Teach Soap

Ok, I know a ton of people have a ton of opinions on this, but I gotta know what ya'all think.

Cold Process / Oven Process
Now I have read that there is no evidence that cp/op saves curing time and don't risk it. I read this in a book (can't remember which one) and on a few websites. However, I've seen information stating that it does save cure time.
Can you use this soap right away? I've seen a lot of blog posts, and uploads lately about "the best of both worlds" where gals (mostly new to soaping with in the past few months) saying how you can do it this way, and the soap is still safe to use then, instead of curing the soap.

I do have litmus paper to test ph, but I've never thought to do it after I've made a batch, I just cut it, and put it up to cure.
I may do so tomorrow, if the weather is decent enough.

I do my vega line cp/op to force the gel, but I do let it cure the full 4 weeks. Just curious as to what everyone else thinks around here. I would love to be able to have the smooth cp look, but the bennifit of not having to cure the soap for too long if I need it in a pinch for a last minute show or order.

Thanks for your time

Wheter it's CP or CPOP, I would still do at least 4 weeks of cure. It's safe to use the soap that's gelled right away, but you will find the longer you wait, the more water evaporates and the longer it will last in the shower. I also find the soap milder after 4 weeks of either method.

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

I CPOP most of the time, mainly because I like my soap to gel fully (I don't care for the look of partially gelled soap!) Other than that, I still cure for at least 4 weeks. On the upside, I can usually cut the soap as soon as it is cool because it is harder than not gelling.

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

Thanks Dolls! I love that after all this time soaping, I'm still learning about it. I didn't know that about gelled soap. I think that's what keeps a hobby (or obsession) so interesting.

ljm1180, I'm the same way. If I don't want a gel, it goes into the ice box. I'm a habitual peeker though *blush*

My main reason for asking was the whole lye safety thing. I personally like a hard bar, so I rack my soap, cp, hp, or milled for at least 4 weeks. My biggest issue is, I don't wanna let soap go out the door unless I'm certain it's safe to use. I'm a little OCD about that.

I have a lady who gives me last minute orders, a lot. I usually hot process her orders, so they are nothing fancy. I do tell her to let the bars sit for a couple weeks to harden up. Some of my milk and honey recipes are on the soft side when hot processed. It stresses me out, but she makes it worth my time

I'm with Linda! I get 'power circles' all the time if I don't gel. I looking to do a beer soap as soon as the grandchildren are gone in a week and may try the freezer for that one to prevent overheating.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!