Teach Soap

I made a batch of soap yesterday with a tried & true recipe but used milk instead of water. I did this a couple of weeks ago and it came out just fine. Frozen milk, added the lye, mixed with cool oils (90-95 degrees) poured and lightly covered my mold. The soap gelled and looked great after cutting. The batch I made yesterday I did the same way, but popped it into the freezer right after pouring in the mold. This is what happened:



Is there a way to stop the gel process? I thought that by putting it in the freezer right away it would be ok.

Thanks!

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

It looks like it started a partial gel. To answer your question: Yes, there's a way to prevent that. Stop putting your soap in the freezer and let it go through it's natural process, which is gelling. Is there a reason you don't want it to gel?

I tried it this way because several people have suggested not gelling for various reasons, one being that the color of the finished soap is lighter. So I thought I would try it. I know, I know - I don't get paid to think...

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

If you start measuring your GM by adding 1 or 2 ice cubes to the cup, it will lighten the mix a little. So will adding your lye more s-l-o-w-l-y. Watch my mouth and repeat after me s-l-o-w-l-y.

Fragrances will also darken it a bit.....most of them anyway. Now.....get your head out of the freezer.

I think it looks pretty and I bet you will also after it cures! Looks like a slice of melon right out of the center!

Like the NEW idiom get your head out of the _____ fill in the blanks! LOL I imagine that you are a good instructor Supersoaper!

Thanks, Mella. I hope it looks ok after it cures. If not, I'll have a lot of soap to use!

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

I only make 100% fresh GM soaps and always put it into my freezer to prevent gel. The only time I got partial gel was with my SC's Lily of the Valley.

Thanks, Chris. I think I'm just going to let the soap gel from now on. It's much easier!

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