Making liquid soap

NileRed
27 May 201713:43
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this soap-making tutorial, the creator transitions from crafting solid soap using the cold process to making liquid soap with the hot process. Key differences highlighted include the use of potassium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide and the acceleration of the soap-making reaction due to heat. The video details the process of melting oils, preparing the base solution, and achieving a thick trace for the liquid soap. It also addresses safety concerns, such as neutralizing excess base and testing the soap's readiness. The creator concludes by adding a unique fluorescein additive for a glowing soap effect, emphasizing its use for non-skin contact purposes.

Takeaways
  • 🧼 The video is a continuation of a soap-making tutorial, focusing on liquid soap production using the hot process.
  • 🔁 The soap-maker uses the same oils as in the cold process but switches from sodium hydroxide to potassium hydroxide for the hot process.
  • 🍃 Borax is used in the recipe, though it's not always necessary depending on the specific recipe followed.
  • 🌐 The soap-maker encourages viewers to find a recipe that suits them best by searching online, as the proportions of oils can be variable.
  • 🥥 Coconut oil is added and melted in a slow-cooker, and a potassium hydroxide solution is prepared separately due to its quick dissolution in water and heat generation.
  • 🔴 The reaction starts immediately upon adding the base solution, turning the mixture yellow and requiring thorough mixing.
  • ⏱ The hot process is much faster than the cold process, taking only a few hours compared to two weeks, illustrating the effect of heat on reaction rates.
  • 🧪 A chemistry rule of thumb is mentioned, where reaction rates double for every 10 degrees Celsius increase, explaining the efficiency of the hot process.
  • 🛑 The soap-maker emphasizes the importance of reaching a thick trace in the hot process, as the reaction will continue to thicken even if stopped early.
  • 💧 After reaching the desired consistency, the soap is cooked low and stirred every 30-40 minutes for several hours to complete the reaction.
  • 🧪 A test is performed to check if the soap is ready by dissolving a sample in boiling water; if it dissolves, the soap is done.
  • 🎨 The soap-maker adds fluorescein for a unique effect, resulting in fluorescent green soap, but notes it's not suitable for skin contact due to potential irritation.
Q & A
  • What process is the video part two about?

    -The video part two is about making liquid soap using the hot process.

  • What is the difference between the base used in solid soap and liquid soap in the video?

    -For solid soap, sodium hydroxide is used, while for liquid soap, potassium hydroxide is required.

  • Is it necessary to watch the first part of the soap-making series before watching part two?

    -While it's not absolutely necessary, it is suggested to watch the first part as the second part refers back to it often.

  • What is one of the optional ingredients in the liquid soap recipe mentioned in the video?

    -Borax is an optional ingredient that can be used in the liquid soap recipe.

  • How does the video suggest finding the right soap recipe?

    -The video suggests searching online and finding a recipe that suits you best, as the oils and proportions used can be variable.

  • What appliance is used to melt the oils for making liquid soap in the video?

    -A slow-cooker is used to melt the oils for making liquid soap.

  • What is the main difference between the cold process and hot process of soap making mentioned in the video?

    -The main difference is the speed of the reaction; the cold process takes about two weeks to complete at room temperature, while the hot process only takes a few hours.

  • How does the video explain the effect of temperature on reaction rates in soap making?

    -The video explains that many chemical reactions double their rate for every 10 degrees Celsius increase, which is why the hot process is much faster.

  • What is the purpose of adding more coconut oil in the liquid soap recipe compared to the solid soap recipe?

    -More coconut oil is added because it contains shorter fatty acids that form a better lather, which is desirable for liquid soaps.

  • What is the reason for using an excess of base in the liquid soap recipe?

    -An excess of base is used to ensure the reaction goes to completion, though it can leave some base leftover which may cause skin irritation.

  • How can leftover base in liquid soap potentially be neutralized?

    -Unlike solid soap, liquid soap can be neutralized by adding a substance like borax, which also acts as a thickening agent.

  • What special additive was added to the soap in the video to make it fluoresce?

    -Fluorescein was added to the soap to make it fluoresce under UV light.

  • What is the final step in the soap-making process described in the video?

    -The final step is to transfer the soap to a proper storage container or soap dispenser and allow it to clear up over the course of a week.

  • What is the video creator's intention with the inclusion of music in the video?

    -The creator intends to support artists by including their music in the video instead of using typical royalty-free music.

  • How can viewers enter the soap giveaway mentioned in the video?

    -Viewers can enter the soap giveaway by checking out the link provided in the video description.

Outlines
00:00
🧼 Transition to Liquid Soap Making

In this segment, the creator continues their soap-making journey by transitioning from making solid soap to liquid soap. They explain the process of using a hot method, which involves using potassium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide and possibly borax, depending on the recipe. The creator emphasizes the variability of recipes and encourages viewers to find the one that suits them best. They detail the initial steps, including melting the oils in a slow cooker and preparing the potassium hydroxide solution. The reaction's rapid onset and the difference between the hot and cold processes are highlighted, illustrating how heat accelerates chemical reactions. The segment concludes with the soap reaching a thick trace stage, after which the heat is reduced and the soap is periodically stirred over several hours.

