Buzz Off!

Directions

1. 1
   Grease a square or oblong mold.
2. 2
   Place the fat and base oils in a stainless steel or enamel pot over a low heat.
3. 3
   Pour the water into a heavy glass or plastic bowl or pitcher.
4. 4
   Wearing rubber gloves and eye protection, add the sodium hydroxide (caustic soda/lye) to the water and stir until dissolved.
5. 5
   When the oils have melted, remove them from heat.
6. 6
   Place one candy thermometer in the oils and one in the caustic solution.
7. 7
   When both thermometers reach an equal temperature between 120*F.
8. 8
   (49*C.) and 140*F (60*C.), pour the caustic solution into the oil.
9. 9
   Stir occasionallly until the mixture reaches trace.
10. 10
    This should take about 60 minutes.
11. 11
    Add the essential oils and stir well.
12. 12
    Pour immediately into the mold and cover with a towel or blanket.
13. 13
    Leave to set for 24 hours or until the soap reaches a solid consistency.
14. 14
    Wearing rubber gloves, remove the soap from the mold and cut into bars.
15. 15
    Cover the soap and leave to cure for four weeks before use.
16. 16
    Note#1: You may add dried lavender buds that have been ground up to your soap at trace.
17. 17
    Use about 2 tbls.
18. 18
    (30g) per lb (454g) soap.
19. 19
    Note#2: For extra protection, put one part glycerine and four parts water into a spray bottle and add a few drops to these essential oils.
20. 20
    If you don't have glycerine on hand, use straight vodka as a base instead.
21. 21
    If you don't have citonella, lemon grass is equally effective.