Teach Soap

Hello soapers! My question is regarding air bubbles, specifically, how to avoid them. I've been making soap for about 5 years and know the basics but am looking to make my soaps more.....more! I "burp" my immersion blender before I start, I'm careful when pouring my lye, and I tamp my mold down to shift out any pockets I can. I don't know what else to do and I know you folks have much more experience than I do.

This brings me to a tangent question: One of the books I read early-on said to "trickle pour" the lye water into the oils. Now I read and see that trickle pouring will likely incorporate more bubbles. What gives with the older, erroneous information?

I've been a lurker here for awhile but I'm now excited to actually join in and participate. Thanks in advance for any tips, tricks or wisdom you give!

Sometimes the seals on the stick blenders wear out and you get air bubbles. Or sometimes it's just the way the SB is designed. I bought a brand new stainless steel shaft SB after my cheap plastic shaft blender died and it was the worst for bubbles! I ended up purchasing a different SB and it works perfectly.

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

I would try a different stick blender.

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

Hmmmm, interesting. I never considered that it might be the specific blender! Do you guys have ones that you prefer best?

Thank you for the input!

I love my Braun with a detachable stainless steel shaft, but sadly they don't make them any more. If you find one at a garage sale or a resale shop get it!

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

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

From a newbie like me, I've read somewhere (and I'm doing it) that you should after stick blending you should stir a bit with the stick blender like you would a whisk, or use a whisk alternatively with the blender. Works like a charm for me, I've never had bubbles....maybe I've just been lucky so far

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