Recent content by Smauf

Can you use the alcohol to remove the ash after the soap has already cured? Or does it only work before it has fully soponified?

Thanks for all the information everyone! I was not even aware that there were silicone liners you could use with wooden molds. I like the do-it-yourself project pics too!

So I have been using a cheap silicone (12-squares) mold to make soap so far, and I want to try my hand at making a rectangular "loaf" of soap to cut into individual pieces. The main reason being, I think it would be easier to pour only once into a large rectangle instead of into 12...

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I will keep them in mind when starting my next batch!

So would you recommend dropping the temp from 140 F to maybe 120F ?

You really live out of a van?

Also I forgot to mention, the temp of the lye and oils was about 140 F. Does a higher or lower temp accelerate tracing?

That's a good idea. I didn't think about the drains. I'll wipe up the soap batter with paper towels next time, that might make it easier to clean. I was just curious if anyone used a different type of soap to wash with other than dishwashing soap, like Oxyclean or something. As far as...

Okay so I just finished my second batch of soap! :) I did the same basic recipe as last time using palm, coconut, and olive oil, but I multiplied it all by 1.5 because I wanted to make a little bit larger batch (last time I was only able to fill up a little more than half my mold), and added a...

Are you saying you took out the calculator, calculated the price and went with ED because it was cheaper? Or you tried to calculate the price, said "forget it" and just went with ED? Little confused on the wording :oops:

Thanks for the replies everyone! Seems like there are a lot that use Essential Depot. Will have to check them out when I resupply. I've heard of the Lye Guy too, will have to give that a shot sometime as well!

Do you guys buy from department stores? Brick and mortar soap making supply stores? Do you order online? If so where? Are you able to obtain wholesale prices? Do you make your own lye from wood ashes? I am just curious, as I am completely new to soap making, and only have one batch under...

This almost sounds similar to what happened to me. I noticed a few weeks ago making my first batch of soap, that the fumes coming off of the lye-water mixture were bothering me. I didn't necessarily burn me or damage me, but it irritated me enough that I turned every fan on in my apartment...

If you use something like a cooling rack for the soap, does it leave grid marks on the soap? Or do you put the soap on a cookie sheet, and then place in the cooling rack? If you use something that allows air to come in from the bottom, do you still need to rotate the soap to cure evenly?

Thank you for the recommendations. I will be sure to pick up those books and check out the YouTube videos. I'm glad I found an online community for soap making!