How to Start and Grow a Liquid Soap & Detergent Business

Are you looking for a profitable business you can start with less than KES 2,000? You're not alone — many people are turning to practical, low-capital ventures that offer consistent income and long-term growth. One of the most promising and overlooked opportunities is selling liquid soap and detergents. Why? Because every household, business, school, or salon needs cleaning products — and demand only keeps growing.

This business is especially ideal for stay-at-home parents who want to earn from home, students looking to supplement their pocket money, or job seekers who want to build something for themselves instead of waiting endlessly for employment. With minimal ingredients, basic equipment, and a few bottles or jerrycans, you can produce high-quality liquid soap right from your kitchen or backyard.

But what makes this side hustle even better is how easily it can grow. Start small, reinvest your profits, and tap into SACCO loans to expand and formalize your business. Within months, you could be supplying local shops, cleaning companies, and even institutions — all without needing a shop or massive capital.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step — from buying the ingredients and formulating your soap, to packaging, marketing, and selling. You'll also learn how to leverage SACCO savings and loans to grow sustainably, avoid costly financial mistakes, and create a business that actually works for your future.

Let’s dive in and help you turn KES 2,000 into a real income stream — one that cleans up dirt, debt, and doubt.

📌 Step 1: What You Need to Start

Startup Capital: KES 1,000–2,000 — this covers purchasing raw materials and basic packaging for your first batch.

Requirements:

• Sulphonic Acid – 300 ml (foam booster): Essential for creating rich, stable foam in your soap. It helps make the soap more appealing to customers. You must buy this from reputable chemical suppliers to ensure quality.
• Texapon – 200 ml (foaming agent): Another key ingredient that contributes to the soap’s cleansing power and foaminess. It works hand-in-hand with sulphonic acid for better results.
• STPP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate) – 100 g (thickening agent): Used to thicken the liquid soap, giving it the right consistency. Without it, your soap may be too watery and less effective.
• Soda Ash – 200 g (stabilizer): Helps stabilize the soap mixture and balance pH levels. It ensures your soap stays effective and doesn’t separate after production.
• Caustic Soda – 50 g (optional): Used to saponify oils and increase cleaning power. This is optional in liquid soap but recommended if you want a stronger product. Use with caution, always wear protective gloves and mask.
• SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) – 100 g (deep cleaning agent): Adds extra cleaning strength and foaming ability. However, some people avoid SLS due to skin sensitivity, so you can skip it if targeting sensitive skin markets.
• Fragrance – 30 ml: Adds a pleasant smell to your soap, making it more attractive to buyers. Choose popular or unique scents based on your target market preferences.
• Color – few drops: Optional, but recommended for product differentiation and branding. Use safe, water-soluble colorants suitable for cosmetics.
• Water – about 20 litres: The main solvent in your liquid soap. Make sure to use clean, preferably filtered water to maintain product quality.
• Measuring containers, buckets, mixing stick/spoon, gloves, face mask: Necessary tools for safe and accurate preparation. Gloves and mask protect you from harsh chemicals; accurate measuring ensures product consistency.
• Packaging: bottles, jerrycans, labels: Packaging protects your product and helps with branding. Start with affordable plastic bottles or jerrycans, and create simple labels with your business name and contact information.

💡 Note: Most ingredients and packaging materials can be found at local chemical shops and wholesale markets in major towns. Always buy from trusted suppliers to ensure quality and safety.

Alternative Options:

• If some chemicals are hard to source, consider partnering with a local manufacturer or supplier for semi-prepared mixtures.
• Use eco-friendly or organic fragrances and colors to attract health-conscious customers.
• For packaging, recycled or reusable containers can appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
• For a low-budget start, use simple plastic bottles before upgrading to branded containers.

