see.blowin.in.the.wind

A few weeks ago, I wanted to take my soap making to a new level: Laundry Soap.
Yep, homemade liquid laundry soap.

The process of making liquid laundry soap is JUST like making bar soap with a few additional steps.
You begin by heating all the oils to the same temperature about 110 degrees.
And allow the lye mixture to cool to about 110 degrees.
Pour oils and lye together and mix.
The mixing can take about 20 mins.
There is where you find a trusty assistant so you can relax for a little while.
Keep mixing until you reach the texture of honey.
Then you pour into your soap box, cover and wait about 24 hours.

The soap is now similar to a semi-hard cheese.

Cut into blocks.
This is where the real work begins.

Grate the bars of soap with a cheese grater.
This almost fills a large stock pot!
Add water to stock pot and bring to a boil.
Simmer soap for a while (I am aware that 'a while' is not all that specific) BUT the truth is I am not sure how long to simmer the soap. I simmered for too short of time and had to reheat 2-3 additional times.
Eventually your soap will end up looking like homemade beer.
Cover and let cool.
Soap will be ready to use within 18-24 hours.
Use just like store bought laundry soap.
Note: this recipe is very fussy to make. Although our laundry came out VERY clean with a clean and bright smell, it only works well when washing whites in warm to hot water. I am now searching for better homemade laundry soap and when I find it, I will report.