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1
Heat the olive oil on low flame to approximately 80-85 F.
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2
Dissolve the lye in the water.
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3
Cool to about 70-75 F.
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4
Pour the lye solution in a thin, steady stream, into the oil with slow, even stirring.
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5
You shouldn't be heating the mixture at this time.
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6
Continue stirring until a thick, honeylike texture is obtained.
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7
This will take 10-20 minutes.
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8
Note: If the soap mixture does not become thick within 30 minutes, and there is a greasy layer on top, it may be too warm.
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9
If this happens, set the container in cool water and keep stirring from the sides and the bottom.
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10
Contrastingly, if the mixture is lumpy, it may be too cold.
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11
If this happens, set it in a pan of warm water and stir until the lumps disappear.
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12
Pour the thickened soap mixture into your molds.
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13
Cover.
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14
Keep warm for a minium of 24 hours.
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15
This allows the saponification process to take place slowly and will prevent the mixture from separating.
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16
You can wrap your soap molds in an old blanket.
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17
When the soap is set, remove it from the molds and cut it into bars.
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18
Allow the soap to age for atleast 2 weeks in a dry place.
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19
Note: If the soap is crumbly or has streaks of grease, it may be reclaimed as follows: Cut the soap into fine pieces.
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20
Add 2 cups of water and dissolve over low flame.
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21
Stir occasionally.
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22
When the lumps have disappeared, increase the heat and boil until the soap appears thick.
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23
Pour soap in molds and continue as explained above.
