Distilled water shortage??

[earlene]

@earlene am I correct in thinking that DOS is due to oils becoming rancid? If that is the case, would the liquid portion of the recipe have any contribution to that process? I haven't used distilled water even though it was recommended in many articles as I thought that several hundred years ago, people wouldn't probably bother adding distilled water to the soap making process, or were they using distilled water as they were drinking it themselves to prevent infection/diseases due to microbes in the water?

From an aromatherapy point of view, factors that increased oxidation of oils (essential oils as well as carrier oils) was exposure to heat and light. I've had a quick look at some other sites that claim the water content can effect DOS, but the don't give an explanation of how. My brain works from a scientific point of view, If you can't explain it to me how and why, I'm going to disregard that statement. I did find this article though:

The Dreaded Orange Spot (soapguild.org)

This article was published in 2005, so if there any others that refute these findings, I'd love to have a look.

There is a lot of material out there that points to the possibility of metals and other contaminants in water contributing to rancidity & DOS in soap. That's why I mentioned that.

Here are just a few links easily found with a Google search.

The Dreaded Orange Spot - Soap Making Magazine

We look at the unlucky cold process soap makers experience of what is and what causes the Dreaded Orange Spot aka DOS in your soap.

www.soapmakingmagazine.co.uk

Dealing with Dreaded Orange Spots - Soap Queen

This article is all about dealing with DOS, or Dreaded Orange Spots, in soapmaking, and how to prevent DOS in your handcrafted soap.

www.soapqueen.com

Oh, that Distressing DOS!

Five Ways to Avoid it The appearance of DOS distresses soapmakers around the world. You make a lovely soap. It cures well and feels great on the skin. Suddenly, you notice orange spots. You peer cl…

makingsoapmagazine.com

Rancidity and DOS | Soapy Stuff

Classic Bells restores antique sleigh bells and manufactures bell home decor. Wholesale. Retail.

classicbells.com

8 Causes of Orange Spots in Homemade Soap and What To Do About It – RusticWise

rusticwise.com

As well as numerous discussions here at SMF - here are a couple of examples:

Question on my 7 month Bastille Soap

I have family that wanted a soap with no essential oils or fragrance. I infused Chamomile in Virgin Olive Oil and infused Lavandin buds in Virgin Olive Oil to make two different batches. My Chamomile Bastille has dreaded dos just on the outside as I cut a bar in half. Not bad. The Lavandin is...

www.soapmakingforum.com

Is there a reason for dos?

I was wondering if there is a reason for DOS. I have heard all kinds of opinions, but what are they? A reaction of some kind? :-?

www.soapmakingforum.com

In any case, that's pretty much the gist of it, I think. Metals and other contaminants being a catalyst for oxidation & DOS.

NB: I follow Dr. Dunn's research and advice to use a combination of ROE & EDTA to prevent DOS and to reduce soap scum. When I run out of EDTA, my plan it to use GLDA, another chelator as reports are quite positive.

 

[mkhan95]

Hello OP! I read a blog post on how to make distilled water in six simple steps from American Home Water & Air and I highly recommend you check it out if you're interested in trying to make your own distilled water. This way, you can have access to distilled water even when you're supermarket doesn't have it.

 

[AliOop]

I bought a home distiller a few weeks ago and love it. Other than the size (big and bulky), it’s fantastic. I get almost a gallon in less than four hours. No more worries about running out, using all those plastic jugs, etc.