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	<title>laundry soap</title>
	<link>http://www.artwoo.com</link>
	<description>Returned search results for laundry soap</description>
	<copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
	<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:56:39 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://www.artwoo.com/rss/laundry+soap</generator>

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				<title>Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) - Nature's Natural Detergent</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-soapnuts-natures-natural-detergent</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-soapnuts-natures-natural-detergent#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2008 15:20:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>detergent soap</category><category>laundry detergent</category><category>stubborn stains</category><category>sapindus mukorossi</category><category>cloth diapers</category><category>bad odors</category><category>saponin</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-soapnuts-natures-natural-detergent</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ I'm not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.  What are Soap Nuts?  Soap Nuts are actually not]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more. <br /><br /> What are Soap Nuts? <br /><br /> Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India and Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sapindus+mukorossi" rel="tag">sapindus mukorossi</a> (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size and ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective. <br /><br /> How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent? <br /><br /> Soap Nuts contain large quantities of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/saponin" rel="tag">saponin</a> in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners. <br /><br /> Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items? <br /><br /> Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bad+odors" rel="tag">bad odors</a>. Musty towels and wash cloths, even <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/cloth+diapers" rel="tag">cloth diapers</a>, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/stubborn+stains" rel="tag">stubborn stains</a>, though, such as blood and red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process. <br /><br /> What About My Allergies to Soap? <br /><br /> Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+detergent" rel="tag">laundry detergent</a>, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic. <br /><br /> How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry? <br /><br /> For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways: <br /><br /> 1. Toss 2 or 3 Soap Nuts in a small Muslim bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads. <br /><br /> 2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 60 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10! <br /><br /> Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent? <br /><br /> Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window and glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit <a href="http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com" >http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com</a> <br /><br /> The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment? <br /><br /> No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don't worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft. <br /><br /> Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation <br /><br /> With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, and prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy. <br /><br /> For more information on Soap Nuts and pricing, visit <a href="http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/Storefront.bok" >http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/Storefront.bok</a>   <bio> <a href="http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/StoreFront.bok" >http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com/StoreFront.bok</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How to Use Soap Nuts</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-soap-nuts</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-soap-nuts#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:15:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>natural surfactant</category><category>air tight container</category><category>true soap</category><category>toxic dyes</category><category>laundry detergent</category><category>nut shells</category><category>natural pesticide</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-use-soap-nuts</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A soap that grows on trees and is free of any harmful chemicals and toxic dyes is called a soap nut! Sounds vague, but it is true! Soap nuts are actually the fruit of a tree called Sapindus and have a cleansing property because of the presence of a natural surfactant called Saponin. This Saponin,]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[A soap that grows on trees and is free of any harmful chemicals and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/toxic+dyes" rel="tag">toxic dyes</a> is called a soap nut! Sounds vague, but it is true! Soap nuts are actually the fruit of a tree called Sapindus and have a cleansing property because of the presence of a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/natural+surfactant" rel="tag">natural surfactant</a> called Saponin. This Saponin, when it comes in contact with water, cleans the clothes by allowing the water to enter the cloth fabric and remove the dirt. It is eco-friendly and harmless to the environment, as well as having anti microbial properties.<br><br>Soap nuts can be used for many purposes. They can be used as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+detergent" rel="tag">laundry detergent</a> or to clean your utensils. They can also be used as a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/natural+pesticide" rel="tag">natural pesticide</a> or for cleaning jewelry.<br><br>LAUNDRY: Tie 4-6 soap <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/nut+shells" rel="tag">nut shells</a> in a muslin bag (provided with most soap nuts orders) and put it in the washing machine load at a desired temperature. You can use the same pouch for 4 to 6 loads of laundry. When the shells become grayish and mushy, they are ready to be replaced and added to your compost. 100 g of soap nuts can be used for approximately 40 loads of laundry.<br><br>DISH CLEANER: You can use soap nuts liquid to wash your dishes. To make the liquid, boil 100g of soap nuts in 12 cups (20 l) of water for approximately 30 minutes. Cool the liquid, remove the shells, and your liquid soap is ready! Storing the liquid in an <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/air+tight+container" rel="tag">air tight container</a> helps it to keep longer. Because there are no added chemicals in soap nuts liquid, it can go bad after some time, depending on the storing conditions. You can use this liquid for washing the dishes or even use 3 tbsp for a large load of laundry.<br><br>The liquid soap from the soap nuts can be used for many purposes. It can be used as a shampoo, car wash, pet shampoo or anything that you wash with liquid soap or detergents.<br><br>You can also use your soap nuts liquid for cleaning and purifying the fruits and vegetables that you eat. Just soak them in the liquid for 10 minutes and your food is clean and germs free!<br><br>Soak your jewelry in the liquid and then rub it with a clean cloth. This will give back the shine and glaze.<br><br>Use your soap nuts liquid as a pesticide. Spray the liquid on trees or plants and the insects will be repelled.<br><br>Applying the liquid on your scalp can help prevent dandruff. Use the liquid as a shampoo, leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. This process can also help prevent hair loss due to excess chemicals our scalp is exposed to every day.<br><br>Soap nuts have been used for centuries in India and Nepal. We are just now beginning to discover the benefits in North America. Soap nuts are the natural choice for an all-purpose cleaner, and an environmentally friendly detergent.<bio><a href="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" title="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" target="_blank">http://www.BuySoapNuts.com</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Soap Nuts: The Environmental Aspect</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-the-environmental-aspect</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-the-environmental-aspect#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:29:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>chemical detergents</category><category>laundry detergents</category><category>laundry detergent</category><category>human atrocities</category><category>chemical dyes</category><category>south asian countries</category><category>artificial fragrances</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-the-environmental-aspect</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Environmental degradation has been a matter of concern for human species for over centuries now. Ecologist, biologists, and many other are engaged in a very tedious job of coming up with products which are less harmful to the human beings and the nature. Our ever increasing dependence on the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Environmental degradation has been a matter of concern for human species for over centuries now. Ecologist, biologists, and many other are engaged in a very tedious job of coming up with products which are less harmful to the human beings and the nature. Our ever increasing dependence on the technical advancements has left us on a verge of an era where, we can see our destruction owing to the fall of nature due the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/human+atrocities" rel="tag">human atrocities</a>.