When winter rolls in and the air smells like pine and cinnamon, I start reaching for my favorite scent blend: bright orange and warm clove. Together they smell like Christmas morning, fresh and spicy at once. Making orange clove soap is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It fills the whole house with a soft citrus glow and a touch of spice that lingers long after the soap has cured.
This little bar does more than just clean your hands. It brings the spirit of the season to your daily routine, turning something ordinary into a small, cozy ritual.
The Beauty of Orange and Clove
Orange and clove are an old-fashioned pairing that never goes out of style. They are comforting, cheerful, and full of benefits for the skin and soul.
The Power of Natural Ingredients
Orange essential oil has a scent that feels like sunlight. It helps brighten dull skin and is full of antioxidants that support a healthy glow. Clove essential oil has a deeper warmth to it and is known for its cleansing and calming qualities. It can help soothe the skin while adding that nostalgic holiday spice.
When these two come together, you get a perfect balance, sweet and spicy, bright and grounding. It is a scent that warms the air and the spirit alike.
A Little Boost for Mood and Mind
Scent has a funny way of shaping how we feel. The aroma of orange brings a gentle sense of happiness and lightness, while clove reminds us of warmth, baking, and home. Using this soap during the holidays can turn a simple wash into a quiet moment of comfort.
Even a few seconds at the sink can feel like a slight pause in the middle of a busy day, a way to breathe in and let go before moving on.
How to Make Orange Clove Soap
If you have never made soap before, do not worry. It is part science, part art, and once you learn the rhythm of it, it becomes second nature.
What You Will Need
-
A cold process soap base made from oils such as olive, coconut, and palm
-
Orange essential oil
-
Clove essential oil
-
Natural colorant, like turmeric, if you want a warm golden hue
-
Soap mold
-
Mixing bowls and utensils
-
Thermometer
-
Scale for measuring ingredients
The Process
-
Prepare your workspace to be clean and organized. Put on gloves and goggles for safety.
-
Measure your ingredients carefully with a kitchen scale. Accuracy matters in soap making.
-
Mix the lye with water in a well-ventilated area and allow it to cool.
-
Warm and blend your oils until melted, then let them cool to a similar temperature as the lye.
-
Combine the lye solution and oils slowly, using an immersion blender until the mixture thickens slightly.
-
Add your essential oils and mix them in well.
-
Pour the soap into molds, tap lightly to release bubbles, and let it rest for a day or two.
-
Once firm, remove the soap from the mold and let it cure in a cool, dry place for four to six weeks.
Patience is the hardest part, but waiting lets the soap harden and become gentle on the skin.
Making It Your Own
One of the joys of handmade soap is how easy it is to personalize. You can mix in a few dried orange peels or sprinkle a few whole cloves on top before it sets. You can adjust the scent to make it more citrusy or spicier, depending on what you love most.
If you want a deeper color, add a pinch of turmeric powder for a soft golden shade reminiscent of late afternoon sunlight. Keep a notebook nearby so you can jot down your favorite combinations for next time.
Staying Safe While You Create
Soap making does involve lye, which is a strong ingredient and needs to be handled with care. Always wear gloves and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. Keep a small cup of vinegar nearby just in case of spills.
If you are brand new to soap making, start with a beginner kit that includes clear instructions. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment and have fun with new scents and shapes.
How to Store and Use Your Soap
After your orange clove soap has cured, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Wrapping each bar in wax paper or storing them in a basket with airflow will help them last longer.
Natural soap feels different from store-bought bars. It may lather more softly, but it will leave your skin feeling clean and nourished. Every time you use it, the scent of orange and clove will fill the air, reminding you of holiday warmth.
Sharing the Gift of Handmade Soap
Orange clove soap makes a lovely handmade gift. It is personal, practical, and filled with heart. You can pair it with a simple washcloth, a small wooden soap dish, or even a jar of homemade sugar scrub.
Wrap each bar in recycled paper or a burlap strip. Tie it with twine and tuck in a small piece of dried orange or a single clove bud for decoration. Add a handwritten tag that says something simple, like made with love and holiday cheer.
It is these small touches that turn a handmade item into something memorable.
A Closing Thought
Making soap is more than a craft. It is a way to slow down, create beauty, and share comfort with others. The scent of orange and clove fills the room like the sound of a favorite Christmas song. It is warm, nostalgic, and joyful.
So this season, take an afternoon to stir, pour, and wait. Let your home fill with that holiday spice bliss and share it with the people you love. The simple act of giving something you made with your own hands might just be the sweetest part of Christmas.
Shop plant-based self-care at littleflowersoap.com