Hello! I made a 1 lb batch of goat milk soap last night. It easily came out of the mold today and seems ready to cut. Yet, it is still zapping. Is it likely to continue saponifying even though it is already firm? Can I cut it now or should I wait to see if it finishes saponifying? I soaped at low temps (mid 70's), trying to keep the soap creamy white (which worked -- yay!) but wondering if I'm going to have a saponification problem. Thanks very much.
Can I cut soap that is firm enough to cut but still zapping?
- Thread starter Lanie
- Start date
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If it is firm enough to cut, then cut it, regardless of the zap.
Soap can take 72 hours or more to fully saponify. If it is still zappy at that point, let it cure for a couple of weeks more and it will probably be fine by then.
Soap can take 72 hours or more to fully saponify. If it is still zappy at that point, let it cure for a couple of weeks more and it will probably be fine by then.
I did start to cut it, but it is a bit crumbly. So, I’ll let it sit for another two or three days before I cut any more. Thanks!
Sure, you can cut soap after just a few hours if it's firm enough. But if you do, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands -- the soap is very likely to still be saponifying at that point, so it will still contain free lye. Not good for skin.
