[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Array to string conversion
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Undefined variable: Array
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Trying to access array offset on value of type null
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Array to string conversion
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Undefined variable: Array
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Trying to access array offset on value of type null
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Array to string conversion
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Undefined variable: Array
[phpBB Debug] PHP Notice: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions_content.php on line 77: Trying to access array offset on value of type null
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4752: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4754: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4755: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4756: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
Teach Soap • View topic - I plead milk soap mercy!

Teach Soap

Soap Making Recipes, Tips and Tutorials
It is currently Thu Dec 12, 2024 12:32 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 63 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Author Message
 Post subject: I plead milk soap mercy!
PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 9:47 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:59 pm
Posts: 378
Location: Alberta
Okay, so granted I've only made two batches of soap so far (both which turned out fabulous btw). But I REALLY want to make goat's milk soap. I bought some whole goat's milk yesterday (at one of our bigger grocery stores that carries a lot of speciality items). I also have some peppermint EO that I think would be lovely in a gm soap.

What I can't figure out is the optimal method for making a gm soap that stays relatively light in color (without adding stuff like titanium dioxide). I've read a ton of conflicting advice about this! My understanding so far is this:

1) Freeze the milk first
2) Keep temps low as possible for both the oils and the lye/milk solution (around 80 degrees?)
3) Work fast :)
4) Do NOT insulate
5) A shallow mold may be better so as to dump heat more quickly
6) Place in the refrigerator immediately after pouring (assuming this is to prevent gel?? is gel stage detrimental to the color or??)
7) Unmold after about 24 hours

Does this sound about right or do any of the guru soapers here have additional advice or suggestions?

Karri

_________________
I soap therefore I am.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:11 am 

Joined: Thu May 26, 2011 7:55 am
Posts: 11
As a total newbie myself I will share my experience with GM that has become wonderful, light colored soap. My thought process is, if someone as inexperienced at it as me could get such great results the first time, anyone can! LOL Or, it could EASILY just be a fluke...which is why I've been afraid to try it again! Anyway, from much research I've concluded it's easier to used canned or powdered, although I've seen a lot of beautiful 100% GM mixed in with the lye. That will definitely be a challenge for me that I will master, but for now, this is what worked for me:

I only used half the amount of liquid called for in my recipe to mix my lye into (make sure it's at least as much liquid as lye or the lye won't dissolve). Let it cool to room temp. I melted my oils and let them cool to room temp. also. When I mixed the two it came to trace almost immediately (I left this unscented, so would probably be a good idea to mix your FO/EO in with your oils first). At trace I mixed my other half of liquid amount in, which was the canned goats milk; I used it cold, but I wonder at this point if warming it a little would have been better...at any rate, once it's was mixed it started to thicken even more so I quickly got it into my mold, had time to play with the tops a little, and threw the mold into the freezer for a few hours. I only did a 3 lb. batch and did it in a cake pan line with freezer paper, so no wood to insulate the soap more. I ended up with beautiful, creamy, ungelled GM soap and am just in love. It's two weeks old now, bubbles are immediate and profuse, and has such a great, creamy feel already. The color is not creamy, off-white, it's more like coffee with tons of creamer. It's very appealing to me. I don't know if any of this will help you, but good luck!

Oh, also, and I could wrong, but I think slab molds retain more heat than log molds? It's opposite to what I would think, but I'm sure I've read that somewhere?


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 12:13 pm 
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:14 am
Posts: 6158
Location: Jefferson City, TN
Karri, it sounds like you are on the right track! not gelling your soap will keep it a lighter color. Also, the lighter the color your oils, the lighter your finished soap. Don't forget that some FOs will discolor soap too. If you mix your lye into the GM rather than adding it at trace, try to get it into the oils before it has a chance to turn orange - that will also help keep the soap a lighter color. I like to use GM powder when I make mine. I blend it into my oils before adding the lye water. :D

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



Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:31 pm 
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:14 pm
Posts: 24336
Location: Mistress Of Lather
Dissolve your lye in minimum water required and add the rest as milk as soon as your lye and oils are emulsified in your pot. Then put the soap in the fridge or the freezer to help prevent gel.

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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 4:05 pm 
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:59 pm
Posts: 378
Location: Alberta
Thanks everyone!

So I'm getting the impression that using the half 'n half method is preferred? i.e. discount water by half(?) and add rest of liquid (goat's milk) at trace?