🧪 Step 2: How to Make Liquid Soap (20 Litres)

1. Wear gloves and mask. Work in a ventilated space: Safety first! Some ingredients like caustic soda and sulphonic acid can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Always use gloves, a face mask, and eye protection. Choose an open or well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
2. Dissolve 50 g caustic soda in 1L water. Let it sit for 30 mins (optional): If using caustic soda, always add it to water (never the other way around) to avoid splashes. It heats up naturally, so let it cool for 30 minutes before use. This solution boosts soap strength but is optional for gentler formulations.
3. In separate buckets, dissolve: Soda Ash in 1L water; STPP in 1L water: Pre-dissolving these powders helps them blend smoothly into the soap later. If added dry, they may clump or fail to dissolve evenly, affecting the soap's quality and texture.
4. In your main bucket, pour 5L of clean water. Add Texapon and stir until fully dissolved: Texapon is your primary foaming agent. Stir gently but consistently until it's fully mixed. This step sets the base for good lather in your soap.
5. Add Sulphonic Acid and stir well: Slowly pour in the sulphonic acid while stirring to avoid curdling or reacting too quickly. It blends with texapon to increase foam and cleaning efficiency. Stir for 3–5 minutes until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually mix in the STPP, soda ash, and caustic soda solution (if using), stirring continuously: Add one solution at a time while stirring continuously to ensure uniform blending. This thickens the soap, balances pH, and increases cleaning power. If the mixture becomes too thick too early, pause and stir longer before adding more.
7. Add SLS and stir: SLS helps create more foam and enhances cleaning. Pour it slowly and stir for at least 3 minutes. If your customers prefer “soapy” products, this ingredient really helps.
8. Add fragrance and color to your liking: Use just a few drops of color (optional) and 20–30 ml of fragrance. Stir gently so you don’t cause bubbles. Choose pleasant, non-irritating scents like lemon, lavender, or pine. Strong branding starts with a good scent.
9. Top up with water to reach 20 litres: Add clean water slowly while stirring until the bucket is full. This final dilution ensures all ingredients are well-balanced and that your soap has the right thickness and volume.
10. Let it settle for 2–4 hours, stir again, then bottle: Allow the soap to rest to eliminate air bubbles and let all ingredients bond. After resting, stir gently and bottle your liquid soap in clean containers. Label them clearly with product name, usage, and your contact details.

🎯 Step 3: Who to Sell To (Target Market)

Identifying and reaching the right customers is key to growing your liquid soap business. Here's a breakdown of potential markets and how to approach them effectively:

• Homes: Visit your neighborhood and introduce yourself door-to-door. Offer a free 200 ml sample with your name and WhatsApp number on the label. You can say: “Hi, I make affordable multipurpose liquid soap. Try this sample — if you like it, I can deliver refills at your convenience.”
• Salons & Barbershops: These businesses use soap daily to clean tools, floors, and hands. Walk in during less busy hours, talk to the manager, and explain how your product can help them cut costs. Offer them a special “business bundle” like 3 litres for KES 250 with free delivery.
• Car Washes: Car washes need soap that foams well and cuts through grease. Offer a 1-litre test bottle at a discounted price and follow up after a week. Leave flyers that explain bulk pricing, e.g., 5 litres at KES 350, and how they can save by switching to your product.
• Eateries and Butcheries: These require soap for cleaning utensils, surfaces, and hands. Visit local joints and ask to speak to the owner or cleaner. Pitch the hygiene and cost-effectiveness of your soap. A good pitch: “Would you like a KES 30 refill option that keeps your place spotless and smells nice?”
• Schools and Churches: Approach administrators or caretakers with a proposal letter or quotation for bulk delivery. Offer special rates for institutions, e.g., 20 litres for KES 1,000. Consider giving a free demonstration or a cleaning trial at no charge.
• Offices and Apartments: Print small flyers and leave them at apartment lobbies or post them on notice boards. Send WhatsApp messages to estate groups if you’re a member. Offer door-to-door delivery and emphasize convenience: “Get 1L multipurpose soap delivered to your door — just KES 100.”

💡 Tips:

• Offer 200 ml samples with your WhatsApp number on the bottle: This creates curiosity and builds trust. People are more likely to buy if they try your product first. Example: “Free sample! If you love it, order more on WhatsApp: XX XXX XXX.”
• Sell in various sizes: 500 ml, 1L, 5L: Different customers have different budgets and needs. A single person may want a 500 ml bottle while a car wash might prefer a 5-litre jerrycan. Price examples:
  • 500 ml – KES 50
  • 1 Litre – KES 100
  • 5 Litres – KES 350
• Offer bundle discounts or referral bonuses: Encourage loyal customers to refer friends. For example:
  • “Buy 2 get 1 free for first-time customers!”
  • “Refer a friend and earn KES 50 off your next purchase.”
  • “Free delivery for orders above KES 300.”

