Does Soda Ash Reappear?

[SoapSap]

How long after making soap should I remove the soda ash? I have bee doing it by steaming it or washing it off after unmolding and cutting it into bars. But I can see when I go back to it after several months of curing I see soda ash on the tops.

How long does it take for soda ash to develop? Is it possible I am removing it too soon. I thought it was done forming after saponification, am I wrong assuming this?

 

[Susie]

It does, but you have to remember two things:

1. Saponification is not completed for up to a week depending on your methods.
2. Soda ash can seem to disappear, then reappear once dry again. In order to truly remove it, some abrasion or planing needs to be done.