While supermarkets offer an overwhelming array of cleaning products, many consumers still feel a lack of trust in commercial options. Making liquid soap at home provides a solution—allowing full control over ingredients while adding a fun DIY element to household chores. This comprehensive guide details how to safely produce 10 liters of liquid soap, covering material selection, step-by-step instructions, and critical safety measures.

Liquid soap serves as a versatile cleaning agent for handwashing, bathing, laundry, and household surfaces. Compared to bar soap, it offers easier dispensing, often contains more moisturizing components, and generally causes less skin irritation. Common types include hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and laundry detergent. This guide focuses on a universal formula adaptable to multiple cleaning needs.

• Ingredient Control: Eliminate allergens and harmful chemicals by selecting natural oils, essential oils, and skin-friendly components.
• Customization: Personalize scents, colors, and textures—unlike mass-produced products with fixed formulations.
• Cost Efficiency: Bulk purchasing of raw materials reduces per-unit costs and minimizes plastic waste.
• Educational Value: The process teaches basic chemistry principles while providing a satisfying creative outlet.

Note: Always work in a well-ventilated area wearing protective gear (gloves, goggles, mask).

• Water: 7 liters (use distilled/purified water to minimize impurities)
• Sulphonic Acid: 1.5 liters (primary cleaning agent; handle with extreme caution)
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): 125g (foaming agent; may substitute with milder surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES/Texapon): 125g (gentler alternative to SLS)
• Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP): 62.5g (water softener; replace with sodium citrate for eco-friendliness)
• Foam Booster: 166.7ml (e.g., coconut diethanolamide)
• Preservative (Optional): 10ml formalin (discouraged due to toxicity; safer alternatives include sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate)
• Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide): 25g (pH neutralizer; highly corrosive)
• Colorant & Fragrance: Cosmetic-grade dyes and essential oils (optional)

1. Dissolve SLS/SLES: Mix SLS and SLES in 2L warm water until fully dissolved.
2. Add Sulphonic Acid: Slowly incorporate sulphonic acid while stirring continuously to prevent heat buildup.
3. Incorporate STPP: Gradually add STPP or substitute, stirring thoroughly.
4. Boost Foam: Mix in foam booster.
5. Neutralize pH: Carefully add sodium hydroxide solution (pre-diluted in water) until pH reaches 7.
6. Customize: Add colorants/fragrances if desired.
7. Adjust Consistency: Dilute with remaining water to preferred thickness.
8. Preserve (Optional): Add safer preservatives if extended shelf life is needed.
9. Final Mix: Stir comprehensively.
10. Cure: Let sit for 24+ hours until clear and bubble-free.

• Always wear protective equipment (gloves, goggles, mask).
• Work in ventilated spaces to avoid fume inhalation.
• Immediately rinse skin/eyes if exposed to corrosive chemicals.
• Store ingredients and finished soap out of children’s reach.
• Document recipes for consistency and safety tracking.
• Conduct patch tests before full-body use.

• Separation: Re-mix thoroughly; check pH and temperature stability.
• Spoilage: Use proper preservatives and sterile containers.
• Poor Cleaning: Rebalance ingredients; consider water hardness.

• Prioritize biodegradable ingredients (plant-based oils, mild surfactants).
• Reuse containers to reduce plastic waste.
• Measure portions to avoid overuse.

This guide empowers households to create effective, personalized cleaning solutions while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility. By mastering these techniques, consumers gain autonomy over their everyday products—transforming routine chores into opportunities for creativity and wellness.