How to make homemade soap with used oil

One of the most important aspects when preparing homemade soap from used oil is to bear in mind that it is a chemical process that, although it does not have to pose a danger if it is done properly, it does need to be Perform with due care to avoid mishaps or possible accidents. This is mainly because caustic soda (one of the ingredients for making homemade soap) reacts chemically with the other elements that are part of the recipe and can be dangerous if not treated properly .

In this sense, the first thing we have to bear in mind is that it is important that we carry out the elaboration in a well-ventilated place , better outdoors if it can be possible, since the chemical reaction that we are going to carry out will release gases that can irritate eyes and respiratory tract.

Second, it is important that we protect ourselves properly , both ourselves and the clothes we wear. It is recommended to wear protective gloves, an apron, comfortable clothing suitable for this job, as well as protective glasses.

Third, use a stainless steel container and not another material such as iron, aluminum or plastic, since it could react chemically or even melt in the case of plastic.

Finally, it is also important to bear in mind that, although it is a very fun task for the little ones, it is important to monitor children correctly and explain that they should not get too close to the formula and, much less, touch it.

The ingredients and measures that we will need to make homemade soap with used oil are the following:

• 1 kilo of used oil
• 345 grams of distilled water
• 135 grams of caustic soda

Here’s how to make homemade soap step by step :

1. The first thing we should do is strain the used oil to remove any impurities it may have from its old use in the kitchen. Once we have it strained we will reserve it.
2. Next, in a stainless steel container, we will pour the water, and we will incorporate the caustic soda slowly and gradually. This will produce a chemical reaction that will release vapors that are irritating, so it is important that it is done in a clear place and that you avoid breathing directly into the container. This mixture is known as caustic lye, and it can reach a temperature close to 80 degrees.
3. To completely dilute the caustic soda in the water we can help ourselves with a wooden or stainless steel stick. Once it is dissolved, we will allow a few minutes to pass until it cools .
4. Then, having the oil in another stainless steel container and at the same temperature as the caustic, we will slowly pour the caustic over the oil and stir with a stick of the same characteristics as the one used in the previous step. This step will best be done between two or more people.
5. It is important to stir the mixture constantly and always in the same direction to prevent it from cutting.
6. Once all the ingredients have been mixed, we will continue stirring until we obtain a perfectly homogeneous mixture. At this point, it will be when pigments can be added to give it color and aromatic oils to give it healthy and aromatic properties.
7. Finally, we will pour the mixture into the corresponding soap molds (which can now be made of plastic or silicone) to let it cool and we will cover them with a cloth so that they do not lose temperature too quickly and the mixture can be cut.
8. The molds can be removed after 48 hours . However, it is recommended to let the soap harden for at least a month. After this time, it can be used like any regular soap.

The use of used oil to make soaps is one of the many options available to dispose of this waste so common in homes. Another option, simpler but less creative, is to store it in a plastic bottle and take it to the nearest clean point so that it is managed effectively and not dangerously.

The problem with used oils is that they have a very high polluting power . One liter of oil can contaminate up to 1,000 liters of water. This is mainly due to the fact that, weighing less than water, the oil ends up covering the surface of lakes and rivers. Consequently, the water cannot be properly oxygenated, which implies the destruction of both the flora and the fauna associated with these ecosystems, which, in addition, also tend to be related to the neighboring ecosystems, so the effects are very dangerous for the environment. environment. For this reason, it is essential that we never dispose of oil down the drains or directly into the environment, but rather that we manage it efficiently in a clean room or in the production of soaps or other artisan products. In the following article we explain what to do with used cooking oil .

If you want to read more articles similar to How to make homemade soap with used oil , we recommend that you enter our category of Crafts with recycled material .