Yakima Family Times

Making handmade soap is a true work of both art and science. I made a batch of handmade soap in 1999, with olive oil, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, lavender essential oil and lye. I have about 14 bars away as gifts and the remaining bars lasted our family almost ten years.

Soapmaking had a bad reputation for many years. “Lye,” which is a severely caustic chemical that reacts with the oils to form soap. Actual soap can ONLY be made this way. Commercial bars of “soap” are actually detergents, not true soap. Do you want detergent on your skin? Do you want detergent on your baby?

Homemade soaps are not only better for your skin, but they’re also better for the earth. Plus, the textures, colors, scents and feel of a homemade soap lather is absolutely heavenly. Knowing each bar was made by hand- that someone with a passion put their time & energy into YOUR daily routine makes it special.

Here are a few resources for handmade soap in Yakima. I strongly urge you to support local businesses by buying local soap. Lather up!

Yakima Soapmakers

Hick Chick’s Soap Barn
http://www.hickchickssoapbarn.com

Luxury Soap

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LuxurySoap

Little Soapmaker
www.thelittlesoapmaker.com

If you want to try making handmade soap yourself, pick up The Soapmaker’s Companion because it explains absolutely everything you need to know about soapmaking. Dealing with caustic chemicals can be dangerous. This book teaches you and shows you with words and pictures, how to use it safely. Every ingredient must be weighed, to the hundredth of an ounce and added to the pot at a specific time and temperature. Safety gear and precautions are easy, but important. No one wants a vat of bubbling acid to explode in their face, right?