Homemade Liquid Castile Soap Recipe
Equipment
- Large crock pot or slow cooker
- Immersion blender (stick blender)
- Non-plastic heat-resistant mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- spatula
- Gloves, goggles, and a mask (for safety)
- Well-ventilated area
Ingredients
- 565 grams olive oil organic or extra virgin
- 140 grams potassium hydroxide lye
- 450 grams distilled water for lye solution
- 5-10 cups distilled water for dilution
- Essential oils optional, for fragrance
Instructions
- Prepare your work area by putting on protective gear and working in a well-ventilated space. Cover surfaces to protect from spills.
- Pour the olive oil into a crock pot and turn it on high. Let it warm up to room temperature.
- Slowly add potassium hydroxide to 450 grams of distilled water (never the other way around). Stir until fully dissolved and let it cool slightly.
- Carefully pour the lye solution into the crock pot with the warm oil. Use an immersion blender to mix until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring every hour. The mixture will become thick and gel-like.
- Add 5 cups of distilled water and break up the soap paste. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 more hours, stirring occasionally.
- If the soap is too thick, add more distilled water (1 cup at a time), letting it cook for 30-60 minutes between additions.
- Once the soap reaches your desired thickness, let it cool. Add essential oils if using, then pour into bottles or a soap dispenser for storage.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container or pump bottle. If it thickens over time, add a little warm water to thin it out.