<br><br>Day in and day out, we use products which not only harm us but also our Mother Nature by disturbing the balance in the ecosystem. Water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and so many others in the queue are a constant threat to us. A few decades back, it was established that the simple <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+detergent" rel="tag">laundry detergent</a> that we use for cleaning our clothes are actually harming us and in the long run destroying our clothes! These detergents contain harmful chemical, dyes and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/artificial+fragrances" rel="tag">artificial fragrances</a> which are left behind in the clothes even after they are washed. These harmful chemicals later percolate into our blood causing various types of diseases. When we try to see from the nature's perspective, we find that the water running away after the clothes are being washed, contain harmful chemicals which disturb the aquatic ecosystem!<br><br>However, to give a sigh of relief, there is one natural product that can not only replace these harmful <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/chemical+detergents" rel="tag">chemical detergents</a> but also protect us and also our precious nature. It is quite possible that you have not heard about this gift that nature has in its store to give us. Soap Nuts, the natural soap grows on trees and has the ability to replace the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+detergents" rel="tag">laundry detergents</a>. Growing on a tree called Sapindus, the soap nut is found in the jungles of India, Indonesia, Nepal and other <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/south+asian+countries" rel="tag">South Asian countries</a>. They have a natural substance called Saponin which comes out when the soap nut comes in contact with water and enables water to penetrate the fabric of the cloth and clean it.<br><br>If we try to speak about the environmental aspect of the soap nut then, it is better to queue them up for an easier and clear understanding.<br><br>• 100% vegetable detergent, the soap nut is scentless and is biodegradable and does not compromise with cleaning the cloth.<br><br>• People with allergy and skin diseases are advised to use the soap nut for bathing because of the anti-microbial properties of the Saponin.<br><br>• Soap nuts are economical and do not come up with any harmful environmental wastes on decomposition.<br><br>• The presence of less chemical agents does not pollute the water courses.<br><br>These biodegradable soap nuts are non-toxic by nature and do not pose any threat to mankind even in the remote future. However, studies have revealed that the Saponin in the soap nuts can be used for other environmental benefits like combating harmful micro organisms and controlling fish population.<br><br>In short we can term soap nuts as a blessing to mankind and we must all strive for making a better use of this wonderful gift given to us by Mother Nature.<bio><a href="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" title="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" target="_blank">http://www.BuySoapNuts.com</a> <a href="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html" title="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html" target="_blank">http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Soap Nuts vs Chemical Laundry Detergents and Soaps</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-vs-chemical-laundry-detergents-and-soaps</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-vs-chemical-laundry-detergents-and-soaps#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:02:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>laundry detergents</category><category>warm tropical regions</category><category>chemical detergents</category><category>sodium hypochlorite</category><category>blessings in disguise</category><category>trees of india</category><category>south east asian countries</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-vs-chemical-laundry-detergents-and-soaps</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Soap nuts are natural soaps that grow on trees. These are the fruits of the tree called Sapindus. They do not contain any harmful chemicals and dyes or any other artificial fragrance. Sapindus grow in warm tropical regions and are native trees of India, Indonesia, Nepal and other South East Asian]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Soap nuts are natural soaps that grow on trees. These are the fruits of the tree called Sapindus. They do not contain any harmful chemicals and dyes or any other artificial fragrance. Sapindus grow in <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/warm+tropical+regions" rel="tag">warm tropical regions</a> and are native <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/trees+of+india" rel="tag">trees of India</a>, Indonesia, Nepal and other <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/south+east+asian+countries" rel="tag">South East Asian countries</a>. They are easy to use and can be trusted for long term safety from any adverse chemical reactions on the body and nature.<br><br>A comparative study of the two can give a clear picture of what soap nuts can offer you in terms of a natural detergent. To begin with we can discuss the harmful effects of the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/chemical+detergents" rel="tag">chemical detergents</a>.<br><br>CHEMICAL DETERGENTS: These <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+detergents" rel="tag">laundry detergents</a> and chemical soaps are made up of chemicals and toxins that may have some long term affects. These effects are listed below:<br><br>• The chemicals, dyes and artificial detergents which are used in the laundry detergents are harmful and used for cleaning clothes, these chemicals and dyes stay back within the pores of the fabric even after cleansing. When these clothes are worn, these chemicals come in contact with the body skin and enter into our blood and causes adverse reactions which are harmful to human body. When these toxins are exposed to sunlight, they release vapors giving us an unhealthy air to breath.<br><br>• The laundry detergents contain enzymes which are known to cause allergies and dermatitis.<br><br>• <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sodium+hypochlorite" rel="tag">Sodium hypochlorite</a> presents in the detergents cause lung irritation, respiratory reactions, and cardiovascular damage and damage your eye and skin.<br><br>• Nonylphenoxy Ethoxylates present in the detergents are responsible for increase in breast and prostate cancer. This particular chemical can also cause infertility and is a key ingredient in declining amphibian population.<br><br>• The chemicals in the detergent can cause premature wear and tear of the clothes.<br><br>When compared to these drawbacks of the laundry detergents, the soap nuts are actually <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/blessings+in+disguise" rel="tag">blessings in disguise</a>.<br><br>SOAP NUTS: The soap nuts are natural and do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins. They have a natural chemical called Saponin. The Saponin present in high concentration (nearly 10-18%) acts as a natural detergents when comes in contact with water.<br><br>• These are 100% organic and bio-degradable.<br><br>• They have a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal action which destroys the harmful micro organisms.<br><br>• Due to the anti-microbial property, soap nuts are used for bathing and keep the skin smooth and germs free.<br><br>• The soap nuts do not cause any allergic affect on the skin because of the absence of enzymes and contains hypo allergic elements which prevent allergy.<br><br>• The detergent which goes out as end and waste has the antimicrobial properties which causes cleaning of the drainage and sewer system and thus becomes eco-friendly.<br><br>• This anti-microbial and hypo-allergic property of the soap nuts is good for people suffering from eczema and any other skin infection.<br><br>• They don't damage the linen fibers and protects color.<br><br>• Last but not the least they are re-usable.<br><br>Thus, when it comes to create a green and natural world, when it comes to the economical aspect, laundry detergents and the soaps are nowhere to stand in comparison to soap nuts. We need to decide.<bio><a href="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" title="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" target="_blank">http://www.BuySoapNuts.com</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How To Make Organic Melt And Pour Soap</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-organic-melt-and-pour-soap</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-organic-melt-and-pour-soap#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2006 02:27:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>google</category><category>melt and pour soap base</category><category>melt and pour soap</category><category>grab</category><category>basically</category><category>organic soap</category><category>mold</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-organic-melt-and-pour-soap</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Want to make organic melt and pour soap? Yes, you can buy organic melt and pour soap bases to make your own organic hand made soap. The advantage of making and using organic soap is you know it's good for you and your skin and it doesn't contain any harsh, nasty chemicals.  First, find an organic]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Want to make organic <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap" rel="tag">melt and pour soap</a>? Yes, you can buy organic <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap+base" rel="tag">melt and pour soap base</a>s to make your own organic hand made soap. The advantage of making and using <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/organic+soap" rel="tag">organic soap</a> is you know it's good for you and your skin and it doesn't contain any harsh, nasty chemicals. <br /><br /> First, find an organic melt and pour soap base. It should be easy to find a soap supply site selling this on <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/google" rel="tag">Google</a>. Just type in organic melt and pour soap base. Once you've found your organic melt and pour soap base (check the ingredients it contains first) you can start looking for organic soap fragrances and colors. The site where you found the organic melt and pour soap base may sell them. This way your soap will be truly organic. <br /><br /> Of course, if you just want the soap base to be organic, you don't have to worry about the fragrance and colors being organic and you can use soap suitable ones which will most likely be cheaper. <br /><br /> What kind of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mold" rel="tag">mold</a>s are you going to use? Do you want to make shaped soap, like hearts or stars, or plain bars of soap? <br /><br /> Once you've decided on your ingredients and have the necessary equipment (including safety equipment) ready, it's time to start making your organic soap. <br /><br /> Of course, it's really important to follow your soap making recipe so you know exactly when to add each ingredient but <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/basically" rel="tag">basically</a> to make melt and pour soap you melt the soap in a suitable double boiler or microwave safe bowl or jug, then add the soap coloring and fragrance. Then you pour it into molds and leave it to set. Then you can unmold it. To unmold your soap, gently pop it out of the mold. If it sticks, try running some water over the base of the mold and then try to pop it out of the mold again. Once it's unmolded you can use it right away! <br /><br /> Once you've made a great bar of organic soap, you may never want to go back to using unorganic soap. So here's to your organic soap making success!   