Comments

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2009-04-16T15:45:53Z

I was thrilled to find this and can's wait to try it. I will also add in the castor oil as Libby suggested, and the shea butter. I have all the ingredients so today may be the day. I will try to let you all know how it turns out. Now my question: Glycerin M&P soap is very mild, and I wonder if anyone has used this for Shampoo??? I do make soap, and in years past a bar I made was great on my hair. And of course I didn't think to write down the what I did...
Maggie, I was hoping to see how your "other" results turned out...but nothing has been added on that...Oh Well. I will make this up and see what results I get.
To Rocky Black: Glycerin soap will show every stir in the bubbles. Most of them will arrive eventually to the top of the mold/container. As I do molds for the M&P glycerin soap I know that a light spritz of Rubbing Alcohol in a spray bottle takes care of that....not too much just a light spritz.

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2009-04-06T19:10:04Z

Great recipe and article about super simple soap making! Thank you. I am having trouble with one thing: after heating and stirring, I have a very airy and bubbly solution. Not just surface bubbles but it almost looks like a meringue. Any thoughts? Thank you very much!

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2009-02-01T19:19:59Z

Do you use melt and pour base for laundry soap? If so - maybe you could post your recipe?

Thanks,

Karen

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-11-16T01:25:45Z

Thank you so much for this, I have been searching the internet for months now for instructions on how to do this. Well done!

I'd like to add a few things. Caster oil (found in the drug store with the laxatives) will add loads of bubbles. Start with 1 1/4 tsp. melted in with 1/4 pound of melt & pour (M&P). It works great with M&P as a bar soap, don't know how it works with the liquid soap, you might need more, or less. It won't hurt to add more.

You could also tinker with the M&P before turning it into liquid soap by adding something like Shea butter or shea oil. Add around 1 - 2 Tbs. per pound mixed in well with the melted soap (melt both together & stir, stir, stir). This way all of the qualities in the Shea haven't been lost to the lye process, they're right there waiting for your hands.

If you find the soap's separated after it's completely cooled the next day, hit it again with the stick blender. I make my own laundry soap and discovered that after letting it sit overnight, it separates all over again, so the second blending seems to do the trick.

Cheers,
Libby

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-10-13T23:04:13Z

This is the exact information I have been searching for. Thank You!
Now Im off and soaping!

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-08-27T13:48:22Z

Some years ago there was a health food store in San Ignacio (Cayo district), called the Green Dragon, that carried some basic essential oils ... If it's still there, let me know!

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-08-27T13:44:56Z

No, I'm not using any preservatives, nor do I refrigerate my soaps. However, I make small batches that we use up within 6 months, and we live in a cool, dry climate. Under these conditions I haven't seen any problems with my finished products.

However, if you are concerned about this, perhaps you could blend in a bit of commercial liquid soap with antibacterial properties? I'd try it in place of some of the distilled water.

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-08-27T03:28:18Z

I have been totally obsessed with finding soap that lathers well but doesn't cost tons of money. I have been mixing dollar store soap with little bits of more expensive soap to get better lather for less money. Then I thought "why not make my own" and I have looked all over the internet looking for natural soap recipes. I was not interested in dealing with th 'lye' issue either. Your advice is bar far the best that I have come across so far, thank you for posting it. I will be making my own soap very soon!!

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-08-23T15:55:19Z

Hello, I am new to soapmaking and I am interested in trying this method. However, I was wondering if you use any preservatives to prevent bacterial/microbial growth in the finished product. This may not be an issue if you use the soap very quickly or refrigerate it, but I'm wondering what you think the shelf-life would be for the soap. I've read that homemade formulations should always have some amount of preservative to prevent spoilage or microbial growth. Thank you for this information. I really look forward to trying this!

Comment on Super-Simple, Liquid Soap Making … No Lye!

2008-07-09T15:07:49Z

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
To the point, love your sense of humor, easy to understand! A delight! I am lucky to have found you!!