packaging bath salts to prevent molding & slime

[awi]

I have s couple containers of bath salts to which i had added lavender EO. I have had them for probably 5 months and I packaged them in a bath salt tube with a screw on lid. I noticed today that at the bottom there is a milky slime that has formed. I didn't see any mold, but I am sure it was to that point. What is the best way to package them so that this doesn't happen. I like to make it up in bulk and package it so that it is quick and easy to fill orders, but I sure don't want this to happen anymore. Any suggestions???

 

[Genny]

What kind of salts are you using?
Sea salts have a tendency to sweat pretty bad.
Plus you have to make sure that your salts are completely dry and the containers you put them in have no moisture.

 

[awi]

I am using the pink Himalayan salts, epsom salts and dead sea salts and a few drops of EO. Maybe I didn't let them dry out long enough before packaging??? If the sea salts are to blame, what could I use in place of them to make the chance of this happening again much less? :?

 

[soapbuddy]

Epsom salts and sea salt have both natural moisture. Depending on % of each, that moisture can collect on the bottom or make the salts hard and clumpy.

 

[awi]

I was using equal amounts of each. How does everyone else make it work...are they using different salts?

 

[soapbuddy]

Some people have had good luck drying the salts on a cookie sheet in the oven on low first.

 

[awi]

Do you place them in the oven after the EO's have been added?

 

[soapbuddy]

Do you place them in the oven after the EO's have been added?

Before you add any fragrance.

 

[BakingNana]

awi, what size were your sea salt crystals? I use the larger sea salt crystals that have been dissolved and recrystalized for clarity, and haven't had a moisture issue. Suppose that makes a difference?

 

[awi]

Ok, so would baking them at say 200 or 250 for an hour be about right? Then add EO's shake up and package? Or do you allow them to dry a little longer after adding EO's?

 

[Catmehndi]

Depending on the climate where you live, five months might be a little long for a product where EOs have been added?
We always recommend using the salts within three months of blending.

 

[awi]

awi, what size were your sea salt crystals? I use the larger sea salt crystals that have been dissolved and recrystalized for clarity, and haven't had a moisture issue. Suppose that makes a difference?

They are medium sized grain.

 

[awi]

Depending on the climate where you live, five months might be a little long for a product where EOs have been added?
We always recommend using the salts within three months of blending.

I am sure climate has played a role in this. I have recently moved into a more humid area (ugh!) and that probably is why these got yucky. I will make sure to add something on the directions saying to use within 3 months so maybe this will not happen again. I will just make up small batches from now on so that I don't have a bunch sitting on the shelf.