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/grab" rel="tag">Grab</a> your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Why Is Homemade Lye Soap So Special?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-is-homemade-lye-soap-so-special</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-is-homemade-lye-soap-so-special#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>lye soap recipe</category><category>colonial soap</category><category>bed mites</category><category>soap maker</category><category>lye calculator</category><category>exact measurements</category><category>lye water</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-is-homemade-lye-soap-so-special</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ There is a lot of folklore surrounding homemade lye soap. Most stories came from our grandparents who were very familiar with lye soap making. One of the most common tales was that it was a cure for poison ivy. From others we heard that it was so harsh it would take your skin off. Because the same]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ There is a lot of folklore surrounding homemade lye soap. Most stories came from our grandparents who were very familiar with lye soap making. One of the most common tales was that it was a cure for poison ivy. From others we heard that it was so harsh it would take your skin off. Because the same bar with which we bathed, was also used to for laundry, we were also told, "nothing cleans clothes like lye soap". <br /><br /> We might not need a cure for <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bed+mites" rel="tag">bed mites</a> nowadays, there are still many suffering from such common skin maladies as eczema and psoriasis. It has been reported that lye soap relieves psoriasis the symptoms of these afflictions in relatively short order. It may just be that discontinuing the use of store bought soap, which is laden with chemicals and preservatives was enough to start the healing process. <br /><br /> The difference between lye soap that was made by our ancestors and lye soap today is that we have <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/exact+measurements" rel="tag">exact measurements</a> that will make the desired bar much more easily. You could choose either a harsh, lye heavy bar or a milder fat heavy bar, easier on the skin and with all of the soothing qualities desired in soap today. Making soap in years past was a very inexact science where the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+maker" rel="tag">soap maker</a>, made adjustments on the fly according to such strange measurements as, does an egg or potato float in the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lye+water" rel="tag">lye water</a> mix? This was the test of lye to water proportion in <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/colonial+soap" rel="tag">colonial soap</a> making. Also the mixture was sometimes boiled for between four and twelve hours during which plenty of evaporation occurred. It was impossible to determine exactly how much water had evaporated and many times during the process water-lye solution would be added to the mix if deemed necessary. <br /><br /> I have seen many an old fashioned <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lye+soap+recipe" rel="tag">lye soap recipe</a> that is described as and similar to; <br /><br /> 1 box of lye  4 lbs of lard  20 ounces of water <br /><br /> Can this type of old fashioned recipe still work? Sure it can, except for the fact we don't know how much a box of lye weighs. If we use a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lye+calculator" rel="tag">lye calculator</a> we can find right amount of lye to add to the recipe. The sap value for is 138. Multiply that by the total number of ounces of lard (64) and we get 8.832. This is the amount of lye, in ounces we would need to turn the lard into soap. Another way to say this is, it would take approximately 8 ounces of lye to saponify 64 ounces of lard. If you use slightly less lye you will attain a softer bar and if you increase the lye you will attain a harsher bar much more like the one Grandma used to make. Soon, after experimenting for a while, you will find one that suits your tastes perfectly. <br /><br /> After some evaluation the true value of lye soap is the fact that it is homemade from natural ingredients that are part of our collective heritage. Yes, the soap has many attractive qualities, but would it be so appealing if we did not make it ourselves? Maybe, though the fact that we have made it with our own hands is sure to add to the universal appeal of a homemade natural product.   <bio>Tommy Smith is the head soap maker at <a href="http://www.grannyslyesoap.com" >http://www.grannyslyesoap.com</a>. His secret family recipe is now available to the public. Experience the difference old fashioned lye soap can make in your life.  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Help! Why Does My Home Made Soap Pong?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/help-why-does-my-home-made-soap-pong</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/help-why-does-my-home-made-soap-pong#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2006 04:27:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>rancid</category><category>fragrance</category><category>dismayed</category><category>crucial</category><category>grab</category><category>lye</category><category>number 1</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/help-why-does-my-home-made-soap-pong</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you've made a batch of soap and been dismayed by the way your soap stinks fragrance wise, here are some reasons why:  1. Using ordinary perfumes or colognes. You need to use fragrances suitable for soap making.  2. Using candle making or craft fragrance. See number 1 above.  3. Using rancid]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[If you've made a batch of soap and been <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dismayed" rel="tag">dismayed</a> by the way your soap stinks <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fragrance" rel="tag">fragrance</a> wise, here are some reasons why: <br /><br /> 1. Using ordinary perfumes or colognes. You need to use fragrances suitable for soap making. <br /><br /> 2. Using candle making or craft fragrance. See <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/number+1" rel="tag">number 1</a> above. <br /><br /> 3. Using <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/rancid" rel="tag">rancid</a> oils. <br /><br /> 4. Too much superfatting. Too much added fat won't make your soap smell nice. <br /><br /> 5. Incorrect measuring of ingredients (if using the cold process method). Your soap won't saponify (<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/crucial" rel="tag">crucial</a> to your soap making success) if you haven't used enough <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lye" rel="tag">lye</a> or you've used too much oil. <br /><br /> 6. Using scented oils. See number 1 above. <br /><br /> 7. Using flavored oil (eg for lip balm). See number 1 above. <br /><br /> 8. If using the rebatched/hand-milled method, using a scented soap for your soap base. <br /><br /> 9. Using fresh herbs or flowers if using the cold process method. These ingredients can react badly to lye. <br /><br /> 10. Diluted oils that contain a high amount of sodium. Too much sodium in the oils can ruin your batch of soap. These oils cost less than the genuine undiluted oils. <br /><br /> 11. Using too much citrus oil. Too much of this acidic oil will react badly with the lye and you'll end up with curdled soap. I use 35% or less citrus oil. <br /><br /> As you can see from the list above, the most common culprit of horrible smelling soap is the fragrance used. If you use a fragrance that's not suitable for soap making, you'll more than likely end up with stinky smelling soap. Before buying any fragrance, make sure it's suitable for soap making. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to buy from a retail soap making supplier who sells soap making ingredients. <br /><br /> So now you know what to do fragrance wise, why not get started on your next batch of soap today?   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/grab" rel="tag">Grab</a> your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Soap Nuts and Their Benefits</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-and-their-benefits</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-and-their-benefits#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:57:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>chemical detergents</category><category>natural surfactant</category><category>delicate fabrics</category><category>three seeds</category><category>trunk diameter</category><category>china indonesia</category><category>warm climate</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-and-their-benefits</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Soap nuts are a fruit of Sapindus Mukorossi trees. These trees grow in south east India, China, Indonesia and Nepal. Sapindus has about five to twelve species of shrubs and small tree which grow in tropical and warm climate. There are nearly 5 to 12 different types across the world. The crushed]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Soap nuts are a fruit of Sapindus Mukorossi trees. These trees grow in south east India, China, Indonesia and Nepal. Sapindus has about five to twelve species of shrubs and small tree which grow in tropical and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/warm+climate" rel="tag">warm climate</a>. There are nearly 5 to 12 different types across the world. The crushed seeds are used to make soap. In Indonesia it is called "Klerek"<br><br>The Sapindus genera of trees are straight cylindrical and have height of 4meters to 5 meters. The tree has life span of nearly 70 years; it can reach a height of 25 meters and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/trunk+diameter" rel="tag">trunk diameter</a> of 1-2 meters. It is excellent tree to plant along boulevards. The bark is shinning gray and fairly smooth when the plant is young and dark grey when tree is mature. The fruit which is called soap nut is 1-2 cm in diameter small leathery skinned contains one to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/three+seeds" rel="tag">three seeds</a>. The foliage is used to feed live stock during drought.