Soap & Soul Lab Coat Moment Videos

These Lab Coat Moments are for those who ask, “Why?” and for those who say, “Show me.” I wrote them into my book Soap & Soul so that you wouldn’t merely have to take my word for things, but so that you could discover these concepts for yourself. These videos will guide you through them. But don’t stop at watching them. Try them for yourself!

So button up your lab coat, it’s about to get sciencey!

Lab Coat Moment #1 – Comparing Concentration

The Bath & The Bedroom, page 41

Objective: To determine the soap vs. water content of different soap formulations.

You’ll need:

• 2 empty shot glasses
• Castile Liquid Soap (any scent)
• 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) measuring spoon

Lab Coat Moment #2 – Freezing Soap

The Bath & The Bedroom, page 61

Objective: To observe the reaction between Castile Soap and Epsom Salts.

You’ll need:

• Clear glass filled with ½ c. (120 mL) water
• Castile Liquid Soap (any scent)
• Epsom Salts (preferably unscented)

Lab Coat Moment #3 – Breaking Surface Tension

The Cleaning Cabinet, page 85

Objective: To observe the presence of surface tension on water and soap’s ability to break it.

You’ll need:

• White plate or flat dish
• Castile Liquid Soap (any scent) or Sal Suds
• Water in a small glass or cup
• Finely ground pepper

Lab Coat Moment #4 – Emulsification in Action

The Cleaning Cabinet, page 88

Objective: To observe soap’s attraction to both water and oil.

You’ll need:

• White plate or flat dish
• Castile Liquid Soap (any scent) or Sal Suds
• Milk with some fat content—at least 2%, but you could use heavy cream.
• Food coloring—one or more colors
• Cotton swab(s)

Lab Coat Moment #5 – Testing for Water Hardness

The Cleaning Cabinet, page 99

Objective: To use soap to see the presence of certain minerals in water.

You’ll need:

• Clear glass filled with tap water
• Castile Liquid Soap (any scent)
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) or distilled water if available

Lab Coat Moment #6 – Soap + Vinegar = Gunk

The Cleaning Cabinet, page 108

Objective: To observe the reaction between a true soap and vinegar.

You’ll need:

• Small glass or dish
• Castile Liquid Soap (any scent)
• White vinegar – 5%

Lab Coat Moment #7 – The Impact of Essential Oils

The Backyard, page 203

Objective: To observe the impact a minor ingredient can have on a product.

You’ll need:

• Clear glasses or jars
• Castile Liquid Soap – 2 or more scents, ½ c. (120 mL) of each

Which of these videos did you enjoy the most? Which taught you something new? Which left you with further questions? Let me know in the comments below!