"Soap making" project in Malawi

During preparation for Africa in Denmark I learned to make soap. I used very simple recipe. My plan is to organize soap making workshop in one of communities in the place where I am going to work in Malawi. I hope it will be very good income generating project and community will be able to improve the conditions in one of the preschools.

It was the first time I made soap. And it was successful. Together with my teammate I made simple white soap which looks to me like the most expensive soap in the world and I am quite proud of it. It smells like cleanliness and something white and pure. I know I am too proud and too romantic about this soap. This knowledge will help me in Africa and together with teachers to-be in the college or kids in the Youth club we will make soap. Hygiene issues are still "unknown land" for many children in developing countries. If I start to teach them simple things - to wash their hands before having a meal - I can help them to learn hygiene skills adn to be healhty.

The recipe is very simple and the ingredients are available and not expensive (very important in Malawi!)

INGREDIENTS

1 litre water
1 litre oil
175 grams lye / caustic soda

1. Pour water into the bowl.

2. Carefully pour the lye into the bowl containing the water. You must avoid splashing-this is the most dangerous step! Never add the water to the lye.

3. Stir solution gently with a wooden spoon until dissolved. Make sure you have sufficient ventilation.

4. Let the solution cool down.

5. Pour the lye solution into the melted fat/oil in a thin stream. Stir continuously to ensure the lye mixes into the fat.

6. Continue stirring in a carefully manner to avoid splashing. The mixture should start thickening. This could take 1-2 hours.

7. Add aromas, clays, mineral pigments if you want.

8. Pour this liquid soap into plastic container mould. (Put the lid on and wrap with the towel).

9. Put the wrapped mould in a warm place and allow to set for 48 hours.

10. After 48 hours, unwrap the mould. If the surface is still very soft leave lid
off for a day.

11 Remove soap from mould.

12. Cut the block into bars of soap.

13. Stack "green soap" to harden for one month or more.

IMPORTANT:
When you make soap always use safety gloves and goggles or eyeglasses.