<br><br>Soap nuts contain <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/natural+surfactant" rel="tag">natural surfactant</a> called Saponin which is used to clean clothes. Saponin cleans cloth by allowing water to enter fabric and removing dirt. The ripe fruit of the tree is golden or brown in color. Soap nuts are alternatively <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/chemical+detergents" rel="tag">chemical detergents</a> and are environment friendly. Soap nut are safe for washing woolens and other <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/delicate+fabrics" rel="tag">delicate fabrics</a>. It can be reused many times by placing few nuts in cotton bag with a wash load.<br><br>Soap nuts are used for many medicinal uses. It is also in list of herbs and minerals for Ayurveda, ancient Indian medical system. The Soap nuts are also used in Unani and Tibetan indigenous and century old medical systems. Soap nuts are used as in Ayuvedic shampoos and cleanser also as medicine for eczema and psoriasis. The various uses are as under:<br><br>• Soap nuts shell is used as natural and environment friendly detergents. They are odorless. Also the waste water can be reused from irrigation. It is organic, bio-gradable and non polluting cleaning product.<br><br>• Being Hypoallergenic, soap nut does not harm hands.<br><br>• Soap nut are non soapy and have less suds, this reduces water consumption.<br><br>• Being mild detergent it helps maintain color and feel of the fabric.<br><br>• De-toxing Food: Soap nuts powder added to warm water can help remove the residual pesticide and chemicals in fruits and vegetables by washing them.<br><br>• It can be used washing pets, cars and carpets and other things at home as the waste water can be used for watering garden.<br><br>• It is recommended for bathing especially for people with skin disease and allergy.<br><br>• It is widely used for washing hair. It prevents dandruff and removing lice.<br><br>• Soap nuts solution can be used for cleaning jewelry.<br><br>• The saponin from the soap nuts is used in preparation of toothpaste and textile auxiliary.<br><br>• Soap nuts powder is added to facial pack to provide delicate cleansing of skin.<br><br>• It has been used for curing eczema and psoriasis.<br><br>• Soap nuts have also been used as an expectorant and emetic and even for migraine, epilepsy and cholorosis.<br><br>• Natural pesticides: Soap nuts are also used as an effective and natural pesticide for plants and repelling insects around the home.<br><br>• A contraceptive cream out of Ritha fruit has been recently developed by the Central Drug Research Institute, India<br><br>Soap nuts are really multipurpose natural produce in service of mankind and nature.<bio><a href="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html" title="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html" target="_blank">http://www.BuySoapNuts.com/natural-laundry-detergent.html</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How To Make Goat's Milk Soap Using The Melt And Pour Method</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-goats-milk-soap-using-the-melt-and-pour-method</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-goats-milk-soap-using-the-melt-and-pour-method#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2006 02:27:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>goats milk soap</category><category>google</category><category>moisturizing soap</category><category>melt and pour soap base</category><category>melt and pour soap</category><category>basically</category><category>molds</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-goats-milk-soap-using-the-melt-and-pour-method</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Interested in making goat's milk soap using the melt and pour method? Well, you can buy goat's milk melt and pour soap bases to make your own goat milk hand made soap. The advantage of making and using your own soap is you know exactly what's in it. Goat's milk is considered to be a soothing and]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Interested in making goat's milk soap using the melt and pour method? Well, you can buy goat's milk <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap+base" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap" rel="tag">melt and pour soap</a> base</a>s to make your own goat milk hand made soap. The advantage of making and using your own soap is you know exactly what's in it. Goat's milk is considered to be a soothing and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/moisturizing+soap" rel="tag">moisturizing soap</a> making ingredient. <br /><br /> First, decide on a recipe using a goat's milk melt and pour base. What kind of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/molds" rel="tag">molds</a> are you going to use? Do you want to make shaped soap, like seashells or flowers, or plain bars of soap? <br /><br /> Once you've decided on the recipe and molds, find a goat's milk melt and pour soap base. It should be easy to find a soap supply site selling this on <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/google" rel="tag">Google</a>. Just type in goat's milk melt and pour soap base. Once you've found your goat's milk melt and pour soap base (check the ingredients it contains first) you can start looking for soap fragrances and colors, if you need any. The site where you found the goat's milk melt and pour soap base may sell them. <br /><br /> Once you've decided on your ingredients and have the necessary equipment (including safety equipment) ready, it's time to start making your goat's milk soap. <br /><br /> Of course, it's really important to follow your soap making recipe so you know exactly when to add each ingredient but <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/basically" rel="tag">basically</a> to make melt and pour soap you melt the soap in a suitable double boiler or microwave safe bowl or jug, then add the soap coloring and fragrance and pour it into molds and leave it to set. Once it's set you can unmold it. Unmold your soap by gently popping it out of the mold. If it sticks, try running some water over the base of the mold and then attempt to pop it out of the mold again. Once it's unmolded you can use it right away! <br /><br /> Once you've made your first bar of goat's milk soap, you may never want to use non-goat's milk soap again. When I make goat's milk soap for my friends and family, they can't stop raving about it! So why not get started on making your own goat's milk soap today?   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! Grab your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>7 Nifty Reasons For Making Hand Made Soap</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-nifty-reasons-for-making-hand-made-soap</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-nifty-reasons-for-making-hand-made-soap#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Mon, 04 Dec 2006 04:27:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>soap molds</category><category>hand made soap</category><category>nifty</category><category>grab</category><category>soapmaking</category><category>lemon meringue</category><category>gingerbread men</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/7-nifty-reasons-for-making-hand-made-soap</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I love making my own hand made soap. I enjoy using it myself and I adore giving it as gifts to family and friends. They always say "Wow!" when I tell them I made it myself.  Here are 7 nifty reasons for making hand made soap.  1. It's fun. Making your own hand made soap can be a lot of creative]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[I love making my own <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/hand+made+soap" rel="tag">hand made soap</a>. I enjoy using it myself and I adore giving it as gifts to family and friends. They always say "Wow!" when I tell them I made it myself. <br /><br /> Here are 7 <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/nifty" rel="tag">nifty</a> reasons for making hand made soap. <br /><br /> 1. It's fun. Making your own hand made soap can be a lot of creative fun. <br /><br /> 2. You control the ingredients. That means your soap can be full of high quality, good stuff for your skin and not full of harsh, nasty chemicals. <br /><br /> 3. You choose the color. You can make your soap any color you want! Even lime green, if you like that color. <br /><br /> 4. You control the scent. If you want to make unscented soap you can. If You want to make highly scented soap you can. If you want to think up an interesting scented and colored soap, such as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lemon+meringue" rel="tag">lemon meringue</a>, you can. <br /><br /> 5. You control the shape of the soap. There are all kinds of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+molds" rel="tag">soap molds</a> available; hearts, flowers, seashells, even <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/gingerbread+men" rel="tag">gingerbread men</a>! <br /><br /> 6. If you're stuck thinking of a gift for someone, you can make them some wonderful hand made soap. The recipient should love a gift of gorgeous soap nestled in tissue paper in a pretty gift box. They should be even more impressed when you tell them you made it yourself! <br /><br /> 7. The satisfaction you derive from making something that's creative and useful. You don't have to rely on the stores to provide your soap; you can provide it for yourself and others. <br /><br /> Be warned that soap making is an addictive hobby! I have fun thinking up new scent and color combinations, wondering if they'll work and when they do, it's an awesome feeling. