🧴 Arabic Soap from Tallow (Mayi Soap – Aqueous System) – Production, Formulation and Properties
Overview:
Arabic Soap from Tallow (Mayi Soap – Aqueous System) is a traditional liquid soap produced through the saponification of animal fat (tallow) in a water-based alkaline solution.
This classic method creates a highly effective and durable natural soap, known for its excellent cleaning, degreasing, and emulsifying abilities.
Historically used in industrial cleaning and household maintenance, this formulation combines robust performance with traditional craftsmanship, offering a natural alternative to synthetic detergents.
Production and Formulation:
The production begins by melting tallow and reacting it with potassium hydroxide (KOH) in an aqueous solution, forming potassium tallowate, a natural soap salt.
The process continues until complete saponification is achieved, after which the mixture is clarified, filtered, and adjusted for viscosity.
Fragrance, colorants, or mild stabilizers may be added depending on the desired end use.
The resulting product is a viscous, amber-colored soap suitable for multi-purpose cleaning applications, including laundry and industrial degreasing.
Properties:
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Appearance: Viscous translucent liquid
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Color: Light amber to golden brown
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Odor: Mild fatty soap scent (can be perfumed)
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pH Range: 8.5–9.5 (alkaline)
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Foam Level: Moderate, stable foam
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Texture: Smooth and viscous
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Active Components: Potassium tallowate, water, glycerin
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Shelf Life: 24–36 months
Advantages:
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Strong cleaning and degreasing power
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Durable, long-lasting natural formulation
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Economical and efficient in high-load cleaning
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Naturally derived and biodegradable
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Can be perfumed or blended with essential oils
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Suitable for both household and industrial uses
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Acts as a natural base for other detergent formulations
Summary:
Arabic Soap from Tallow (Mayi Soap – Aqueous System) is a classic and powerful natural cleaner, rooted in centuries-old soap-making traditions.
Its tallow-based composition provides excellent cleaning performance, while maintaining environmental compatibility and production simplicity.
Ideal for laundry, surface cleaning, and industrial applications, this traditional formula remains a valuable component of modern eco-conscious cleaning chemistry.
