Teach Soap

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum & soap-making in general. I've made about 5 batches of cold-process soap so far, and I'm having pretty good luck (knock on wood). I've noticed, however, that the clean-up from mixing oxides and micas can be quite messy. (the colored oils leave a mess in the sink and don't clean up well...not to mention the dishwasher!) I thought that perhaps clear solo cups might be the answer, but they seem to have bottom lips that trap the material and prevent it from being mixed well.

What do you guys use to pre-mix your oxides and micas?

Thanks,
Brad

I use dixie cups! When I'm done they go into recyclables and are swept away to a recycling plant! Theoretically they could be composted at home, if you have a 7 or 10 year pile/bin.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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Brad
"In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can."
- Nikos Kazantzakis

I use little, wide mouth silicone bowls that are easy to clean and reusable.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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Anna Rose @-}--
blog

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Here are the ones I have. They are also called pinch bowls.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I see the pinch bowls every time I go to the store! But so far, it's Dixie cups, because I already have them. But pinch cups are a great idea.

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***************
Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/AvitalsApiaries

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Brad
"In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can."
- Nikos Kazantzakis

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I use a Chobani yogurt containers. I wipe them out when I'm done with old rags and towels that I use just for soap making, works well! I love the silicone bowls though Irena, must get some!

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If we weren't all crazy, we would go insane
~Jimmy Buffett

I like the silicon cups and the yogurt container is also a great idea.

I use stainless shot "glasses" that I found at Walmart.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I use just about anything small and plastic that had originally been used for something else. Like the Chobani yogurt containers, I also use margarine tubs (the small ones), little containers that Feta or Blue Cheese come in, pudding containers, etc. I go thru so many of those during the week and if I save enough of them, I just mix color in them then toss them out. Right now, I've actually stopped saving them because I have so many. Make sure you soap/rinse them out really well, let them dry and they are ready to be used. Saves me time, water and most important, the stress of having to deal with traces, smearing and unneeded oil in my drains.