Homemade Liquid Hand Soap

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Making homemade bar soap is easy. Ingredients are fairly accessible (you do usually have to order lye, but with Amazon and eBay, that’s no problem), And you only have to work with cold process soap for about ten minutes before setting it aside for three weeks to cure. Or you can make hot process soap and have it ready – start to finish – in one after noon.

But what about liquid soap? Not as many people make it. It uses a different kind of lye, and requires a more involved process.

BUT!! There’s an easier way!

And it’s so simple. All it requires is a bar of your favorite homemade bar soap, and some water. And of course, I can’t resist adding some essential oils to mine. 🙂

Here’s why I’ve been making liquid soap lately instead of just relying on bar soap:

All Natural. If you’re chemical conscious, homemade liquid soap is a fantastic way to go natural.
Kids. Soap is slippery and tends to end up on the floor as often as not.
Frugality. Bar soap requires adding a lot more essential oils because of the saponification process essentially burning them off, whereas a few drops go a long way in finished liquid soap.
Customizability. Since I make my liquid soap in relatively small batches, I can customize it pretty frequently. Right now, I’ve added a few drops each of lavender and frankincense oil to help clear my face up.

I’ve heard it argued that you shouldn’t make bar soap into liquid soap because of potential spoilage. It’s a valid concern, but also one that can be rendered null by adding a few drops of grapefruit seed extract, and/or antibacterial essential oils.

Turning bar soap into liquid is so easy to do, you’ll likely never feel the need to buy it again. Such a simple way to kick more chemicals to the curb!

DIY Homemade Liquid Hand Soap

What you need:
1 bar of your favorite homemade soap
water
soap dispenser
vegetable grater
grapefruit seed extract
Essential oils (optional)

Directions:

Grate soap on the vegetable/cheese grater.
Pack loosely into a jar or soap dispenser.
Add water until the soap shavings are just barely covered.
Let sit overnight.
In the morning, you’re soap should be completely dissolved. You can either use it as is, or…
Add 1/4 teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract (to prevent spoilage).
If desired, add a few drops of essential oil. Some suggestions: grapefruits smells wonderful! Lavender and/or frankincense is also a great choice. An invigorating scent would be peppermint – great wake-me-up to splash on your face in the morning! Thieves would be excellent for washing hands (during cold and flu season especially).