Ever since I stumbled upon that quaint little craft fair last summer, where a sweet old lady was selling her handmade goat's milk soap, I've been totally enchanted. I mean, who knew something so simple could feel so luxurious? Isn't it amazing how a bar of soap can transport you to a sunny day on a farm, just by catching its scent? I can't help but wonder, what if I could create that same magic in my own kitchen? Imagine the satisfaction of turning something as ordinary as milk into a delightful treasure! It's funny, right? I used to think soap was just soap until I felt the softness of goat's milk on my skin—it’s like a cozy hug! So here I am, itching to dive into this adventure of making my own goat’s milk soap. Who's with me?
Items You’ll Need
- Goat's milk
- Lye (sodium hydroxide)
- Digital scale
- Stick blender
- Soap mold
- Thermometer (preferably an infrared or digital one)
- Mixing bowls (non-reactive, such as plastic or glass)
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles, mask)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
- Plastic wrap or freezer paper
- Essential oils or fragrance oils (optional for scent)
- Colorants (optional for color)
- Outdoor workspace (for safety precautions)
- pH strips or meter (for testing lye concentration)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gathering My Supplies
Today, I'm excited to make some beautiful goat's milk soap! First things first, I gather all my equipment: the goat's milk, lye, my trusty digital scale, stick blender, soap mold, thermometer, mixing bowls, and all my protective gear. Safety first, right? I put on my gloves, goggles, and mask because lye can be pretty dangerous.
Step 2: Measuring the Ingredients
Now that I'm all geared up, I measure out my ingredients. Using the digital scale, I carefully weigh out the right amount of goat's milk and lye. It’s important to remember the ratio here, as too much lye can be harsh on the skin. I double-check my measurements to be sure!
Step 3: Mixing the Lye
It’s time to mix the lye with the goat's milk! I put the measured goat's milk into a non-reactive mixing bowl and slowly add the lye to the milk while stirring gently. Most importantly, I do this in a well-ventilated outdoor space since the fumes can be pretty intense. I watch the temperature rise as the reaction starts, which gets me excited!
Step 4: Preparing the Oils
As the lye is mixing with the goat's milk, I start preparing my oils. I measure out my oils in a separate bowl. I'm using a mix of olive oil and coconut oil today. It smells delightful already! I heat the oils gently until they're melted and combined.
Step 5: Combining Lye and Oils
Once my lye mixture has cooled down to about 100°F, I check the temperature with my thermometer. Then, I slowly pour the lye-goat's milk mixture into the bowl of oils. Time to blend! I get my stick blender ready and blend until ‘trace’ - which means it thickens up and leaves a trail on the surface!
Step 6: Adding Color and Fragrance
Now, I can get creative! I divide the soap mixture and add some beautiful colorants to one portion. I also add some essential oils for a lovely scent. The aromas make my workspace feel even more magical. I stir them in well!
Step 7: Molding the Soap
With my mixtures ready, I pour them into the soap mold. I like to swirl different colors together in waves for a unique look! The mold is filling up nicely, and I can't wait to see how it turns out. Once filled, I tap it gently to release any air bubbles.
Step 8: Curing Process
I cover my soap mold with plastic wrap or freezer paper to keep the heat in. I let it sit for 24-48 hours to harden. This is the waiting game! I might sneak a peek, but I try not to disturb the curing process.
Step 9: Unmolding and Cutting
After a day or two, it’s showtime! I carefully unmold the soap. It’s always exciting to see the result of my hard work! I cut it into bars and place them on a drying rack. I’ll let these cure for about 4-6 weeks to ensure they’re safe and gentle on the skin.
Step 10: Admiring My Creation
Finally, it’s time to admire my beautiful goat's milk soap bars! I can’t wait to share them with friends and family. The entire process has been so much fun, and I’m already dreaming of my next soap-making adventure!