Innovation

How to Make 20 Litres of Liquid Soap at Home in Nigeria – Step-by-Step Guide

Published on August 13, 2025

Liquid soap is a staple in every Nigerian home, widely used for hand washing, dishwashing, and general cleaning. Unlike bar soap, liquid soap is convenient, easy to use, and can be customized with fragrances, colors, and other additives. Making liquid soap at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a safe and effective product for your family.

In Nigeria, local producers often combine readily available ingredients like Nitrosol, SLS, Sulphonic Acid, caustic soda, and soda ash to create liquid soap that cleans effectively and lathers well. While foam boosters can enhance the froth, a well-prepared soap mixture can still produce good results without them.

Beyond home use, liquid soap can also be a source of income. You can sell it to raise money, or package it creatively to serve as souvenirs for events like weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings. This not only adds a personal touch to events but also creates a practical gift that guests can use long after the occasion.

This guide will walk you through the process of making liquid soap in simple, easy-to-follow steps, using ingredients that are common and accessible in Nigeria. By the end, you’ll be able to produce your own high-quality liquid soap suitable for home use, small-scale sales, or event souvenirs.

Liquid soap production

Liquid soap packaged as part souvenirs

Table of Contents

Ingredients & Their Functions

Nitrosol (125g or ⅛ kg): Acts as a thickener, giving the soap its gel-like consistency.

Nitrosol

CausticSoda (62.5g or 1/16 kg): A strong alkali that reacts with oils to form soap.

Soda Ash (125g or 1/8 kg): Helps to neutralize acids and stabilize the soap.

Soda ash

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS, 125g or 1/8 kg): A foaming agent that helps the soap lather.

SLS

Sulphonic Acid (1.5 litres): A surfactant that boosts cleaning power.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP, 62.5g or 1/16 kg): Softens water and stabilizes the soap.

Perfume (As desired): Adds fragrance to the soap.

Optional Additives

Glycerine: Softens the skin and adds moisture.
Colouring: Adds visual appeal.
Foam Booster: Enhances foaming properties.

Foam Booster

Note: These quantities are based on a 20-litre production. Adjust proportions accordingly for different volumes.

Equipment Needed

Large plastic or stainless steel containers (20–30 litres capacity)

Measuring spoons and cups

Stirring stick or hand mixer
Protective gloves and eyewear

Plastic bottles for packaging

Liquid Soap Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Caustic Solution:

In a well-ventilated area, dissolve 62.5g of caustic soda in 1 litre of cold water. Stir until fully dissolved.
Let it sit for 1 hour or overnight to allow the solution to cool and stabilize.

Mix the Nitrosol Solution:

In a separate container, dissolve 125g of Nitrosol in 10 litres of water. Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
Combine the Solutions:

Slowly add the caustic solution to the Nitrosol mixture while stirring constantly. This forms the base of your soap.

Add Surfactants:

Incorporate 125g of SLS and 1.5 litres of Sulphonic Acid into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Add Stabilizers:

Dissolve 125g of Soda Ash and 62.5g of STPP in 2 litres of water. Gradually add this solution to the soap mixture, stirring continuously.

Add Fragrance:

Pour in the desired amount of perfume and mix well.

Optional Additives:

Add glycerine, colouring, and foam booster as desired. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Adjust Consistency:

If the soap is too thick, add water in small increments until the desired consistency is achieved.

Allow to Settle:

Let the soap mixture sit for 24–48 hours to allow any air bubbles to escape and for the soap to fully thicken.

Tips

Safety First: Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling caustic soda.
Stirring: Use a wooden or plastic stick for stirring; avoid metal as it can react with the caustic soda.
Storage: Store the soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Testing: Before full-scale production, test the soap on a small batch to ensure desired quality.

For a visual demonstration, you might find this video helpful:

How To Make Quality Multipurpose Liquid Soap At Home

Feel free to ask if you need further assistance or clarification on any of the steps!

Photo Credit/Facebook