SOAP MAKING

WORKSHOP IES Sierra Almijara

WELCOME TO
OUR SOAP
MAKING
WORKSHOP!
Get ready to dive into the world of soap making!
Today, we'll guide you through each step to create
your very own soap, focusing on using recycled
materials.
From repurposing used cooking oil to transforming
Tetra Paks into soap molds, we're all about being
eco-friendly.
Let's start this sustainable crafting journey together
and make some amazing soap!
SOAP MAKING VOCABULARY
Let's learn some basic soap making terms in Spanish, English, and Romanian!
Spanish English Romanian
Jabón Soap Săpun
Aceite Oil Ulei
Agua Water Apă
Sosa caústica Lye Sodă Caustică
Molde Mold Formă
Saponificación Saponification Saponificare
Cura Cure Cura
Seguridad Safety Siguranța
Vinagre Vinegar Oțet
Guantes Gloves Mănuși
Gafas de Seguridad Safety Goggles Ochelari de protecție
Mascarilla Mask Mască
UNDERSTANDING THE
PROCESS
Saponification is a chemical reaction where you mix oil
(or any type of fat) with an alkaline substance, commonly
lye, to create soap and glycerin.
After mixing and allowing them to react for a while, the
mixture thickens and transforms into a paste which, upon
hardening, becomes soap.
This soap needs to cure (or dry) for several weeks so that
all the extra water evaporates, and the soap becomes soft
and safe to use.
THE IMPACT OF USED
COOKING OIL ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
Used cooking oil is highly polluting, if not disposed of properly, can have a
significant negative impact on the environment:
1. Clogs Waterways: When poured down the drain, it solidifies and can clog
pipes and sewage systems, leading to expensive clean-ups and
environmental damage
2. Harms Aquatic Life: If it reaches natural water bodies, it forms a thick layer
on the water's surface, blocking sunlight and oxygen from reaching marine
plants and animals, disrupting their habitats.
3. Difficult to Break Down: It contains substances that are hard to break down
by natural processes, leading to long-term pollution in soil and water.
By recycling used cooking oil into soap or other products, we can prevent these
pollutants from harming our planet and contribute to a more sustainable world.
 nt to be
INGREDIENTS AND p o rt a
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• Used Oil: Make sure it's filtered and clean. instru for help
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, a s k
• Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): This is super important for sure
turning the oil into soap. Safety Gear You Must Wear:
• Water: To mix with the lye. • Safety Goggles: To protect your eyes from splashes.
• Soap Molds: We will use cleaned and cut-up Tetra Paks as • Protective Gloves: They should be chemical-resistant to
recycled molds. keep your hands safe.
• Precision Scale: To measure your ingredients accurately. • Mask: To avoid breathing in any strong smells from the lye.
• Heat-Resistant Containers: For mixing everything • Protective Clothing: To keep your clothes clean and
together. splash-free.
• Mixing Stick or Hand Blender: To make sure everything Other Stuff:
blends well and reaches the right thickness.
• Vinegar: Keep some nearby as a safety measure, in case
• Thermometer: To check the temperature of your mix. you need to neutralize any accidental spills or splashes of
• Spatula: For stirring. lye.
SAFETY FIRST!
Soap making is a chemical process that requires caution, especially
when handling lye.
Wear protective goggles and gloves – Lye is very caustic and can
cause chemical burns on skin and eyes.
Follow the specified order by pouring the lye into the water and
not the other way around, otherwise, it may splash.
Mask and window: When the lye is dissolving, it releases irritating
vapors. It's important to wear a mask and goggles and ensure the
space is well-ventilated.
Aluminum cannot be used because it reacts with the lye.
Mathematics plays a significant role in the soap-making process, so MATHS AND
before we start, let's see how to calculate the different ingredients. SOAP!
SAPONIFICATION RATE
The saponification index indicates the Oil / Fat Saponification rate
amount of lye needed to saponify one
Olive oil 0,136
gram of and specific oil.
Sunflower oil 0,135
This is essential for calculating the right Coconut oil 0,184
lye amounts for different oils.
Almond oil 0,138
Here you have a table with some Shea butter 0,128
saponification rates.
CALCULATING LYE FOR
OLIVE OIL SOAP
The saponification index for olive oil is
0,136. That means that we need 0,136 g of
lye to saponificate 1g of olive oil.
To calculate the amount of lye, we just
need to multiply the amount if oil by its
rate.
For example, for 250g of olive oil, we
need:
250 · 0.136 = 34g of lye to saponify the
oil completely, considering the
saponification index.
SUPERFATTING
The lye we have calculated transforms all the oil into soap. This soap would be too
dry for the skin. So, we add a little bit more of oil to have a smooth and moisturizing
soap. This is called superfatting.
Soaps that are intended to use on skin, usually have between 5-1’% of superfatting.
To achieve a 10% superfat level, we reduce the lye amount by 10%.
In our example, for 250g of olive oil, we calcuted 34g of lye. With a 10% superfat
level, we would need: 34 · 0,9 = 30.15g of lye.
CALCULATING WATER
AMOUNT FOR OUR SOAP
Our third ingredient is water. We need it to dissolve lye.
There are different ways of calculating water, we are going to follow this proportion:
For every 420g of oil, we use 135g of water.
Based on our example, where we have 250g of olive oil, we calculate the water in
proportion:
HOW TO DO IT? Step by step
STEP 1: PREPARING THE SOAP
MOLD
Begin by preparing your soap mold:
Take a clean Tetra Pak and cut off one of the long sides to create
an open box.
This will be our mold.
Ensure it's thoroughly cleaned and dried before use.
Preparing the mold first allows it to be ready for pouring the
soap mixture immediately after it's prepared, ensuring a smooth
workflow.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE USED
OIL
Strain the used oil to remove any
particles or impurities, then weigh it to
ensure the correct amount for your
recipe.
Clean oil is essential for smooth, quality
soap.
STEP 3: PREPARING THE LYE
SOLUTION
Carefully measure the lye and cold water.
Always add the lye to the water, never the
reverse, to avoid a violent reaction.
Stir until dissolved and let it cool to 35-40°C
(95-104°F) before combining with oils.
STEP 3: COMBINING LYE AND
OILS
Once at the same temperature, slowly
pour the lye solution into the oils,
using a stick blender to mix until it
reaches 'trace'.
STEP 4: ADDING EXTRAS AND
MOLDING
Now add any extras like fragrances or
colors (this is optional).
Mix well, then pour into molds,
tapping gently to remove air bubbles.
STEP 5: CURING THE SOAP
Cover lightly and insulate for 24 hours.
Check if it's solid enough to cut, then
cure in a cool, dry place for 6-8 weeks.
LET'S PRACTICE TOGETHER!
It's your turn to apply what we've learned!
Weigh your oil, calculate the lye and water needed, and let's start making
soap…
SOAP MAKING PROCESS: AT A
GLANCE This chart summarizes the key steps in making your own soap. Follow
these steps to ensure a successful batch:
1. Mold Preparation: Cut and prepare a Tetra Pak as your mold.
2. Oil Preparation: Strain and weigh the used oil.
3. Calculations: calculate the amount of lye and water.
4. Lye Solution: Carefully mix lye into water and cool to 35-40°C.
5. Combine Lye and Oils: Mix at the right temperature until 'trace'.
6. Add Extras: Incorporate colors, fragrances, or additives.
7. Pour into Mold: Transfer the mixture into your prepared mold.
8. Curing: Allow to set for 24 hours, then cut and cure the soap for 6-8
weeks.