Teach Soap

I'm fairly new to soaping, just have about 20 batches under my belt.

I've seen tons of stuff saying to soap at a particular temp - around 110 F or 115 F or so. What happens if you soap too hot, around 130 or even 150? Does anyone have experience with this?

Since I'm still new I've been trying out different FO's to use, and I usually make a big batch then split it in 2 before adding FO's so I can test them out with smaller batches. I want to make sure they don't cool off too much while I'm doing this and since they are small batches (total 4 lbs, then split into two 2 lb batches) they will lose heat faster. Will I have any problems if I try to raise the temp to around 130 or 140?

Thanks!

Well, I'm by no means an "expert" (you've made 20 batches, I've made 4), but I did my last batch at temperatures over 180 degrees, and it is, to date, my best soap by a mile.
Anyways, wait until somebody with more experience pitches in...

Welcome to the forum.

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I would let it do its thing. The problem with soaping at higher temps is your scent could disappear or your soap could separate or the top could crack. You do know that you don't need to gel at all to get good soap? You can take off any insulation as soon as it gels all the way to the corners.

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

Honestly, I don't take temps any more, but as a general rule, most soap behaves better at a lower temp. Even though I force gel, I often mix around 100 degrees.

If you soap too hot, you could risk overcooking and seperation - this is a particular risk with milk soaps, spicy FO, added sugars or honey, or any other "heating" ingredients. You'll also be more likely to have siezing with tricky fragrances (most florals).

All of that being said - if you're soaping at 130, that really isn't terribly hot, though it might seem like it. Most gel phases are around 180-200 degrees.

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I've soaped at higher temps (65-80oC) and was prone to ash forming on top of the log. I soap cooler now and no longer have that problem

I've soaped lard really hot before, and ended up getting a piggy kind of pork rind smell......not something you want with a delicate lilac fragrance oil for your gramma's soap!

(Thankfully, lard is cheap)

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Does Betty Ford offer a program for soaping addiction?

Hello Portland!

I'm in Florence. Wish I were in Portland today for the big Nordstrom sale I will have to make another batch of soap today to comfort myself.

Oh my gosh. .just saw the Betty Ford comment for soaping addiction! Let me know because we could do a 2 for 1!!!!!

Lisa

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Does Betty Ford offer a program for soaping addiction?