Homemade 3-Ingredient Liquid Castile Soap

For hands, body, dishes, cleaning, etc.

Put on safety gear (gloves and eye protection) and work in a well-ventilated area.
Make the lye solution: Slowly add potassium hydroxide to the distilled water (never water to lye). Stir until fully dissolved. Set aside.
Warm the olive oil in a slow cooker or stainless pot until gently heated.
Combine and blend: Carefully pour the lye solution into the warm oil. Use a stick blender in short bursts until thick trace is reached.
Cook the soap paste: Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, until the paste becomes glossy, translucent, and gel-like (about 2-4 hours).
Dilute the paste: Add hot distilled water (start with 1-1.5 parts water per 1 part paste by weight). Stir gently and heat until fully dissolved.
Rest the soap: Let diluted soap sit 24-48 hours to allow bubbles to rise and clarity to improve.
Bottle and store in clean containers.

Soap thickens as it cools.
Add essential oils during/after dilution, if desired.
Do not add fresh herbs, fresh fruit peels, or anything that could be holding water. Make sure additives are fully dried.
Store in airtight containers; use within 12 months.