Soap suds fun in Lynne’s Lab

wpid-2014-08-30-12.58.55.jpg.jpeg“What is elegance? Soap and water!” – Cecil Beaton

Well here I am, back in Lynne’s Lab, playing mad scientist again. My drive for finding natural solutions to chemically-laced products has made me more aware of how simple things can be. Like soap suds.

For instance, I started making my own deodorant a few years ago, and I still do. Not an antiperspirant but deodorant. And since I have heard no complaints from family, friends or foes, I assume it is successful. I still make my own toothpaste, hairspray and laundry detergent, too.  My dad’s Alzheimer’s Disease, and my midlife changes, have led me to be more proactive in preventing health issues rather than correcting them.

A few summers ago, I made my own liquid hand soap, using shaved soap and melting it in water, and that was very easy as well. But, I stopped making it when I ran out of time one day, and I lapsed back into the habit of buying paraben free soap – which is a little pricey.

I had held on to a foaming soap dispenser, because, well, I have this habit of collecting containers that could be re-purposed. No, I am not a hoarder 🙂 Because I am constantly making things, I know that some items will come in handy for storage.

Like the foaming soap dispenser.

While making my shopping list one morning, I wrote down “liquid hand soap.” The proverbial light bulb came on, and I ran down to my stash and found the dispenser. A quick Google search of “homemade foaming hand soap” took me to Wellness Mama’s site. I had all the ingredients needed, so I figured, why not? Plus, I have used her recipes before, and have yet to be disappointed or disillusioned.

It took me longer to gather up what I needed to make the soap. Four ingredients, less than two minutes, and I had foaming hand soap.

Super inexpensive, smells wonderful without harsh, phony perfume smells – and the best part is that it works great! This morning I made the fifth bottle, which will last about a week or so. Considering that the soap is in the kitchen, and that we are avid hand-washers, I am more than happy with the results.

I used Dr. Bronner’s peppermint pure Castile soap for the kitchen, and I then I used the Dr. Bronner’s rose soap for the bathroom. It’s fun to play around with the different scents, but I am happier that our household is not absorbing toxins through their skin, and we’re not dumping more chemical garbage down the drain.

To make this wonderful soap, you will need water (distilled is preferred; leave about an inch of space for the pump dispenser); about a half teaspoon of olive or almond oil (which is what I use); and a drop of essential oil, which is optional (I add a drop of peppermint into the peppermint soap, but I don’t add anything to the rose soap); and two tablespoons of Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile soap. Add the liquid soap last, or you may have a bubbly mess. For more info about the foaming soap, hop on over to Wellness Mama’s site for the simple instructions.

I am really looking forward to seeing how my hands hold up during the harsh winter months. I am thinking they will be less chapped and dry using this soap, however, I am certainly not wishing for an early winter to test my theory!

wpid-2014-08-30-13.00.19.jpg.jpegThe best compliment came from my seven-year-old granddaughter, who said, “Mema, I like to wash my hands here. I like how your soap smells pretty.” Love it!

© Lynne Cobb – 2014

Do you make any of your own cleaning products or toiletry/grooming items? Has it been a success or failure? Let me know in the comments below!

 

4 Replies to “Soap suds fun in Lynne’s Lab”

  1. I make my own soap (and sell it). If the website was ready I’d put a link to it. I’ve been doing it for years and started because my sensitive skin can’t take all the stuff in commercial products. I’m also starting to make more and more of my household cleaning products, as well.

Leave a Reply to LynneCobb Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *