How to prepare grandma’s “house soap”: degreases and perfumes

At the heart of Italian domestic traditions, there is a practice as ancient as it is effective: the home production of soap. Grandmother’s “home soap” is a symbol of simplicity, self-sufficiency and respect for the environment, which today we rediscover with new eyes, looking for natural and sustainable alternatives to industrial products.

The process begins with essential and easily available ingredients:

• 5 litres of used oil (the residual oil from the cooking containers)
• 1 kg of caustic soda flakes
• 20 litres of water

These three elements, combined with care and patience, give life to a genuine soap, effective for laundry and gentle on the skin.

The mixture should always be mixed in the same direction, brought to a boil and stirred for at least an hour, gradually adding the rest of the water.

The mixture, over time, thickens and forms a compact and fine foam. An ancient trick to understand its readiness is simple: if, by lifting the ladle, it spins like honey, it is ready.

At this point, it is left to cool and rest for a week or two. When the block easily detaches from the walls of the container, it can be flipped and cut into the desired shapes.

The soap obtained is pure and natural. It can be used for body washing or laundry, offering an environmentally friendly, cost-effective solution free of unnecessary chemicals.

In addition to its more classic uses, this soap can be employed in simple but ingenious ways:

• Natural stain remover: rubbed directly onto collars, cuffs or stubborn stains before washing.
• Surface cleaner: grated and dissolved in hot water, it works perfectly for cleaning floors or washable surfaces.
• Insect repellent: kept in bags in drawers or closets, it helps keep moths away thanks to its natural smell.

Making soap at home is not just a nostalgic gesture. It is a concrete way to reduce waste, give new life to used oil and rediscover the beauty of the knowledge handed down. A return to manual skills that speaks of care, respect and simplicity.

Share article

Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which medical advice is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, you do not assume responsibility for it. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.