Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Note:
Wear gloves and eye protection at all times. Lye water is
corrosive and will burn skin on contact.
S
WEET
C
ITRUS
S
OAP
The importance of ingredient weights cannot be over emphasized. Follow the recipe for
each ingredient. If you choose to modify the formula, keep good records.
Weigh all the ingredients before you begin. Put the water in the metal container.
Move the water container to a well-ventilated location, such as a garage or patio. Avoid
doing this in an enclosed kitchen or basement as the fumes generated when water and
lye are mixed can be harmful.
When lye and water are mixed the water becomes very, very hot—up to 180ºF
(82ºC). Leave the container outside once you are done mixing, or bring it inside and
place in an ice bath in the sink or other large container.
When you have the logistics of where to mix and where to cool figured out—again,
make notes—
add the lye to the water
(note emphasis) in one fairly fast pour. You must
pour it in all at once. Then begin to stir, gently but constantly. Once the lye is com-
pletely dissolved, remove to where it will cool. Stir occasionally as the mixture cools.
While the lye mix is cooling, place your quart pan on the stove with moderate heat,
add the coconut oil, vegetable oil, and bees-wax. Stir until everything is melted and
well blended. Continue stirring until the temperature of the mix reaches 110ºF to 120ºF
(43ºC to 49ºC). Don't forget to occasionally stir the lye mix during all this.
When the lye mix has cooled enough that it is only warm to the touch (about 120ºF
[49ºC]), and the oil mix is about the same temperature, it is time to combine them.
Sweet Citrus Soap
32 ounces (907 g) coconut oil, solid form
28 ounces (794 g) solid vegetable oil
4 ounces (113 g) light-colored beeswax, shaved or in small pieces
