Embarking on a DIY journey to create handmade soaps and cleaning products can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when these creations are meant as gifts. Not only do these homemade items provide a personal touch, but they also offer practical, eco-friendly solutions for everyday cleaning and self-care.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to craft a variety of soaps and cleaning products that are perfect for gifting. Each comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a list of ingredients, ensuring your DIY project turns into a wonderful and useful present.
A Guide for Making Handmade Soaps
1. Basic Homemade Soap
Ingredients Needed:
- 300g coconut oil
- 570g vegetable shortening
- 300g olive oil
- 142g lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 380g distilled water
- Essential oils for fragrance (optional)
Instructions:
- Carefully mix lye and water, stirring until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Melt the coconut oil, vegetable shortening, and olive oil together.
- Once both mixtures are about 37°C, slowly add the lye solution to the oils, stirring constantly.
- Stir until the mixture thickens, then add essential oils if desired.
- Pour into moulds and cover with plastic wrap. Allow setting for 24 hours before unmoulding.
2. Lavender Soap
Ingredients Needed:
- 340g distilled water
- 125g lye
- 225g coconut oil
- 225g olive oil
- 225g palm oil
- 30ml lavender essential oil
- Lavender buds (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix lye into water and set aside to cool.
- Melt coconut, olive, and palm oils together.
- Combine the lye solution with the oils when they reach 37°C.
- At ‘trace’, add lavender essential oil and buds.
- Pour into moulds and let it set for 24-48 hours before removing.
3. Oatmeal and Honey Soap
Ingredients Needed:
- 230g olive oil
- 230g coconut oil
- 90g castor oil
- 90g shea butter
- 120g lye
- 300g distilled water
- 30g honey
- 60g ground oatmeal
Instructions:
- Mix lye into water and let it cool.
- Combine and melt olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and shea butter.
- Once both mixtures are cool, slowly combine.
- At ‘trace’, stir in honey and oatmeal.
- Pour into moulds, cover, and let it set for a day before unmoulding.
4. Charcoal and Tea Tree Oil Soap
Ingredients Needed:
- 340g distilled water
- 120g lye
- 225g coconut oil
- 225g olive oil
- 225g palm oil
- 15ml tea tree oil
- 30g activated charcoal
Instructions:
- Dissolve lye in water and set aside.
- Melt the oils together.
- Mix the lye solution into the oils at the correct temperature.
- Add tea tree oil and charcoal at ‘trace’.
- Pour into moulds and set for 24-48 hours.
How to Make Other Gift-Appropriate Cleaning Products
1. Lemon-Scented All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients Needed:
- 240ml white vinegar
- 480ml water
- 30ml lemon juice
- 15 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to mix.
- Label the bottle and use as needed.
2. Natural Glass Cleaner
Ingredients Needed:
- 480ml distilled water
- 60ml white vinegar
- 60ml rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use to redistribute the cornstarch.
- Spray onto glass surfaces and wipe clean.
3. Homemade Lavender Laundry Detergent
Ingredients Needed:
- 400g washing soda
- 400g borax
- 300g grated soap (unscented)
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix washing soda, borax, and grated soap in a large container.
- Add lavender essential oil and mix well.
- Store in an airtight container.
4. DIY Scouring Powder
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup borax
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Store in a jar with a shaker top.
- Sprinkle on surfaces and scrub as needed.
In Conclusion: Complement Your DIY Efforts with SweepSouth
While you’re busy crafting these homemade cleaning delights, remember that SweepSouth is here to help maintain a spotless, healthy home, using these and other necessary cleaning products. Our professional cleaning services are the perfect solution for when you need a break from the DIY activities or when you’re looking to supplement your homemade products with expert cleaning.
Book a SweepSouth cleaning service with a vetted, hard-working professional on our easy-to-use app or website, and get ready to enjoy a beautifully maintained, giving you more time to relax and enjoy life.
