Teach Soap

My question is about cutting the soap. Do you cut it as soon as you take it out of the mold or do you let it get a little harder? I find that the cut edges are sloppy looking no matter what knife I use to cut with. Also I am still looking for a fresh clean smell for the soap and would appreciate any suggenstions. I would prefer using EO if possibe.

I wanted to post a picture, but even following the directions, all I get is a red x and Image when I try to preview. I downloaded to Photobucket but can't seem to get it to load here

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Diana
Butter Babies Soap
bbsoap.com

I usually cut the soap right after i take it out of the mold. when i cut my soap, it feels like sharp cheddar cheese! there are many different ways to cut your soap depending on how creative you want to be. I just free hand it with my kitchen knife. i like the way it looks (handmade). Good luck! hope you get the picture uploaded, i would love to see them!

~ L

Like hard cheese is a good description. For a clean scent, you can use BrambleBerry's Cucumber, Fresh Linen, Grass Stain or Green Tea. If you use a miter box with the knife, you might get cleaner and straighter cuts.

When you are in Photobucket, if you hover over your pic with your mouse, you should see 4 or 5 links directly below. Copy/paste the very last link. Then paste that link here. Your pic should show up.

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

Thanks Soapbuddy. Here are my first efforts. I left them all natural in coloring. They are clockwise from bottom left, shaving soap, shea butter soap, shampoo bar, and goat milk honey facial soap. As you can see I feel that the cut edges are rough.

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Diana
Butter Babies Soap
bbsoap.com

Good job!

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

Thanks.

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Diana
Butter Babies Soap
bbsoap.com

From one newby to another, isn't it fun? I really want to try a shaving soap too. Your soaps look great

I take a peeler to the edges and then wash the soaps. It gives them smooth edges and a nice clean look.

Do you do that right after you cut them or after they are harder. When I tried to peel the sides, it was too soft.

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Diana
Butter Babies Soap
bbsoap.com

When you wash your soaps do you submerge them in water? If so, how do you dry them and make them look "un-used"?

I wait about a week to 10 days when it is firmer. I use cold water really just dripping out of the faucet. Do it gently. The hard part is I how to dry them. I use cooling racks with paper towels on them and make sure they are standing up. Do not lay down as they will be soagy on the side lieing down. I tried doing it right on the racks but left marks on the soap. If anyone has a better way I would love to hear them.

I would wait until the soap is close to being cured to do any rinsing. I haven't rinsed any of mine yet but I have some plastic goat milk molds that tend to trap the warmth in the bottom (which becomes the face of the bar) and that causes ash. That's my theory anyway since it doesn't happen in any of my other molds. I'll rinse those bars quickly when they're real close to being cured. 10 days out is too soon for me.

Diana, if your soap is really soft I wouldn't bevel until it's firmer.
Here is some info about various oils. http://www.summerbeemeadow.com/ Click on "Properties of Soapmaking Oils" on the left. And congrats on your soaps! You made quite a variety!

After 2-3 weeks curing time I wash my soaps in a bucket of warm water and smooth the edges with a sponge... then give them a quick rinse. I cure in wire baskets that hang in a rack so I can stand the soaps up in the basket as I rinse each one and then carry the whole basket back to the rack. The basket sits on a bath towel while I'm working to catch any drips. It does leave 2 little marks on the bottom where the basket touches. I never thought about using paper towels underneath for fear they would stick. But after they dry I can erase the marks quickly with a paper towel... when I remember

I think this makes them look much neater and I don't think they look "used".

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- Mickey!

Thanks for the tip Mickey. I'll have to try that.

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Diana
Butter Babies Soap
bbsoap.com

Your soap looks wonderful .