Liquid soap can be quite a luxury and if you like the kind with essential oils in it, it can also be very expensive. However, there is no need to buy it because it is so simple to make.

First off get hold of a couple of empty plastic pump type bottles because you will need these to hold your finished product. You may have a liquid soap bottle or two that are almost empty, or even know someone who has. If not, new clear plastic bottles are quite inexpensive to buy.

Next, gather your ingredients. You will need the following:

2 breakfast cups (standard US cup) of grated pure soap. Avoid any fragrances.

1 teaspoon of vodka.

2 teaspoons of lemon essential oil or other oil depending on your preference.

2 to 3 cups of distilled, or boiled cooled water.

(Add a teaspoon of wheatgerm, olive oil, or similar if you want this as a soap for washing yourself! It will make your skin soft and peachy, but leave it out if you are intending to use as a cleaning soap for kitchens, clothing, etc.)

Put the soap and one cup of water in the top of a double boiler over a low heat. When the soap has melted add the vodka and cool. Then add the essential oil. (If you add the essential oil while the mixture is hot the oil will evaporate.)  Once completely cooled pour into bottles. If the mixture is too thick add more water.

This basic liquid soap recipe can be varied. Add grapefruit, mint to make a kitchen surface cleaner, or eucalyptus for a sick room.  It is possible to save a great deal of money by making your own fragranced liquid cleaners and you will get the benefit of essential oils too. It can also be used for hand washing delicate clothing, because it contains no harmful chemicals.

These would make fabulous gifts if you label the bottle and add a little bow of ribbon, or tinsel.