How to Make Homemade Soap with Lemon, Vinegar, and Alcohol Without Caustic Soda

Looking for an all-natural, eco-friendly homemade soap recipe that doesn’t involve the use of caustic soda (lye)? This lemon, vinegar, and alcohol soap is a refreshing alternative, perfect for those who want a gentle, non-toxic soap with cleaning power. The combination of lemon and vinegar offers natural antibacterial properties, while alcohol helps disinfect and cleanse.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 1 cup of lemon juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• 1 cup of grated natural soap (e.g., Castile soap)
• 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
• Silicone soap molds or a reusable container

Method:

1. Prepare Your Workstation:
   • Gather all your ingredients and tools. Make sure you have a clean, well-ventilated workspace to ensure safety and ease during soap-making.
2. Boil Water:
   • Heat 1 liter of water in a large pot until it reaches a rolling boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer.
3. Grate the Natural Soap:
   • Using a grater, finely grate 1 cup of natural soap. This will be your base for the soap mixture. You can use Castile soap or any other mild, unscented soap for this purpose.
4. Melt the Soap:
   • Slowly add the grated soap into the simmering water. Stir continuously until the soap has completely dissolved. This step will take around 5-10 minutes, depending on the soap you’re using. Make sure there are no lumps left.
5. Add Vinegar and Lemon Juice:
   • Once the soap is melted, pour in 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. These ingredients help cleanse and deodorize, while also giving the soap a light, refreshing scent.
6. Incorporate Alcohol:
   • Add 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol to the mixture. The alcohol works as a disinfectant and helps preserve the soap longer. Stir gently until everything is well-combined.
7. Enhance with Lemon Essential Oil (Optional):
   • If you prefer a more fragrant soap, add 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil at this stage. Lemon essential oil boosts the fresh scent and offers additional cleansing properties.
8. Cool and Pour:
   • Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, carefully pour the soap mixture into silicone molds or a reusable container. You can also add dried lemon zest for texture and an aesthetic touch.
9. Let it Set:
   • Allow the soap to set for at least 24 hours or until fully hardened. For best results, leave the soap to cure for up to 3 days, so it becomes firm and easier to handle.
10. Unmold and Use:
    • Once the soap is hardened, gently unmold it from the silicone molds. Your homemade lemon, vinegar, and alcohol soap is now ready to use! Store it in a cool, dry place.

Benefits of Homemade Soap Without Caustic Soda:

• Gentle on Skin: This soap is perfect for those with sensitive skin, as it contains no harsh chemicals or caustic soda.
• Natural Cleaning Power: The combination of lemon and vinegar provides antibacterial and cleansing properties.
• Refreshing Scent: The citrusy aroma from the lemon juice and essential oil leaves a fresh, pleasant scent on your skin.

Usage Tips:

• Use this soap as a hand wash, body soap, or even for cleaning household surfaces.
• Always test a small patch of skin before widespread use to ensure there’s no irritation.
• Store your homemade soap in a soap dish that drains well to avoid sogginess.

Enjoy your all-natural, homemade lemon soap!