For those making soap..

[ThornyRidgeII]

How much milk does one need.. I would be interested in just a few bars here and there for myself and some friends.. not really interested in going to the whole trouble of making bunches and selling it... soooo I am wondering.. a. is it even worth the trouble? and b. how much milk is needed to even begin? and then other costs?

 

[freemotion]

Yes, it is worth the trouble. You can pull out your soapmaking supplies once or twice a year and make a few small batches for your family and for gifts.

I freeze the milk in ice cube trays and then put that into Ziplocs. It works better if most of the milk you use is frozen. I use about 25 oz in a batch that makes about 24 bars in a small dollar store dishpan.

 

[chandasue]

I had good intentions of making enough soap to sell but so far I only make enough for us to use and to give as occasional gifts. Everyone loves getting a bar of goats milk soap. Maybe someday I'll get more ambitious. I think my recipes call for about 9 oz at a time. (Edit: I've been using and modifying recipes from the book Milk Soapmaking.) It's quite a small batch but I like doing it that way so I can make several small batches with different essential oils.

 

[Christina's Dream]

When my goat gets old enough to breed I plan on making cheese, soap and what not from her milk. I love all the extras my pets give me. Eggs and meat from the chickens and ducks.

I love a hobby that gives back.

 

[Ariel301]

It doesn't take a whole lot. I make 4 pounds at a time, and I think (I don't have the recipe in front of me right now) it calls for about 12 ounces of milk.