Distilled water, soap flakes and coconut oil set in a loaf mold. Rub on stains before washing.
What You’ll Need
10oz(283 g) distilled water
5.15oz(146 g) sodium hydroxide (lye)
28oz(794 g) coconut oil
Optional: 18 to 20 g (abt 2 TBSP) essential oil
Loaf moldheatproof container, gloves and goggles, immersion blender, wax paper
Directions
Pour the water into a heatproof container, and put on gloves and goggles.
Pour the lye into the water (never the water into the lye) and stir well; do not breathe in the fumes.
Let the lye solution cool for 30 to 40 minutes, to about 100 to 110°F (38 to 43°C).
Warm the coconut oil to about 90 to 100°F (32 to 38°C).
Pour the lye solution into the oil and stir briefly, then use the immersion blender in short bursts until the mixture reaches trace.
Pour into the loaf mold.
Check after 2 to 3 hours; as soon as it's firm, unmold and slice into bars (wearing gloves) — waiting 24 hours makes it too hard to cut.
Set it on wax paper and cut each bar in half lengthwise to make sticks.
Let cure for about 2 weeks.
Notes
Wet the stain with plain water, rub the stick on until it lathers, then launder as usual. Spot-test first. Laundry only — not for skin.Safety: lye is caustic, gloves and goggles throughout, avoid the fumes, and wear gloves when cutting (lye can stay active for hours). Work with kids and pets out of the room; if lye touches skin, flush with plenty of water. This is an advanced soapmaking project.