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soapmaking" rel="tag">Soapmaking</a> encourages my creativity and I'm sure it will encourage yours as well!   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/grab" rel="tag">Grab</a> your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Why I Love Melt And Pour Soap Making</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-i-love-melt-and-pour-soap-making</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-i-love-melt-and-pour-soap-making#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 02 Dec 2006 22:27:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>soap molds</category><category>flower petals</category><category>grab</category><category>melt and pour soap</category><category>mold</category><category>hand made soap</category><category>chocolate brownie</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-i-love-melt-and-pour-soap-making</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I love making soap using the melt and pour soap making method. In my experience it's the easiest way to make your own hand made soap. A good recipe is a must if you're just starting out, but once you're experienced, you can make up your own recipes and get really creative. How about Double]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[I love making soap using the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap" rel="tag">melt and pour soap</a> making method. In my experience it's the easiest way to make your own <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/hand+made+soap" rel="tag">hand made soap</a>. A good recipe is a must if you're just starting out, but once you're experienced, you can make up your own recipes and get really creative. How about Double <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/chocolate+brownie" rel="tag">Chocolate Brownie</a> soap? <br /><br /> Melt and pour soap comes in soap blocks, ready to melt and pour into the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mold" rel="tag">mold</a> of your choice.  But the exciting part comes once you've melted the soap block. Then you get to add your own choice of soap coloring, fragrance and fun additives; for instance, oatmeal, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flower+petals" rel="tag">flower petals</a> or herbs. <br /><br /> Once that's done, it's time to pour it into the molds of your choice. There are some really cute <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+molds" rel="tag">soap molds</a> available. For example, hearts, flowers, seashells, gingerbread men and many others. <br /><br /> Melt and pour soap only takes a few hours to set at room temperature. If you don't want to wait that long, you can place the molds in the refrigerator for about an hour. But never place the molds in the freezer. <br /><br /> Once the soap has set in the molds, it's time to unmold it. Just turn the mold upside down on a clean soft surface (so the soap doesn't chip if it comes out with a rush) and the soap should pop out. If you're having trouble getting the soap out of the mold, run some warm water over the base of the mold and try again. <br /><br /> Now your very own hand made soap is ready to use! It makes great gifts to give to your friends and family, especially if you use cute molds like the ones mentioned above. I know my friends are impressed when I give them gorgeously scented and coloured heart or flower shaped soaps and tell them I made them myself. <br /><br /> So have fun making your own melt and pour soap. The only problem is, once you start, it's hard to stop!   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/grab" rel="tag">Grab</a> your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Wicker Laundry Basket</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/wicker-laundry-basket</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/wicker-laundry-basket#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2006 14:27:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>laundry basket</category><category>laundry management</category><category>house laundry</category><category>laundry room</category><category>wicker</category><category>family members</category><category>sturdy material</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/wicker-laundry-basket</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Laundry is something we all must do, but most of us don't really like doing, laundry duty, or laundry day is something most of us prefer to avoid whenever we can. You will be surprised to learn that laundry is one of the main causes of disorder and mess around the house, laundry that is not taken]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Laundry is something we all must do, but most of us don't really like doing, laundry duty, or laundry day is something most of us prefer to avoid whenever we can. You will be surprised to learn that laundry is one of the main causes of disorder and mess around the house, laundry that is not taken care of can sometimes be a burden on all <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/family+members" rel="tag">family members</a>. <br /><br /> How many times did you want to explain to one of your family members that the laundry does not end its life when simply inserted into the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+basket" rel="tag">laundry basket</a>, and how many times you simply asked that the used clothes be properly places in the laundry basket?. There is one big secret on <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+management" rel="tag">laundry management</a> and that is keeping it tidy and in order all the time, and using as many things as you possibly can to help you do that. <br /><br /> A <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/wicker" rel="tag">wicker</a> laundry basket is one of the classical and simplest things you can get, it looks great, and it is easy to move around from place to place. A wicker laundry basket is what most people use to hold their laundry until it is done and than they use it again when they need to put order in the laundry itself. <br /><br /> When a laundry basket is full it can weight much more than what you think it can, if you want to make your life a little easier you will get a wicker made basket, wicker is, by nature a light material, it is also very durable, so you don't have to worry about the basket falling apart after a short time. <br /><br /> Using a wicker made basket you will have a woven laundry basket that provides proper airing and ventilation for the laundry, and a stylish laundry basket that would not ruin the overall look of your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+room" rel="tag">laundry room</a> or bathroom, in fact wicker is one thing that can fit into almost any design and fit in with many different kind of furniture. Wicker is woven from a variety of vines, grasses, and other plants to make a strong, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sturdy+material" rel="tag">sturdy material</a> for furniture. The wicker laundry basket is strong and sturdy enough to carry several pounds of soiled clothing. <br /><br /> The only thing you need to remember about a wicker laundry basket is that you should try and avoid placing moist clothes in the basket, wicker is not very good with moisture and the result may be that the wicker strands get moist and lose their grip on each other, losing the hold of the whole basket and come apart, this is something that is relatively easy to avoid and important to remember, if you could avoid that you will probably be able to use your wicket laundry basket for a long while. <br /><br /> When shopping for a wicker basket try and think about the amount of clothes you use each time, since the wicker laundry baskets can hold large amount of clothes you can fit the size to your needs, you can also look around for the kind of color and design that you want because there is a huge selection in wicker furniture and design.   <bio>Daniel Roshard is a designer fascinated by garden architecture, Wicker Furniture and Wicker art has long been a subject of his interst, he know writes wicker furniture buying tips and advice for <a href="http://outdoorwicker.zupatips.com/" >http://outdoorwicker.zupatips.com/</a> for <a href="http://www.zupatips.com" >http://www.zupatips.com</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>10 Top Tips For Melt And Pour Soap Making</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/10-top-tips-for-melt-and-pour-soap-making</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/10-top-tips-for-melt-and-pour-soap-making#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:27:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>shell molds</category><category>safety goggles</category><category>disturbed</category><category>basically</category><category>melt and pour soap</category><category>melt and pour soap base</category><category>fragrance</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/10-top-tips-for-melt-and-pour-soap-making</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Making soap can be a fun hobby. You also have the pride and satisfaction of making your own soap, controlling exactly what's in it and wowing your friends and family with your hand made soap creations.  The melt and pour process is an easy way to make your own soap. Melt and pour soap comes in]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Making soap can be a fun hobby. You also have the pride and satisfaction of making your own soap, controlling exactly what's in it and wowing your friends and family with your hand made soap creations. <br /><br /> The melt and pour process is an easy way to make your own soap. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap" rel="tag">Melt and pour soap</a> comes in ready made blocks of uncolored and unscented soap. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/basically" rel="tag">Basically</a>, you melt the blocks, add your own color, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fragrance" rel="tag">fragrance</a>, fun additives (optional) and pour it into molds. Once it's set, it's ready to use! <br /><br /> Here are ten top tips for melt and pour soap making: <br /><br /> 1. Use a good recipe. Even though it's easy to make soap this way, you still need a recipe to ensure the color, fragrance and optional additives are in the right amounts. <br /><br /> 2. Make sure you wear the appropriate safety equipment. I like to wear protective clothing, shoes, gloves and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/safety+goggles" rel="tag">safety goggles</a>. Melted soap is very hot! You don't want to get burned if you accidentally splash yourself. <br /><br /> 3. You need suitable soap making equipment. You can melt the block of soap in the microwave, but you need a sturdy microwave safe bowl or jug for doing this. If melting on the stove, you need a double boiler. You also need rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, measuring spoons and a metal whisk or spoon. <br /><br /> 4. Ensure you make soap in a well ventilated area (eg, with window/s open). <br /><br /> 5. Don't be <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/disturbed" rel="tag">disturbed</a> by children or pets when making soap. You don't want them (or you) to be accidentally splashed, which can happen when you're distracted by an interruption. <br /><br /> 6. Ensure you're using a good quality <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap+base" rel="tag">melt and pour soap base</a> with colors and fragrances suitable for soap making. <br /><br /> 7. Have fun choosing the molds you're going to use. You can use <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/shell+molds" rel="tag">shell molds</a>, flower molds, heart molds, or whatever kind of molds take your fancy. <br /><br /> 8. Allow enough time for the soap to set. It usually takes a few hours to set in the open or about one hour in the refrigerator. Never place it in the freezer to set. <br /><br /> 9. If you have trouble unmolding your soap, run some warm water over the base of the mold. The soap should pop right out. <br /><br /> 10. Enjoy using your scentsational hand made soap! Once it's set, you can use it right away!   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! Grab your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Beginners Guide To Soap Making</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/beginners-guide-to-soap-making</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/beginners-guide-to-soap-making#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:27:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>lye</category><category>soap molds</category><category>safety goggles</category><category>contact</category><category>flower petals</category><category>sodium hydroxide</category><category>stainless steel saucepan</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/beginners-guide-to-soap-making</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Making your own soap is a lot of fun. I love making my own soap for myself and also giving it as gifts to family and friends. If you're interested in making your own soap but not sure where to start, here's a brief explanation of the three different soap making processes:  1. Cold Process  Cold]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Making your own soap is a lot of fun. I love making my own soap for myself and also giving it as gifts to family and friends. If you're interested in making your own soap but not sure where to start, here's a brief explanation of the three different soap making processes: <br /><br /> 1. Cold Process <br /><br /> Cold process soap making is really making soap from scratch. The three basic ingredients you'll need to make soap this way are water, oils and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sodium+hydroxide" rel="tag">sodium hydroxide</a> (<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lye" rel="tag">lye</a>). Lye is classed as a hazardous material. It can burn skin on <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/contact" rel="tag">contact</a>. When using lye you need to be extremely careful and take all safety precautions, such as wearing <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/safety+goggles" rel="tag">safety goggles</a>, protective gloves, clothing and shoes. You also need to ensure you use a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/stainless+steel+saucepan" rel="tag">stainless steel saucepan</a> and have separate containers for the storing of lye and measuring cups, etc just for soap making. <br /><br /> It's very important you use a good recipe if making soap this way that tells you all the precautions you need to take when using lye; such as mixing the water and lye outside or in a very well ventilated area. The mixing of water and lye first produces a steam so toxic that it can burn your lungs. <br /><br /> You need to be very responsible when handling lye and it does sound scary, so a lot of soap making beginners prefer starting off making their own soap by the following two methods. <br /><br /> 2. Handmilled or Rebatched Method <br /><br /> This method involves the grating of ready made soap (so there's no lye to worry about) that is then melted with added water. You can add your own additives, such as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/flower+petals" rel="tag">flower petals</a>, herbs, lavender, oatmeal, spices, soap colors and fragrance. Then you pour it into <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+molds" rel="tag">soap molds</a> and leave to set. This can take 24 hours but for a truly hardened soap it can take up to two weeks. <br /><br /> 3. Melt and Pour Method <br /><br /> In my experience, this is the easiest method to use if you're a beginner. Melt and pour soap comes in ready made soap blocks (no lye to deal with). You just melt it, either in the microwave or double boiler, add your soap color, fragrance and optional additives, pour it into the mold and leave it to set for a few hours. Once it's set it's ready to use! <br /><br /> When making soap by any of the methods above, it's important you use a good recipe so you get the measurements of the soap, colourings, fragrances and additives right. It's also important that you don't accidentally splash yourself when dealing with a hot, melted soap mixture. <br /><br /> Soap making is addictive. Once you make your first successful batch, you don't want to stop! So why not get started on your soap making journey today?   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! Grab your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Lemon Used Everywhere</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/lemon-used-everywhere</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/lemon-used-everywhere#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 10 Sep 2006 06:27:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>orange scent</category><category>orange body</category><category>laundry detergents</category><category>laundry soap</category><category>lemon fragrance</category><category>strawberry candy</category><category>definitely</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/lemon-used-everywhere</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The fragrance of lemon has been used in dish soaps, laundry detergents and even in household cleaners. Generally lemon fragrance is thought to be an indication that the dishes or clothes have been cleansed of the dirt recently. There are a number of other citrus fruits, but amazing to notice that]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The fragrance of lemon has been used in dish soaps, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+detergents" rel="tag">laundry detergents</a> and even in household cleaners. Generally <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lemon+fragrance" rel="tag">lemon fragrance</a> is thought to be an indication that the dishes or clothes have been cleansed of the dirt recently. There are a number of other citrus fruits, but amazing to notice that it has taken so long for other fragrances to catch up. <br /><br /> Recently we got a few lemon and orange flavored toothpaste tubes. Body Shoppe, the joint famous for their aromatic oils, have started offering Satsuma oil, lotion and shower gel and that too with oozing fresh orange fragrance. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/orange+scent" rel="tag">Orange scent</a> is equally appealing as lemon to me. Lemon in reality is sour to taste and artificial lemon tang is not at all comparable to the natural tang. As far as orange fragrance is concerned its second only to those fleshy, ripe and revitalizing fruits brought directly from Florida groves. <br /><br /> Given a choice, I would <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/definitely" rel="tag">definitely</a> choose to have my laundry and home emit the fragrance of orange and have no second thoughts about it. <br /><br /> Only if the aroma and essence of lemon improves, it would be more appealing again. But as of now the orange tang and aroma is the finest and to me it gets the better of lemon's flavor and scent. Here is a great gardening related site <a href="http://www.verygreenthumb.com" >http://www.verygreenthumb.com</a>. <br /><br /> As a child, my most wanted candy was the one called Fruitella. You could have <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/strawberry+candy" rel="tag">strawberry candy</a> or a peach candy or the juicy orange flavored candy. It felt seriously divine to have these candies. <br /><br /> Now as a grown up, I always am on the search for that fresh orange aroma. But I always end up buying one more lemon aroma dish soap, laundry detergent, window cleaner and even toothpaste. (Orange is hard to procure, appears to be selling like hot cakes!). <br /><br /> For once, we were lucky to have found an orange scented bathroom spray and I ensure that I have a good stash of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/orange+body" rel="tag">orange body</a> oil. But my <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/laundry+soap" rel="tag">laundry soap</a> has the lemon scent, I add lemon essence to chicken and you always find a lemon kind under the sink in kitchen. <br /><br /> Will grapefruit or even lime ever be popular as stimulating fragrances and essence? Orange has gradually become the choice of many manufacturers and marketers, thus capturing a miniscule part of lemon market. I hope the future will definitely provide us with aroma of fruits like watermelon, grape and may be even pomegranate!!! Meanwhile I buy orange whenever available and have nothing to choose from but lemon. Its time now to oust lemon dominance as the only fresh fragrance in the market, isn't it?   <bio>Melissa loves working for: <a href="http://www.sdmdirectory.com" >http://www.sdmdirectory.com</a> <a href="http://www.massreleases.com" >http://www.massreleases.com</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Choosing A Handmade Soap Maker</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-a-handmade-soap-maker</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-a-handmade-soap-maker#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 15 Oct 2006 22:27:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>google</category><category>disingenuous</category><category>castile soap</category><category>saponification</category><category>soap makers</category><category>handmade soap</category><category>melt and pour soap</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-a-handmade-soap-maker</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing a soap maker is an important task, as your skin is depending on it. There a couple basic questions that should allow you to determine the competence of your soap maker immediately. Some handmade soap makers are really melt and pour soap makers. They take pre-packaged melt and pour soap,]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Choosing a soap maker is an important task, as your skin is depending on it. There a couple basic questions that should allow you to determine the competence of your soap maker immediately. Some handmade <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+makers" rel="tag">soap makers</a> are really <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/melt+and+pour+soap" rel="tag">melt and pour soap</a> makers. They take pre-packaged melt and pour soap, place it in the microwave for a minute, add color and fragrance, pour into molds and call this <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/handmade+soap" rel="tag">handmade soap</a> making. This is really a task for keeping the kids busy on a rainy day. There is very little skill involved, almost anyone can do it. The worst aspect however is what the manufacturers have to put into the basic batch in order to get it to behave this way in a microwave. The number of chemicals are too numerous to list. This is a bad choice on all counts. <br /><br /> Handmade soap must go through the process of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/saponification" rel="tag">saponification</a> in order to be true handmade soap. There are newer hot process methods but these are not the methods that the finest old world soap makers use. If you were to visit the finest <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/castile+soap" rel="tag">castile soap</a> makers in Europe you will find they are using a method called cold press soap making. This timeless method that uses lye as the saponification agent makes the finest soap available today. You don't have to believe me, just <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/google" rel="tag">google</a> French, Greek or Italian soap and read how they make their soap. Most are extremely proud of this old world tradition that they have kept alive all of these years. <br /><br /> If a melt and pour soap maker tries to scare you by saying andquot;our soap contains no lyeandquot;, run for the hills. This is a typical <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/disingenuous" rel="tag">disingenuous</a> tactic that is commonly used by inferior soap crafters. Remember, NO LYE NO SOAP! Now with this info you need to know the other ingredients in the soap and their properties. Some very good soaps have more moisturizing properties and others have stronger cleansing properties. This has to do with amount and combination of oils in each soap. Lathering oils are coconut, castor, babassu oils and lard. The more moisturizing oils are almond, apricot kernel, canola, corn, olive, rice bran, and shea butter. Some oils have a great combination of both attributes. Experiment with different handmade soap bars and find out which combination works best for your skin. We have found that any soap that has just one oil is usually deficient in one or more of the qualities that makes for a great soap. As you get familiar with the different oils used in soap making, you will find the perfect combination that fits your skin profile.  <bio>Jeffrey Dorrian is the webmaster at <a href="http://www.thesoapguy.com" >http://www.thesoapguy.com</a>. He has been making handmade soap for six years. andquot;Handmade soap is a little luxury anyone can affordandquot;. Go ahead and spoil yourself, or give this special treat to a friend. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Christmas Soap Making</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-soap-making</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-soap-making#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 09 Dec 2006 02:27:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>hand made soap</category><category>soaps</category><category>dollar store</category><category>gingerbread men</category><category>grab</category><category>lush</category><category>bling</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-soap-making</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Since Christmas is almost here, what could be a better gift than Christmas themed hand made soap to give to family and friends?  My family and friends always look forward to the hand made soap gifts I give them each year. Hand made soap is a practical as well as a thoughtful gift. The recipient]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Since Christmas is almost here, what could be a better gift than Christmas themed <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/hand+made+soap" rel="tag">hand made soap</a> to give to family and friends? <br /><br /> My family and friends always look forward to the hand made soap gifts I give them each year. Hand made soap is a practical as well as a thoughtful gift. The recipient knows you thought about them while you took the time to make their soap. And everyone uses soap! If you're short on cash, hand made soap can also be an economical gift (although mine look fancy and luxurious). <br /><br /> I buy a pretty, inexpensive gift box from a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/dollar+store" rel="tag">dollar store</a>, line it with white tissue paper and nestle the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soaps" rel="tag">soaps</a> inside. Then I cover them up with more tissue paper, place the lid on top and carefully wrap it with attractive Christmas paper. Then I attach a charming (and charmingly cheap) bow on top and a cute gift tag. <br /><br /> If you're stuck for ideas on what kind of Christmas themed soap to make, you can always check out <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lush" rel="tag">Lush</a> off or online. They have a wonderful array of Christmas themed soaps and bath bombs (they have all kinds of soaps all year round) that might inspire you. For example, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bling" rel="tag">Bling</a> Crosby Bubble Bar, Candy Cane Bubble Bar or Rock Star Soap. <br /><br /> If you wanted to make a Bling Crosby style soap, you'd need some glitter, soap color and soap fragrance. Why not give it your own name, eg Bling Mary if your name is Mary? <br /><br /> What about using a holly or mistletoe mold and coloring the soap green? Or pretty little star shaped soaps. Or Christmas pudding shaped soaps that have been colored to look like a Christmas pudding. Or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/gingerbread+men" rel="tag">gingerbread men</a>, with a wonderful gingerbread scent and color, in delightful gingerbread molds. Almost anything is possible in the wonderful world of soap making!   <bio>Jennifer Christine is a Super Soap Making Enthusiast! <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/grab" rel="tag">Grab</a> your FREE exclusive mini report, Secret Online Soap Making Supplies when you visit <a href="http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com" >http://www.MakeYourOwnSoapToday.com</a> and discover how you can make your own hand made soap today! </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Soap Nuts For Allergy Relief</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-for-allergy-relief</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-for-allergy-relief#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:22:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>soaps and detergents</category><category>free detergent</category><category>skin ailments</category><category>skin allergies</category><category>harmful chemicals</category><category>allergy relief</category><category>serious skin</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-nuts-for-allergy-relief</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With a long history to back the claim, soap nuts are very effective in treating people having skin allergies including eczema and psoriasis. Used for generations in India and Nepal, soap nuts have made their presence felt in recent years in European nations, as well as in North America. Soap nuts]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[With a long history to back the claim, soap nuts are very effective in treating people having <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/skin+allergies" rel="tag">skin allergies</a> including eczema and psoriasis. Used for generations in India and Nepal, soap nuts have made their presence felt in recent years in European nations, as well as in North America. Soap nuts are extremely mild and very effective for people having allergies. Some of the finest quality commercial detergents and cleansers available in the market may be harmful for people suffering from allergies such as eczema and psoriasis due to the chemicals contained in them. Soap nuts contain none of these chemicals, thus giving the potential for <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/allergy+relief" rel="tag">allergy relief</a>.<br><br>People suffering from serious <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/skin+ailments" rel="tag">skin ailments</a> such as the two mentioned above are always told to not use cleansers of any form but, ironically, they are almost unavoidable due to the fact that cleansers are necessary for basic cleanliness and hygiene in our daily lives. These people are also told not to use any kind of detergents or soaps. This is because the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soaps+and+detergents" rel="tag">soaps and detergents</a> have <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/harmful+chemicals" rel="tag">harmful chemicals</a> and dye which aggravates it and worsens the condition. Soap nuts are the most natural chemical <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/free+detergent" rel="tag">free detergent</a> available on the market. For this reason, Ayurvedic treatment includes soap nuts as a key ingredient for shampoos and cleanser which are used for cleaning purpose when an individual suffers from skin allergies like eczema and psoriasis.