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.
DIY Liquid Hand Soap
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.
Here is what you need:
1 bar unscented soap 1 gallon water 1 tsp essential oil such as lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, etc. (optional) Cheese grater Large soup pot Soap dispensers (this makes a huge batch)
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?
Other DIY gifts you can make:
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- DIY Liquid Hand Soap - November 4
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I used one bar of soap and the amount of water called for, but it tuned out very watery. Any suggestions?
Oh me too! It’s so watery so added another half bar ?????letting is sit now..
Can u tell me exactly how thick this will get? I just made a batch and it is fairly watery. Thanks for getting back to me
Sue
Great tutorial, Ruth. Thank you! I haven’t bought liquid hand soap in a long time. My current is using cheap shampoo that I’ve had forever, doing about 25/75 shampoo to water, and filling a large hand soap dispenser that I’ve had. Everyone once in a while I add a little shampoo and a lot more water. As soon as my cheap shampoo stock is done, I will totally do this. Thank you so much!
Hey Becky – you can totally use scented soap. But I will say – the soap becomes so diluted with water that barely any scent from the bar soap will remain. If you want a scented soap, I would recommend adding some essential oils.
Anna – I have never tried making this with Dove, but I can’t think of any reason why it wouldn’t work for this project. From my experience, this recipe is pretty much foolproof, so I would be surprised if Dove soap affected the end product.
About the type of soap: I used a small bar of soap from a hotel for the first batch, and some scented guest soap for the second batch (one of those small square bars from the photo above). From my experience, virtually any kind of bar soap will work for this recipe. If you’re using a small bar of soap (like the kind from a hotel), just make sure to reduce the amount of water you use. Good luck!