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Soap Science Take Home Sheet

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Soap Curing instructions
 
You have made a high quality soap using lye, water and fat.   The saponification process will continue slowly over time.  Your soap must cure for 2-3 weeks before it is truly ready for use.    Follow these instructions
  • After 24 hours, remove the soap from the mold and wrap it in paper.
  • You may see a few drops of oil seep out of the soap.  These are oils that did not saponify.  This is a sign of a milder soap.
  • Let it cure for 2-3 weeks at room temperature before use. 
  • Use it in the shower or at the sink - you have made real soap!
  • Use the soap sparingly at first - If there are signs of skin irritation, discontinue use. 
For full soapmaking instructions go to:

Definitions
Lye:  a caustic solution which is made from ashes and is used for glass, soap making, and certain food preparations.  Lye is a very strong base.
Fat:  Any of a wide group of compounds consisting  of fatty acids bonded to another molecule.  Fats include vegetable oils and animal fats - both can be made into soap.   
Saponification:  The process by which lye and fats combine to form soap.
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