Looking for a unique DIY holiday idea? This easy to follow DIY Liquid Hand Soap tutorial is the perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list.
When I was about seven years old, I wanted to give my mom a really nice Christmas gift. I remember feeling guilty that she gave me such nice gifts (like dolls and games and new clothes) – and all I ever gave her was necklaces made out of yarn and buttons, pictures that I had colored, and other simple homemade gifts.
In the weeks before Christmas, I remember asking her what she wanted for Christmas. She replied, “Oh Haley honey – just make me something homemade! Homemade gifts are the best gifts”.
Although she said it with conviction, I didn’t buy it. Why would a homemade gift be better than getting something shiny and new? What could I possibly make that would compare to something purchased in a store?
Today, 20-some years later, I know exactly what my mom was talking about. As I grow older, I realize ultimately how little satisfaction material things give me.
Sure, I love getting new stuff as much as anyone else. But ultimately, these items don’t make me happy. I realize that the times that I am most happy are the times I spend with the people I love. And when I can’t physically be with the people I love,
I get satisfaction from making gifts or food for them. Usually this involves baking something rich and decadent, but a good craft of DIY project can also be fun and is much appreciated by the recipient.
This homemade hand soap is really fun and easy to make. I found the idea in Richard Blais’ cookbook, Try This At Home: Recipes From My Head To Your Plate. This is one of the most bang-for-your-buck homemade gifts out there. A travel-size bar of soap turns into a huge batch of liquid hand soap.
Although the texture of the liquid soap isn’t exactly like the stuff you buy in the store, it cleans your hands just the same.
And you can customize it by adding essential oils. Give it a try for yourself. Or better yet, make a batch, put it in a pretty soap dispenser, and give it away as a gift.
Step 1: Using a cheese grater, grate the soap into a large bowl.
Step 2: Bring water to a boil over high heat. Add soap and stir until dissolved. This will take about two minutes. Remove the mixture from heat and allow to cool, stirring every five minutes or so.
Step 3: Stir in extract, if using. Pour soap into soap dispenser. If the soap is a little too thick for your liking, use a hand mixer and beat until smooth.
If you want a smaller amount of hand soap, simply use a half gallon of water and a travel size bar of soap. This recipe is very adaptable.
I hope you have fun making this liquid hand soap, and I hope your recipients love it. Make your gift extra special by putting it in a pretty soap dispenser and placing it in a sparkly gift bag. And if you decide to keep it all for yourself – more power to you! Enjoy.
Have you ever tried to make your own liquid hand soap?
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If you want a smaller amount of hand soap, simply use a half gallon of water and a travel size bar of soap. This recipe is very adaptable.
This is too cool. Thanks f. or sharing. Looking forward to giving this a try
Adding about a tablespoon of vegetable glycerin will give it an awesome texture :)
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I have a great recipe...4 n half gallons of very hot water...mix in 1 cup borax and stir 2 mins...mix in 1 cup super soda washing stir 2 mins...add 3/4 cup of your fav laundry soap and stir again 2 mins. While all that stirring and mixing is going on find time to grate your favorite bar of soap...I use 1 1/2 bars zest because it's soapy, and bring to a boil stirring the mix. When melted add it to your gallon and stir 2 mins. Cover lightly with foil and set in lukewarm area overnight
i tried making this soap, at first it was just soapy water so i added another bar in and left it over night and my liquid became a solid i'll try to heat it up and then let it cool then i'll beat it.
Old-timers wasted very little - we used to take all the ends of soap bars that were too little to use, put them in a quart jar, add water, and shake really well. We used it for laundry, washing the dog, and just washing hands. We called it 'soap jelly'. To use in a pump dispenser you need to have one that has a fat tube going to the bottom of the bottle. "Method" dish-washing liquid bottles work very well. They are rather large but have a very fat tube inside. Sometimes you have to periodically shake the bottle to keep it from separating. BTW, who cares if it is slimy - after all, it is SOAP, and will clean very well no matter what the consistency is!
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I love this idea it's so cute me and my bestie tried it and it works so well