How to Make Liquid Soap
If you’ve been searching for how to make liquid soap, you’re in the right place. Liquid soap is one of the easiest and most affordable products you can create at home, whether you want to save money, start a small business, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of DIY cleaning products. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can produce high-quality, thick, and pleasantly scented liquid soap suitable for personal use or selling.
Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you make your own liquid soap safely and successfully.
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Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. This ensures a smooth process and reduces mistakes.
Essential Ingredients
- Water (preferably warm)
- Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) or Texapon
- Sulphonic acid
- Salt (for thickening)
- STPP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate) – optional
- Soda ash – optional, improves foam
- Preservative
- Fragrance (your preferred scent)
- Coloring (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- A large clean bucket
- A wooden stick or hand mixer
- Measuring jug
- Gloves for safety
- Funnel
- Storage containers or bottles
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Prepare the Base Mixture
This step creates the foundation for your liquid soap.
- Pour 5 liters of warm water into your bucket.
- Add SLES or Texapon and stir until fully dissolved. This ingredient helps produce foam.
- In a separate small container, dissolve sulphonic acid with a little water, then add it slowly to the main mixture while stirring.
- Add STPP and soda ash if you choose to use them. Stir thoroughly to avoid lumps.
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Add Thickener and Adjust Consistency
This is where your soap starts to look like real liquid soap.
- Gradually dissolve salt in warm water and add it bit by bit to your mixture.
- Stir continuously until the soap thickens to your desired consistency.
- Be careful not to add too much salt — too much will make the soap watery again.
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Add Fragrance, Color, and Preservative
Personalize and stabilize your soap in this final stage.
- Add your chosen fragrance, such as lavender, lemon, or strawberry.
- Add coloring, if desired. Make sure to add small amounts at a time.
- Pour in the preservative to extend shelf life and keep your soap safe for long-term use.
- Stir for 3–5 minutes to ensure everything is well blended.
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Package and Store Your Liquid Soap
When your soap is ready:
- Use a funnel to pour the soap into clean bottles or containers.
- Label your product with the date and fragrance.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
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