Teach Soap

For all the CP soap I made there's always this thin layer of white powdery ash on the very top of the log. Anyone know what causes it and how to avoid it?

Thanks.

Here are a few things I've learned over the years. Use beeswax in your batch. Spritz the top with alcohol. Cool the batch slowly. Don't peek. Cover the top with wax paper and leave it there during saponification, til it's time to cut the soap.

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

Hi there,

I had the same thing happen and have found out that I probably let the batch cool too much during mixing so it didn't saponify properly. I ended up rebatching. Hope that helps!

Here is my observation for a few months using the suggestion I got. When I do CPOP, hardly likely I get ash, except I have to monitor it for the soap not to overheat. But I cannot CPOP all the time, it all depends on the recipe and the FO & EO I use for the batch. I add bee's wax into the recipe and I got mix result. I found it helpful if I pour into a wood or this PVC mold I recently bought. I fill it to the top and really cover it tight so there's no air gap. And sometimes it works in silicone molds sometimes not so I'm guessing it depends on the recipe. Maybe coming out of winter into spring and summer helps too for the batch not to cool off dramatically fast.

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Shieh Design Studio
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http://soapandrestless.blogspot.com

Someone on another forum just told me that spraying 90% alcohol on top after pouring into the mold helps keep ash off. I haven't tried it yet, but next time I so a slab mold with a swirl I will.

I usually cover the soap with saran wrap to keep the ash away.

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http://www.inarubathandbody.com

I cover mine with plastic wrap as well. Leave it on for at least 24 hours and you will almost never have to deal with it again.

Bruce

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www.homebrewsoaps.etsy.com

I was wondering similar to the beeswax trick has any one tried it with carnuba, Camilla, or soy wax?