Soap Making: What You Should Know
Soap is one of the most widely used commodities on planet earth. it is used for both domestic and industrial cleaning. It is also used for disinfecting surfaces and generally maintaining environmental hygiene. Different forms of soap are manufactured in different ways. However, soap production has one basic production method especially if we are talking about tallow soap. Below are some things you should know about soap products and the soap manufacturing processes.
More information on tallow soap
Bar Soap Production
If you want to produce bar soap, you should take the steps below. First off, you get all the raw materials ready then you put the equipment together. The major ingredients or raw materials are animal fat or vegetable fat, pure lye, essential oil for fragrance, distilled water and colourants. Apart from these ingredients, you also need a number soap-making devices or equipment. These things include a blender, a slow cooker, a pair of gloves, moulds, a spatula and a soap cutter. If you don't have a soap cutter a knife will do but make sure it is sharp and can cut the soap tablets in a straight manner.
The Soap Manufacturing Process
Soap manufacturing is all about following the right steps so that you get the right results. Put on your safety gear then you measure out your ingredients. Put on the slow cooker and make sure it is set on low. Now, mix the ingredients and ensure you have the right solution of ingredients in the right quantities. Pour the mixture into the moulds and let them get cool. After the solution cools let the soap tablets remain in the moulds for at least 24 hours. Now, your soap is ready so you can simply remove the soap from the mould and cut the bars with your soap cutter or knife. Note that you can use the soap immediately. However, you can let it stay for another week so that it gets very hard. The process described above applies if you are producing bar soap. For liquid soap and detergents in powder form, you have to modify the process to suit your needs.
Safety Tips for Soap-Making
Below are some safety tips you should observe during and after the soap-making process. You should always work in a well-ventilated area when you are preparing the solution. Don't breathe in the fumes after mixing water and lye. Don't ever add the lye if the oils are above 82°C or 180°F. Always use tallow and avoid vegetable fats if you can.
Going the Extra Mile
You can make your soap stand out if you take the following measures. Add a bit of fragrance to give your soap a nice smell. Add colouring to make your soap look great and use a high-grade soap cutter so that the finished product will be smooth. Use attractive packaging to sell your soap. Avoid using too much caustic soda for your detergents. For toilet soaps, use a mild fragrance where you can.
Final Word
Soap making is a relatively simple process. As long as you follow the right steps, you will produce high quality soap all the time.