Testing soap before complete cure

[alaskachick]

I know I should wait 4-6 weeks for the soap to harden... Does anyone sample the soap before then?


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[PinkCupcake]

I often sample the end slivers of my soaps before cure is complete, but I'm never happy with the results.

 

[Obsidian]

I usually test a small piece for lather within a couple days and do a shower test around 4 weeks. So far, all the bars I test are still too harsh at 4 weeks.

 

[AshPea]

I usually test a small piece for lather within a couple days and do a shower test around 4 weeks. So far, all the bars I test are still too harsh at 4 weeks.

How much longer do you normally cure your soap after that?


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[Marilyna]

I only cure mine for four weeks. If they're harsh at that time, I think you need a new recipe.
I use mine right away for hand washing. I bathe with it whenever I feel like it. Doesn't hurt a thing if you make good soap, I think.

 

[namad]

I am the same. I cure mine for 4 weeks (mind you they continue to cure even after so thats just how long I let them sit out on my shelf)

I also use a piece sometimes right away to test, or after 2 weeks a full bar to test. Works for me. I do notice that when I sample pieces right after making them, my hands get abit dry, but that's due to the fact that it's so fresh and that does not last long.

 

[Obsidian]

There is nothing wrong with my recipes, I just have very sensitive skin. I let mine cure for at least 8 weeks before I can use regularly, 12 weeks is even better.

 

[judymoody]

I gel my soaps and I have used them as early as 2 weeks out if, for some reason, I have run out of soap. They are not unsafe. But they are not optimal either. They do improve with age. This is a great comfort to me as I get older.

 

[namad]

12 week cure is even better, the longer the cure the better the soap (some don't agree, everyone is different, but I sure think so, Castile Soap cured for 6 months is a heck of alot better than Castile Soap cured after 4 weeks

Soap, gotta love it WOOOOOOOO!!

 

[namad]

They do improve with age. This is a great comfort to me as I get older.

Too funny, Like a good wine!!

 

[eyeroll]

I sample little pieces for handwashing anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks after they come out of the mold. Ditto what everyone else said about curing.


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[Twiggy]

I cure mine 6-8 at least, but even I have very sensitive, dry skin, after few days they don’t dry my. I guess it depends on a recipe and oils that we use.

 

[kazmi]

If I've tried a new recipe I've GOT to try a sample out. My curiousity gets to me too much But I don't go near that sample piece for at least 4 weeks and I leave the full bars for a minimum of 6 weeks before putting one in the shower or giving one away.

 

[cerelife]

If I'm curious about a new recipe I'll usually use an end piece in the shower after a week. If I like it ,then I know I'll love it after my usual 8 week cure time. Just know that it's going to go fast and won't feel nearly as good as it will after a full cure!
However, I've never found any of my soaps to be harsh or overly drying after a week's cure....

 

[kazmi]

If I'm curious about a new recipe I'll usually use an end piece in the shower after a week. If I like it ,then I know I'll love it after my usual 8 week cure time. Just know that it's going to go fast and won't feel nearly as good as it will after a full cure!
However, I've never found any of my soaps to be harsh or overly drying after a week's cure....

Ha! now you've given me a good argument for not waiting my strict 4 weeks yeah! :clap: Seriously though, my soaps are very mild so I agree 4 weeks for the first try is probably not necessary for me.

 

[Twiggy]

I’m also impatient! I must try it, zapp test it, and so on strait, now! LOL

 

[dagmar88]

I only cure mine for four weeks. If they're harsh at that time, I think you need a new recipe.
I use mine right away for hand washing. I bathe with it whenever I feel like it. Doesn't hurt a thing if you make good soap, I think.

Nothing wrong with giving soap a good long cure.
I've tested at 4, 6, 12, 52 and 104 weeks. The left-overs from my testing are better now at three years than ever before.
For me, just good doesn't work. I strive to sell the best product I can.
I personally wouldn't choose to sell at under 3 months of cure for soaps with an olive oil percentage up to 50.
My bastille and castille take a lot longer.

 

[Twiggy]

I personally wouldn't choose to sell at under 3 months of cure for soaps with an olive oil percentage up to 50.
My bastille and castille take a lot longer.

Thank you! That is the information I could not get out of anyone until now, and I use such of quantities of OO. I really appreciate it!

 

[namad]

I personally wouldn't choose to sell at under 3 months of cure for soaps with an olive oil percentage up to 50

I agree. I make a couple of bars with the OO at 70% and 92%. After a month cure they are still just not right. I have cured my 70% for a year and let me tell you - wow. Compared to the exact same soap cured for a month or even 2 weeks (I was too impatient to wait haha the one cured for 2 weeks, is honestly, crap.

I also try to cure my salt soaps for minimum 2 months and they are made with mostly coconut oil

Certain soaps just need it!!

I heard that if you have cured a soap for a year plus, you could call it vintage, has anyone else heard this?

 

[sistrum]

I make my soaps in the morning and start my testing in the evening as soon as they are cut.