📈 Step 4: Growing the Business With SACCO Loans

Once your liquid soap business gains momentum, consider scaling up using SACCO loans. SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations) allow you to access affordable credit based on your savings, unlike banks or shylocks that charge high interest or require collateral.

✔ Why Join a SACCO?

• Low interest rates: Typically 1% per month on a reducing balance.
• No collateral required: Loans are secured by your savings and/or guarantors.
• Flexible repayment: Spread payments over 6 to 36 months depending on SACCO policy.
• Access to multiple loan products: Business loans, emergency loans, school fees loans, dividend advances, and more.

💡 Example of SACCOs in Kenya:

• Stima SACCO
• Unaitas SACCO
• Mwalimu National
• Hazina SACCO
• Imarika SACCO

🪙 Step-by-Step: How to Use SACCO Loans for Business Growth

1. 1. Join a SACCO: Choose one that fits your needs. Most require:
   • Copy of ID
   • Passport photo
   • Small joining fee (KES 500–1,500)
   • Monthly minimum savings (KES 500–2,000)
2. 2. Start Saving Consistently: Commit to saving from your profits every week or month. Example: If you earn KES 3,000 a week, save at least KES 500. In 3 months, you could save KES 6,000–9,000.
3. 3. Qualify for a Loan: Most SACCOs allow you to borrow up to 2–3× your savings. For example:
   • Saved: KES 10,000
   • Loan: Up to KES 30,000
   This loan can be used to:
   • Buy ingredients in bulk (saves costs)
   • Order packaging (bottles, labels)
   • Get a mixing machine for faster production
   • Buy a bicycle or handcart for delivery
4. 4. Plan Loan Use Wisely: Only borrow what you need. For example, a KES 15,000 loan might be allocated like this:
   • Ingredients: KES 5,000
   • Packaging: KES 3,000
   • Marketing (posters, online ads): KES 2,000
   • Emergency or buffer savings: KES 5,000
5. 5. Repay On Time: SACCOs report your creditworthiness. Paying on time builds trust and allows you to qualify for higher loans later.
6. 6. Scale Again: After 6–12 months, increase your savings and apply for a bigger loan. This can help you:
   • Open a small shop or stall in your area
   • Expand to sell other products (bleach, disinfectants)
   • Hire an assistant for deliveries or mixing

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush to borrow. Focus first on building loyal customers and stable income. When your cash flow is steady, a SACCO loan can supercharge your growth.

📘 Bonus: Some SACCOs offer training in business management, record keeping, or financial literacy. Take advantage of these programs to improve your entrepreneurial skills.

✅ Step 5: How to Grow Through Saving in a SACCO

Saving consistently in a SACCO is the key to unlocking growth capital, building financial discipline, and avoiding expensive debt. It allows you to access affordable credit and stay prepared for future business needs like bulk orders, delivery tools, or even renting a shop.

💰 Why Saving Matters

• Access Bigger Loans: Your loan limit is based on your savings — save more, qualify for more.
• Earn Dividends: Most SACCOs pay you interest (dividends) yearly, usually 8%–15% of your shares.
• Emergency Cushion: In slow months or emergencies, your SACCO savings can act as your business safety net.
• Business Discipline: Regular saving forces you to track profits, reduce wastage, and reinvest wisely.

📊 Example: Monthly Savings Strategy

If your liquid soap side hustle brings in KES 1,500 profit weekly (KES 6,000/month), try this breakdown:

• SACCO savings: KES 1,000/month
• Business reinvestment: KES 3,000 (ingredients, packaging)
• Personal income: KES 2,000

After 6 months, you'll have saved KES 6,000 — enough to qualify for a KES 15,000–18,000 loan with most SACCOs.

📌 Best Practices for SACCO Savings

1. 1. Save Consistently: Even KES 200 per week adds up. Consistency matters more than amount.
2. 2. Automate if Possible: Use mobile money or standing orders to send savings to your SACCO automatically.
3. 3. Increase With Growth: As your profits grow, increase your monthly savings. E.g., KES 1,000 → 2,000 → 5,000 over time.
4. 4. Avoid Withdrawing Savings: Your savings are your key to growth loans and future investments. Treat them as untouchable unless it's an emergency.

