How Do You Make Insect Repellent Soap?
Many scents that are pleasant to people are repulsive to bugs. Citronella, lavender and eucalyptus are essential oils that can be used in soap making to form a soap that will help repel nasty bugs of any season. Coat molds or baking pan generously with petroleum jelly and set aside. Melt tallow and vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Then set it aside. Stir lye into the cold water. Continue to stir, using a wooden spoon, until the lye is completely dissolved. Let this mixture cool. Touch the outside of the bowl containing the lye mixture. If the bowl is cool to the touch, begin slowly pouring the lye into the fat mixture stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the combined mixture becomes thick and creamy. Add the essential oils and stir to distribute them evenly into the soap mixture. Pour it into molds and allow it to harden. Cut the soap into bars and allow it to air dry for several weeks before use.