<br><br>When an individual uses this soap nut cleanser to clean the affected area, the anti-microbial property of the soap nuts help in killing the germs that cause the disease, thus giving allergy relief. The absence of any kind of dye or toxins and even enzymes (which are known to cause skin irritation) in the soap nut makes it an ideal medicine for the treatment of skin ailments. Irrespective of the sex and age of an individual, soap nuts counter attack the disease causing germs and wipe them out. Absence of the non-allergic substances makes it suitable for children as well!<br><br>So, if you are suffering from skin diseases, try the soap nut husk before you switch over to prescribed medicines. Try soap nuts and gather some experience by yourself trusting that if soap nuts are unable to cure your disease then they will at least not worsen the situation. Global studies on eczema and psoriasis have come up with results that can actually help you in switching to soap nuts as a medicine. Studies reveal that people using conventional detergents and soaps as cleansers have encountered an increase in the situation of the skin disease instead of curing it! However, the people who have switched to the Ayurvedic treatment based on soap nuts found that their problems have diminished.<br><br>This revolutionary non-chemical and hundred percent natural laundry detergents have steadily grown to popularity and have made their presence felt in the world of medical science. Eco friendly by nature, environmentally friendly soap nuts help in maintaining a cleaner environment and keeping you away from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. Allergy relief is within your reach!<bio><a href="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" title="http://www.BuySoapNuts.com" target="_blank">http://www.BuySoapNuts.com</a> <a href="http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com" title="http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com" target="_blank">http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com</a></bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How To Make Soap Easily At Home</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-soap-easily-at-home</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-soap-easily-at-home#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 29 May 2007 02:24:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>miserably</category><category>ghostwriters</category><category>brain surgeon</category><category>natural soap</category><category>troubleshooting step</category><category>easy task</category><category>local library</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-make-soap-easily-at-home</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Firstly,Let's face it, making natural soap is no easy task.Learning how to make soap is probably one of the most difficult lessons any person can try to learn. There are some key things told by this book that you need to know that no one is telling you at this time.  Of course, some people will go]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Firstly,Let's face it, making <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/natural+soap" rel="tag">natural soap</a> is no <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/easy+task" rel="tag">easy task</a>.Learning how to make soap is probably one of the most difficult lessons any person can try to learn. There are some key things told by this book that you need to know that no one is telling you at this time. <br /><br /> Of course, some people will go on and tell you can do just fine without an advanced understanding of how to make soap. Thats incorrect. Just take a look at how many people who fail <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/miserably" rel="tag">miserably</a> after purchasing book after book. The biggest problem is that most books on the subject of soap making are filled with content created by <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ghostwriters" rel="tag">ghostwriters</a> (not someone who is currently making the book).They are filled with highly complex information which basically require you to be a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/brain+surgeon" rel="tag">brain surgeon</a> to figure out!If you want to learn how to make soap the easy way, then following the advice given by this ebook - which does not require you to be a mastermind of any sort to figure out, should make a lot of sense to you. Some of the things you will learn include Advanced Soap Making Techniques, PH lessons and its role in skincare, List of 30 soap making oils and benefits of each,general troubleshooting, Step-by-Step Instructions on Cold-Process, Hand-Milled and MandP Soap,A Shopping Guide for Easy-to-Find Additives to Jump Start your First Batch and the list simply goes on.this really is the ultimate tutorial for making soap at home, but until now doing it yourself probably meant checking out 10 or so books from your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/local+library" rel="tag">local library</a> and spending hours without an understanding of what to do!So at the end of the day even if you are experienced in soap making,you will benefit greatly from the secrets given by this easy to follow and comprehensive book.   <bio>Did you find this Soap Making review helpful? For more information on this Guide please visit my page: <a href="http://www.makesoapeasy.info" >http://www.makesoapeasy.info</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Soap Making Beginners, Do You Need To Purchase Molds?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-making-beginners-do-you-need-to-purchase-molds</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-making-beginners-do-you-need-to-purchase-molds#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>soap balls</category><category>soap mold</category><category>soap molds</category><category>pvc piping</category><category>soap makers</category><category>cookie cutters</category><category>cardboard boxes</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/soap-making-beginners-do-you-need-to-purchase-molds</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ The first soap mold I ever used was a drawer from an old dresser that was taking up space in my basement. Most soap makers start with some type of rectangular container. It should be at least 3.5 inches high as this will give you a little room for errors. Pvc piping is also popular for making]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ The first <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+mold" rel="tag">soap mold</a> I ever used was a drawer from an old dresser that was taking up space in my basement. Most <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+makers" rel="tag">soap makers</a> start with some type of rectangular container. It should be at least 3.5 inches high as this will give you a little room for errors. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/pvc+piping" rel="tag">Pvc piping</a> is also popular for making round soap and is available at any hardware store for a nominal cost and you may have in your garage or basement. <br /><br /> Most <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/cardboard+boxes" rel="tag">cardboard boxes</a> will work well as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+molds" rel="tag">soap molds</a>. Save a few and see which one works best for your volume of soap. You can easily line them with a plastic garbage bag that you have cut along the seams and laid across the box and tucked into the corners. Your soap will slide easily from the mold and you can then peal the bag right off the soap. <br /><br /> If you use a large flat box you can then pour your soap about 1.5 inches thick across the entire surface of the box. When you do it this way, please be sure and give some extra layers of insulation when curing as the large flat surface will dissipate the heat much more quickly than a thicker batch. After 24 hours you can then use <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/cookie+cutters" rel="tag">cookie cutters</a> to stamp out cute shapes of soap. If the soap is still too moist leave it uncovered for a few hours and it should harden up just enough to allow a nice cut with your cookie cutters. <br /><br /> Triangle bars are great looking bars that are easy to make. Take your block of soap out of the mold after 24 hours and cut lenghth wise into strips approximately 2.5 inches wide. Start at the end of each strip and make a 45 degree cut from the corner. Next, make another cut in the opposite direction, again at 45 degrees. This makes nice wedges of soap that are very attractive and easy to sell. <br /><br /> If you would like to make <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/soap+balls" rel="tag">soap balls</a> pour your block of soap more than 2 inches thick. Then after 24 hours take you soap out the mold and get an ice scream scoop and start making soap balls. Be sure to wear protective gloves to smooth out the edges. If you have two different soaps available you can scoop large chunks of each and use the contrasting colors to make a truly unique soap ball. <br /><br /> For specialty soap, you can use any extra candy molds you might have in your kitchen. Be sure and use only those that you have no intention of making candy with anymore. I sometimes would use old dessert cups that have a very nice round shape and make a very attractive bar of soap. Examine any and all baking utensils and molds that you aren't using, these make great improvised molds for soap. <br /><br /> If you have any trouble extracting your soap from molds, let the soap stand in the freezer overnight. The soap will pop out of the mold the next morning. Some soap makers put a thin layer of petroleum jelly into molds that have nooks and crannies. Don't use shortening as it will start to saponify along with your soap mix.   <bio>Jeffrey Dorrian is the webmaster at <a href="http://www.soapmakingideas.com" >http://www.soapmakingideas.com</a>. He has been making handmade soap for six years. "Handmade soap is a little luxury anyone can afford". Soap making is a great hobby. Check out our soap making videos.   </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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