💡 Other Options If Not Ready for a SACCO Yet

• Chama (Group Savings): Form a small group of 5–10 people and contribute weekly. Take turns withdrawing lump sums to boost your business.
• Mobile Lock Savings: Use apps like M-Shwari Lock, KCB M-Pesa, or Tala Jipange to set a goal and avoid premature withdrawals.
• Table Banking: Meet monthly, contribute and lend to members at low interest. Works well for small groups of women and youth.

🎯 Final Tip: Make saving part of your business routine. Every time you sell — save. Every time you make profit — save. That habit will grow your business faster than you think.

🚫 Step 6: Avoid Shylock Loans — Here’s Why

In the early stages of your liquid soap business, it’s tempting to seek quick cash to restock ingredients or pay for packaging. But shylock loans — also known as predatory lenders — can be a trap that ruins your momentum.

⚠ Dangers:

• Interest rates of 10%–30% per month can wipe out your profits.
• Very short repayment periods make it hard to reinvest in your business.
• Missed payments often result in losing personal items like phones, household goods, or stock.
• Business profits end up servicing loans instead of buying raw materials or growing the venture.

❌ Better Options:

• Join SACCOs or chamas that support micro-entrepreneurs. They offer friendlier loan terms with reasonable repayment periods.
• Use Hustler Fund or Youth Enterprise Fund — designed for small businesses like yours. They also offer financial literacy training.
• Borrow from trusted family/friends for small top-ups rather than risk high-interest lenders.

💡 Tip: If you absolutely need a loan, only borrow what you can repay within a month from liquid soap profits alone — not from other income sources.

👥 Step 7: Attracting More Customers

Once you have your first batch ready, getting people to try your liquid soap is the next challenge. With the right marketing, even a small operation can build a loyal customer base.

📌 How to Market:

• Print flyers and distribute them at salons, eateries, offices, and residential areas.
• Create short videos showing how your soap cleans greasy sufurias or dirty floors — and post them on TikTok, WhatsApp Status, and Reels.
• Offer small sample bottles (e.g., 200 ml) with your WhatsApp contact — word of mouth works wonders.
• Run simple referral campaigns where customers get a discount for bringing in a new buyer.

📌 How to Stand Out:

• Use high-quality fragrance that lingers after cleaning — people love good scents in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Provide door-to-door delivery especially in estates or to salon owners who are too busy to shop.
• Offer eco-friendly or refillable packaging to attract environmentally conscious customers.
• Customize labels with your brand name, contacts, and product benefits (e.g., kills 99% of germs, safe for hands).

💡 Bonus Tip: Always ask for feedback — improve based on customer suggestions (e.g., thicker consistency, stronger scent).

📦 Step 8: Scale Into a Bigger Business

Once your liquid soap is selling steadily, it’s time to shift from hustle to structured business. Scaling doesn’t mean rushing — it means optimizing what already works.

• Hire help to assist with mixing, labeling, or deliveries. This frees up time for you to focus on marketing and managing finances.
• Invest in branding — a well-designed logo, uniform labels, and consistent messaging create trust and professionalism.
• Get a small kiosk in a busy location like a market, bus stage, or residential estate where foot traffic is high.
• Expand your product line: include disinfectants, bleach, handwash, or bar soap once liquid soap is stable.
• Offer B2B packages for salons, car washes, or hotels — bulk supply ensures recurring income.

💡 Example: With a SACCO loan of KES 20,000–50,000, you can buy ingredients in bulk, get professional packaging, and increase your production to 100 litres per week — serving over 200 customers consistently.

🔁 Final Tips for Long-Term Success

• ✅ Start small — don’t rush to open a shop before proving demand.
• ✅ Focus on product quality — consistency builds trust and repeat business.
• ✅ Save monthly in your SACCO — this opens the door to bigger funding and business security.
• ✅ Avoid shylocks and apps that promise instant money — they can trap you in a debt cycle.
• ✅ Track profits and reinvest wisely — buy better equipment, packaging, and hire gradually.
• ✅ Deliver great service — be reliable, polite, and responsive. Great service = referrals.

🌟 Remember: The liquid soap business is not just about cleaning — it’s about creating consistent, affordable value in every home and building a brand that grows with you.