How to Make Liquid Soap in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners – 20 Litres Formula)
Introduction
If you’ve been searching for how to make liquid soap in Nigeria, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Liquid soap, also known as liquid detergent, is a powerful cleansing agent used for washing dishes, laundry, and general household cleaning. It works by breaking down grease and suspending dirt in water, making cleaning easier and more effective.
In this tutorial, you will learn:
- The exact liquid soap formula for 20 litres
- The functions of each chemical
- A step-by-step production process
- Important safety precautions
- How to turn this into a profitable business in Nigeria
Materials (Chemicals) Needed for 20 Litres of Liquid Soap
- Nitrosol / Antisol or C.M.C. (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) — 100g
- Sulphonic Acid — 1 litre
- Caustic Soda — 30g
- Soda Ash — 300g
- Texapon — 300g
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) — 200g
- CDEA (Cocodiethanolamide) — 200ml
- STPP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate) — 250g
- Perfume (Fragrance) — As desired
- Colourant — As desired
- Water — 20 litres
- Formalin — 20ml (optional)
👉 Alternative Preservative: Use IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or Ethanol — 100ml (recommended) instead of Formalin.
Functions of Each Chemical in Liquid Soap Production
Understanding the functions of each ingredient helps you produce better-quality liquid detergent:
- Sulphonic Acid – Main cleaning agent; removes grease and dirt
- Texapon – Improves foaming and cleaning performance
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) – Produces rich foam
- CDEA – Foam booster and stabilizer
- Nitrosol / C.M.C. – Thickener; gives the soap body
- Caustic Soda – Neutralizes acidity and aids cleaning
- Soda Ash – Softens water and boosts effectiveness
- STPP – Prevents dirt from reattaching to surfaces
- Formalin / IPA / Ethanol – Preservatives
- Perfume – Adds fragrance
- Colourant – Enhances appearance
- Water – Base solvent
Equipment Needed
- Plastic bowls or containers
- Stirring rod (turning stick)
- Hand gloves
- Nose mask
Step-by-Step Liquid Soap Production Process
1. Pre-Mixing Stage
- Dissolve caustic soda in 1 litre of water (leave 30–60 minutes or use immediately)
- Dissolve soda ash in 1 litre of water (leave 30 minutes)
- In another dry, clean bowl, mix: Sulphonic acid, Texapon, Perfume with 6 litres of water and stir for 5–10 minutes and set aside
( Take the clean, dry bowl and pour your sulphonic acid into it. Next, add Texapon and stir; then add the perfume and stir. Finally, set the mixture aside.)
- Dissolve SLS in 3 litres of water
- Dissolve STPP in 1 litre of water
2. Thickener Preparation
- Dissolve nitrosol in 8 litres of water and set aside
Note: if you are using C.M.C., you have to dissolve in 8 litres of water 1–2 days before production.
3. Main Production
- Get the already dissolved Nitrosol or C.M.C. in its container. Then pour the sulphonic acid mixture (sulphonic acid, Texapon, and perfume) into it and stir thoroughly.
- Add the dissolved caustic soda and stir well.
- Add the dissolved soda ash and mix properly.
- Add the dissolved STPP and continue stirring.
- Add the dissolved SLS and stir continuously.
- Add CDEA (foam booster) and mix thoroughly.
4. Finishing Stage
- Dissolve your colourant in a small amount of water and add it
- Add IPA or Ethanol as preservative
- Adjust thickness by adding water if necessary
Final Step
Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight to let the foam settle.Your liquid soap is now ready for:
- Personal use
- Packaging
- Sale
Safety Precautions When Making Liquid Soap
- Always wear gloves and a nose mask
- Avoid direct contact with sulphonic acid and caustic soda
- Work in a well-ventilated area
- Keep chemicals away from children
- Store in sealed containers
Important Production Tips
- Excess foam during production is normal
- Stir gently to reduce foam
- Foam is caused by: SLS, Sulphonic acid, CDEA
Got questions or need guidance? Drop them in the comments section below, and you’ll receive a prompt and well-detailed response.
How to Turn This Into a Business in Nigeria💰
Liquid soap production is one of the easiest small businesses to start in Nigeria.
You can:
- Start with small capital
- Sell to homes, offices, and restaurants
- Package in branded bottles
- Scale into a full cleaning product brand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much can 20 litres of liquid soap sell for in Nigeria?
Depending on your location and branding, you can make good profit margins selling in smaller quantities.
2. Can I produce liquid soap at home?
Yes, as long as you follow safety precautions and proper measurements.
3. Which is better: Nitrosol or C.M.C.?
Both work well. Nitrosol is faster, while C.M.C. gives stronger thickness if properly prepared.
4. Is formalin safe to use?
Formalin is optional. Many producers prefer IPA or ethanol as safer alternatives.
Conclusion
This step-by-step guide on how to make liquid soap in Nigeria provides everything you need to produce a high-quality, multi-purpose detergent.
With consistency and proper branding, this can grow into a profitable business venture.
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