{"id":3284,"date":"2016-08-15T21:11:51","date_gmt":"2016-08-16T02:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/homesteaderdepot.com\/?p=3284"},"modified":"2016-08-15T21:11:51","modified_gmt":"2016-08-16T02:11:51","slug":"soap-making-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/survivalhomesteader.net\/2016\/08\/15\/soap-making-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Soap Making Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Making soap is a wonderful skill to gain, and given the amount of harsh toxins and chemicals in commercially-available soap, it’s also a great way to guarantee you’re getting wholesome, natural ingredients.<\/p>\n

Speaking of chemicals, one reason a lot of people are intimidated by soap-making is the use of the ingredient lye <\/strong>(remember that scene in\u00a0Fight Club,\u00a0<\/em>right?). It can be very dangerous when not handled properly, and burn the skin. However, you simply can’t make soap without it. All soap contains it, the thing is,\u00a0once the reaction that creates the soap has taken place, the lye has changed forms and is no longer harmful-it’s actually not even lye anymore.<\/p>\n

The key to safe soap-making is following some basic precautions. Use gloves, eye protection, a dust mask and fully covering clothes, and also work in an extremely well-ventilated area, if not outside. Make sure you are using food-grade lye, and in between soap-making sessions, keep your lye and other supplies well out of reach of children and pets.<\/p>\n

The three bases for soap are lye, a fat or oil, and water. Animal fat can be used-so soap-making is a great option for hunters and homesteaders. Oil soap is also great for homesteaders, and gardeners, as you can make all sorts of scents by infusing your oil with herbs or flowers.<\/p>\n

To start soap-making, you’ll want to get a few supplies. This is what’s suggested by UrbanSurvivalSite.com<\/a>‘s soap-making recipe:<\/p>\n