Soap , also known as potash soap or fatty acid potassium, is a common cleaning agent and is also used for other purposes such as fitting pipes or controlling aphids. It is usually made from vegetable fats but can also be made from animal fats. The soap can be in the form of a gelatinous mass or liquid and is made by a process that involves boiling fat together with potassium hydroxide.
Last edited on May 8, 2024
Soapa what is it really?
Soap is the everyday name, the one used in everyday speech.
If we are more specific and more versed in chemistry, soap can also be hot potash soap, fatty acid potassium, crystal soap or potassium salt of fatty acids.
Soap is usually made from vegetable fats but can be made from animal fats as well. Making soap from animal fat was common in the old farming society where everything was taken care of. Fat from animals slaughtered in the household was saponified into soap to wash oneself and clean the house and barn.
Soap is used as a cleaning agent or to assemble pipes or move / push heavier things on slats. Other traditional areas of use are combating aphids, foot baths and treatment of, for example, nail fungus.
Soap can be either chewy jelly packed in a jar or packet (like butter) or liquid . The production consists of a process where vegetable or animal fat is boiled together with potassium hydroxide - saponification. This distinguishes soap from soap, which is made from fat and sodium hydroxide.
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Questions and Answers
- What are some traditional uses for soap ?
Traditional uses for soap include cleaning, fitting pipes, controlling aphids, foot baths and treating ingrown toenails.
- How does soap differ from soap in its preparation?
Soap is made by boiling vegetable or animal fat together with potassium hydroxide, a process called saponification. This is different from soap making, which involves fat and sodium hydroxide.
- What are some alternative names for soap ?
In addition to being called soap, it can also be referred to as potash soap, fatty acid potassium, crystal soap or potassium salt of fatty acids.
- What are the advantages of using soap made from vegetable fats?
Soap made from vegetable fats is more common today and is preferred by many due to its eco-friendly and non-animal nature.
- How are greasy and basic soaps used?
Overfatted soaps are often used to provide extra moisture and nourishment to the skin, while basic soaps are used to clean and remove grease and dirt.
You can find overfatted and alkaline soaps here
The store Västerbottenssåpa