HOW TO MAKE HOUSEHOLD LIQUID SOAP



How to Make Household Liquid Soap: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today's world where hygiene is a priority and budgeting is essential, learning how to make household liquid soap is both a practical and empowering skill. Whether you’re doing it to save money, ensure better quality control, or even start a small business, producing your own liquid soap at home is easier than you might think.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a simple, effective way to create household liquid soap, using affordable ingredients that are commonly found in local markets. By the end, you’ll not only understand the process but also be inspired to try it yourself.


Why Make Your Own Liquid Soap?

Before we dive into the process, let's explore a few reasons why more people are choosing to make their own soap:

  • Cost-Effective: Homemade liquid soap is much cheaper than store-bought brands.
  • Safe Ingredients: You have full control over what goes into your soap—no harsh chemicals.
  • Customizable: You can add your own fragrance, color, and essential oils.
  • Business Potential: It can become a great source of income when done at scale.

Ingredients You Will Need

Below is a basic list of ingredients needed to make 10 liters of household liquid soap:

  1. Texapon (Foaming agent) – 1 cup (100 ml)
  2. Sulphonic acid (Cleansing agent) – 1 cup (100 ml)
  3. Caustic soda (Softens water and enhances cleaning) – 2 tablespoons (dissolved in water)
  4. Soda ash (Thickener) – 2 tablespoons (dissolved in water)
  5. STPP – Sodium Tripolyphosphate (Cleansing booster) – 2 tablespoons
  6. CMC – Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Thickener/stabilizer) – 3 tablespoons (soaked overnight in water)
  7. Fragrance – As desired
  8. Color – As desired
  9. Water – 10 liters (clean, room temperature)

Optional Additions:

  • Disinfectant (like pine oil or izal concentrate) – for antibacterial properties
  • Preservative (like formalin or parabens) – to increase shelf life

Equipment You Will Need

  • A large plastic bucket (at least 20 liters)
  • A long wooden or plastic stirrer
  • A measuring cup or jug
  • Hand gloves and face mask (for safety)
  • Clean containers or bottles for packaging

Safety First

Some ingredients (like caustic soda and sulphonic acid) are corrosive. Always wear hand gloves, a face mask, and ensure good ventilation when working with them. Never pour water into acid—always pour acid into water slowly.


Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixtures

Start by preparing the following in separate containers:

  • Dissolve caustic soda in about 500ml of water. Let it sit for 30–45 minutes.
  • Soak soda ash in 500ml of water. Let it dissolve completely.
  • Mix sulphonic acid and Texapon in a small container until well blended.
  • Soak CMC in about 1 liter of water overnight. It forms a gel-like substance.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

  1. In a large bucket, pour in your sulphonic acid + texapon mixture. Stir gently.
  2. Add your dissolved caustic soda and continue stirring.
  3. Add the soda ash solution, then stir again.
  4. Introduce the STPP and mix thoroughly.
  5. Now, add your soaked CMC and stir well to thicken the solution.
  6. Slowly add more water (up to 10 liters in total), stirring constantly to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 3: Add Extras

  • Pour in your fragrance and color. Just a small amount is enough.
  • Add disinfectant if desired.
  • If you're making for commercial purposes, add preservatives to increase shelf life.

Step 4: Let It Settle

After mixing, allow the soap to sit for 6 to 12 hours. This allows bubbles to clear and the solution to stabilize. Once settled, stir gently and your liquid soap is ready!


How to Package Your Liquid Soap

Use clean, dry plastic bottles or containers with tight-fitting lids. Label them with the product name, production date, and optional ingredients used. For business purposes, branding and proper labeling give your product a professional touch.


Storage Tips

  • Keep in a cool, dry place.
  • Use within 6 months if no preservative is added.
  • Always shake gently before use if it separates over time.

Bonus: Starting a Small Liquid Soap Business

If you want to turn this into a source of income:

  • Start small: produce and package 20–50 bottles and sell to friends, neighbors, or online.
  • Promote on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook using good product pictures and testimonials.
  • Brand your soap: Choose a simple name, design a label, and offer samples.
  • Register your business for better credibility

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