Considering how many things our hands touch in a day's time, it is no wonder that we are so insistent on regularly washing our hands. The traditional bar of soap is inconvenient, messy, and hard to handle, so liquid hand soaps are now a popular alternative. These products offer all of the cleansing benefits of a bar soap in a more appealing package. Instead of fumbling with a slippery bar, you can simply press a pump dispenser. Instead of getting soap scum all over the sink, you can contain this soap to a handy plastic bottle. Of course, some people have a combination of frugality and craftiness that deters them from simply buying liquid hand soap. For the thrifty and creative, this handmade liquid hand soap recipe is a perfect match.
Ingredients
Instead of offering a recipe for liquid soap from scratch, which can be time-consuming and even dangerous, this article will give a suggestion for making it from some cheap and easy-to-find ingredients. Although you may not be aware, commercial liquid soaps are simply watered-down versions of the basic bar of soap. Thus, by adding water to your own bar of soap, you can say goodbye to mess and hassle forever. Of course, not all bars of soap are created equal. Because the hands are constantly exposed to the elements and are washed regularly, they tend to dry out and become chapped very easily. Therefore, it is important that you do not choose a bar of soap with added color or fragrance, both of which are potential irritants. Instead, I suggest that you buy a pure castile soap bar. Castile soap is exceptionally gentle and moisturizing because it is comprised largely of skin-nourishing olive oil. Once you have this ingredient, you only need distilled water to begin crafting.
Recipe
This recipe is extremely simple since it requires only the above-mentioned ingredients, a pot of plain water, a stovetop, and a heat-resistant glass measuring cup. Once you have acquired all of these, grate your bar of soap. For those who prefer not to use a grater, cutting the soap into tiny cubes will work equally well. Transfer the cubed soap into your glass measuring cup. Next, add a quantity of water equal to that of your soap to the cup. Usually, bars of soap are four ounces, but read the label on yours to be sure. Place a pot that is approximately half-full of water on the stove burner and heat it gently, being careful not to bring it too close to a boil. Set the measuring cup in the water. Stir your water and soap mixture constantly as it begins to melt, cutting off the heat once it had become a uniform liquid. Finally, transfer your liquid soap into a clean container, allow it to cool, and use as you like.
Antibacterial Additives
To achieve the effect of a commercial liquid soap, you may wish to give your product antibacterial qualities. This means that the soap will be capable of destroying harmful bacteria present on the hands, thus decreasing the chances of your transmitting illnesses to yourself or others. While many substances have antibacterial capabilities, not all are advisable for use on the skin. That is why I suggest that you try natural substances like plant extracts. The essential oils of some herbs especially tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and grapefruit oil, kill harmful organisms, are gentle in small quantities, and add a pleasant fragrance to a basic liquid soap. While your soap is cooling, stir in no more than twelve drops of one or a combination of these essential oils for germ-fighting power.
Moisturizing Additives
Even the best basic soap can cause drying of the skin, so many people like to add moisturizing ingredients to their liquid soaps. Vitamins are the most easily found moisturizers and can be added to the soap once it has become liquid. To rev up your soap's softening properties, stir in the contents of three to four capsules of either vitamin A or E. Alternately, you can create a hydrating soap by including glycerine in your recipe. This sweet clear liquid, the by-product of soap-making, can be found in the baking section and is ideal for keeping your hands from drying out.
Washing Instructions
Now that your have made your first customized liquid soap, you may need a washing tutorial. A common complaint among doctors is that people, although they do wash their hands, do not wash effectively. Of course, you should wash after bathroom visits, handling raw meats, and taking out the garbage. However, make sure that you do not rush through the process. In order to thoroughly cleanse the hands, soap must be rubbed on them for at least sixty seconds. Also, wash under your fingernails by scratching them into your soapy palms. That is where the majority of bacteria hide, so never neglect this step. By washing well, you can ensure that your liquid soap has the desired effect: cleaning.
While you may not save much money making your own liquid hand soap, it can be satisfying nonetheless. There is infinite customization potential in each batch, whether you add your favorite fragrance or simply boost its skin-pampering power. Another benefit of making your own soap is that it encourages regular washing, which it vital for health and hygiene. By getting your kids in on the crafting, you can help instill a desire to be clean because they will be eager to use their creations. Whatever your motivation, you are sure to be thrilled at the results.
