Kreatif! Siswa SMP Olah Limbah Minyak Jelantah Menjadi Sabun

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of recycling used cooking oil into soap, as demonstrated by a junior high student in Surabaya. This eco-friendly project not only helps reduce waste but also creates a useful product for household cleaning.

Step 1: Prepare the Used Cooking Oil

• Collect used cooking oil: Gather your used frying oil that you would otherwise throw away.
• Soak in sugarcane residue: Immerse the oil in sugarcane residue (ampas tebu) to remove excess fat. This step is crucial for purifying the oil.
• Let it sit: Allow the oil to soak for 72 hours. This duration ensures that impurities are effectively removed.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

• Clean the oil: After soaking, strain the oil to remove the sugarcane residue.
• Combine with NaOH: In a safe container, mix the cleaned oil with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Be cautious while handling NaOH as it is a caustic substance.
• Blend with fragrance: Add ground cinnamon or another preferred fragrance to the mixture. This enhances the scent of the final soap product.

Step 3: Thicken the Mixture

• Blend well: Use a blender to thoroughly combine the ingredients until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
• Mold the soap: Pour the thickened mixture into molds of your choice. You can use silicone molds for easy removal later.

Step 4: Cure the Soap

• Allow to cure: Let the soap sit for one month. This curing period allows the NaOH to neutralize and ensures the soap is safe for use.

Step 5: Create Liquid Soap (Optional)

• Grate the solid soap: If you prefer liquid soap, start by grating the solid soap once it has cured.
• Melt the soap: Heat the grated soap until it melts completely.
• Add water and fragrance: Once melted, mix in water and additional fragrance if desired, then let it cool. The soap will thicken as it cools.

Conclusion

By recycling used cooking oil into soap, you not only contribute to reducing waste but also create a practical cleaning product. Remember to handle chemicals like NaOH with care and allow for proper curing to ensure safety. You can use your homemade soap for washing hands, dishes, and clothes. Consider trying out different fragrances or molds for a personalized touch!