05:01
🥥 Adjusting the Recipe for Coconut Oil and Base

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of the liquid soap recipe, noting the increased use of coconut oil for its lather-enhancing properties and an excess of base to ensure a complete reaction. The creator discusses the potential for skin irritation from leftover base and the methods for neutralizing it in liquid soap, which contrasts with the solid soap process. After reaching a thick and translucent paste, the soap is tested for completion by dissolving it in boiling water. The creator shares their experience of adding water to the soap base and the challenges of ensuring complete dissolution. They also discuss the pH testing and adjustment using borax, which serves as both a neutralizing agent and a thickener.

10:04
🌈 Creating a Fluorescent Soap with Additives

In the final paragraph, the creator describes the completion of the soap-making process and their unique choice to add fluorescein for a glowing effect under UV light. They caution against using fluorescein for soaps intended for skin contact due to potential irritation. The creator shares their experience of waiting for the soap to clear over a week, pouring it into storage containers, and testing its lathering ability. They reflect on the soap's performance and the slight irritation caused by the fluorescein. The video concludes with an invitation to a soap giveaway contest and acknowledgments of Patreon supporters, as well as an offer to feature independent music in future videos.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Cold Process
The cold process refers to a method of soap making where the oils and lye (sodium hydroxide) are combined at room temperature. In the video, the creator mentions having used this method in a previous part of their soap-making adventure, contrasting it with the hot process they are demonstrating in the current video.
💡Hot Process
Hot process is a soap-making technique where the oils and lye (or in this case, potassium hydroxide) are combined and heated to speed up the saponification reaction. The video focuses on this method, emphasizing its faster reaction time compared to the cold process due to the application of heat.
💡Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is a strong alkaline substance used in soap making to chemically react with fats and oils, resulting in soap. The script explains that for solid soap, sodium hydroxide is used, but for liquid soap, potassium hydroxide is preferred.
💡Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide is a caustic alkali similar to sodium hydroxide but is used in the hot process of making liquid soap. It dissolves more quickly in water and is responsible for creating potassium fatty acid salts, which are softer and more water-soluble, as explained in the video.
💡Borax
Borax is a compound used in the soap-making process, mentioned in the script as an optional ingredient that can act as a neutralizing agent and a thickening agent. It helps to neutralize any excess potassium hydroxide and can also affect the soap's viscosity.
💡Saponification
Saponification is the chemical process by which fats or oils react with an alkali to produce soap. In the video, the creator describes how this process occurs both in the cold and hot processes, with the hot process being accelerated by heat.
💡Trace Point
The trace point in soap making is the stage at which the soap batter has thickened enough to trace the path of a spoon when it is lifted. In the cold process, the trace point is crucial for adding additives and creating designs, whereas in the hot process, the reaction is faster and doesn't rely on reaching a specific trace point.
💡Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is highlighted in the script as one of the oils used in soap making due to its content of shorter fatty acids, which create a better lather. The creator uses more coconut oil in the hot process for liquid soap to enhance its foaming properties.
💡pH
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In soap making, it's important to ensure the pH is safe for use, typically below 10. The script describes testing the pH of the soap and adjusting it with borax if necessary to ensure it's not too alkaline.
💡Fluorescein
Fluorescein is a chemical compound that fluoresces under ultraviolet light. In the video, the creator adds fluorescein to the soap to make it glow, demonstrating a creative use of additives in soap making, although it's noted that it's not suitable for skin contact.
💡Dilution
Dilution in the context of soap making refers to the process of thinning the soap with water to achieve the desired consistency. The script describes adding boiling distilled water to the soap base and adjusting the amount to reach a concentration of above 50%.
Highlights

Introduction to part two of soap-making journey, following up on the cold process solid soap making.

Use of the same oils as in the solid soap, but with a different base for liquid soap.

Switch from sodium hydroxide to potassium hydroxide for the hot process liquid soap.

Optional use of borax depending on the recipe chosen.

Emphasis on the variability of recipes and oils, encouraging personal research for best fit.

Melting coconut oil in a slow-cooker as the initial step.

Preparation of potassium hydroxide solution, noting its quick dissolution and heat generation.

Mixing the base solution into the melted oils to initiate the soap-making reaction.

Difference between cold and hot processes in terms of reaction speed and completion time.

Chemical insight on how heat accelerates reactions, with a practical example of soap-making.

Achieving a thick trace in the hot process, signifying readiness to move to the next stage.

The role of potassium in creating softer and more water-soluble soap.

Differences in the recipe for liquid soap, including increased coconut oil and excess base.

Testing the soap's readiness through a dissolution test in boiling water.

Historical method of tasting soap to check for base presence, discouraged for safety.

Dilution of the soap paste with boiling distilled water and the challenges faced.

Use of borax for neutralizing excess base and as a thickening agent.

Inclusion of fluorescein for a unique glowing soap, with a note on its limitations for skin contact.

Maturity period of a week for the soap to clear and settle before use.

Final product demonstration, including lather test and practical use considerations.

Soap giveaway contest announcement and Patreon supporter acknowledgment.

Invitation for artists to submit music for video inclusion, offering free advertising.

Transcripts
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