Soapmaking 101

Lesson 2: Getting started with soapmaking

Equipment and supplies

The following equipment is necessary to begin soapmaking:

• Safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and hands from the lye.

• A kitchen scale that can be reset to zero. Make sure it gives accurate readings and can measure at least one ounce but preferably half an ounce. Many people find that investing in a digital scale is well worth it. Faulty measurement is one of the primary reasons why soap batches go wrong.

• Large (10 to 15 qt.) stainless steel pot or enameled pot. Lye will react with aluminum. Find a pot that is deep and narrow rather than shallow and wide.

• 2 tall plastic pitchers one for water and one for lye. Make sure they are dishwasher safe (or run a heat test on them — see below for more information), have sturdy handles, covers, and pouring spouts.

• 2 thermometers that can measure temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 200°F. Again, it may be worth the cost to invest in digital thermometers.

• 2 long handled, strong plastic or wooden stirring spoons to mix the lye/water solution and the oil/fat solution.

• Plastic spatular to scrape every last bit of wonedrful soap out into your mold.

• 2 plastic tubs to use for warm and cold water baths. These are optional because you can use a sink for your warm and cold water baths.

• A sharp knife or a professional soap cutter (see Resources section) to cut your finished soap.

• Plastic wrap or other plastic liners such as trash bags.

• Wax paper.

• Soap mold to set the soap in. You can purchase a professional wooden soap mold or use objects you already have around your house. See the next section for ideas on making your own soap molds and the Resources section for websites where you can purchase traditional wooden soap molds.

• A thick blanket or towel to keep your soap warm while it sets.

• pH testing strips.

I obtained almost all of my soapmaking supplies from discount and thrift stores. Although this may seem like a long list of equipment and supplies, all of them are readily available and none of them of especially expensive except perhaps a digital scale.

How to test your pitchers for heat durability:

If you are not sure the pitcher you have purchased can withstand the high temperatues created during the lye/ water combination,use this heat duability test. Place your pitcher securely in the sink. Bring water to a rolling boil in a kettle. Carefully fill the pitcher with hot water at least up to the handles. If you see any signs of weakening (e.g. bulging, warping, softness) or softness in the joints around the handles, this pitcher will not stand up to the high temperatures possible when making soap and should not be used.

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