Which oils are considered "darker" vs "lighter" ones? Most of the basic or "favorite" soap recipes I've read call for olive, palm, coconut and castor oil. Some with shea or cocoa butter ... some with almond oil.

@ljm1180 - how do you know the amount of powder to use with your method? Just curious.

Karri

_________________
I soap therefore I am.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 4:35 pm 
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:14 pm
Posts: 24336
Location: Mistress Of Lather
I use Costco's virgin olive to get the light color in soap. Coconut, Palm Kernel, Castor, Soybean, tallow and lard will all give you a light color soap. Unrefined shea or unprocessed beeswax can make your soap darker. Fragrances can darken your soap also. The way I add milk to my soap is like this: Let's say you need 8 to 12 ozs. of liquid for your recipe. So the 8 ozs. is the least amount of any liquid you need to dissolve your lye in. You take the 8 ozs. of water to dissolve your lye in. Then you use the rest as milk. I tried freezing milk into cubes and use this as the total liquid, but the lye still caramelized some of the milk, darkening the soap.

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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:54 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:45 pm
Posts: 2522
Location: Wisconsin
I use the color that the goats milk turns to my benifit. If I need a very golden, orange or tan I will do full goats milk; like for my oatmeal milk and honey fragrance. I just did a carrot soap (will post photos later today) that is all goats milk. But if I have other colors to achieve I do the half and half thing. Pure white I have never been able to achieve. I only use frozen if I freeze some of the whole goats milk I have left over and will not be soaping with it by the end of 7 days. The canned coconut milk for some reason did give me a lighter colored bar.

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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:10 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:14 am
Posts: 6158
Location: Jefferson City, TN
@Karri - I use 1 scoop of powdered GM per pound of oils. I tried using it at 1 oz. ppo, but found that it was too much and didn't always blend properly. I don't mind a darker colored soap so I do let mine gel.

@Bubbles2 - I also use canned coconut milk for several of my soaps and it makes a nice light bar. When I used it with a blend of soy and canola oils, lard and coconut oil, my soap was almost white. It had just a touch of creamy color to it. 8)

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



Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:14 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:59 pm
Posts: 378
Location: Alberta
Sigh. I love this place! Soooo much good help :)

@soapbuddy - with the lye calculators currently available don't they just spit out one value (weight) for the water? i.e. I'm assuming you have to play with the water percentages to get a "range" of water to use and then from that you know the "least amount"? My understanding is you can use something like 30 to 38% water in a recipe, yes? This seems quite a bit different than the straight-up "half 'n half" method. Curious what you think (man, I'm turning into a soap nerd already. LOL!) Oh and yes, so far I've been using extra virgin olive oil too and it seems to work well in non-milk soaps I've done.

@Bubbles2 - good point regarding using the color to your advantage! I love oatmeal in soap too. Am thinking perhaps a peppermint-oatmeal gm soap would be lovely!

@ljm1180 - perfect and good to know! (Writing that down ... erm, wait: how much is "1 scoop?")

Anyone here added kaolin clay for whitening to their soaps? More curiosity ... :)

Karri

_________________
I soap therefore I am.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:55 am 
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:14 pm
Posts: 24336
Location: Mistress Of Lather
If I use The Sage Lye Calc it gives me a water range from minimum to maximum. I take their minimum liquid amount to dissolve the lye in, then add the rest as milk. On The Sage, I don't play with water %. In this case, it's not a straight 50-50.

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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:15 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:59 pm
Posts: 378
Location: Alberta
Aaah, I didn't know about that particular lye calc. Will give it a shot! Thanks :)
Karri

_________________
I soap therefore I am.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:29 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:14 am
Posts: 6158
Location: Jefferson City, TN
@Karri - the GM powder comes with a measuring scoop inside. (Kind of like the powdered formula for infants.) :lol:

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



Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:27 pm 
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:59 pm
Posts: 378
Location: Alberta
Well, I finally picked a recipe and made a batch of goat's milk soap today (with ground oatmeal and peppermint EO). I used frozen whole goat's milk in my lye solution (no water!) and an ice bath.

See attached picture.

http://twitpic.com/5b9s00

All I have to say is this: YEAH BABY!

And of course that this forum knows how to rock soap ;)

_________________
I soap therefore I am.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:32 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 7:14 am
Posts: 6158
Location: Jefferson City, TN

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



Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Jun 14, 2011 6:33 am 
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 8:59 pm
Posts: 378
Location: Alberta
Okay ... took it out of the freezer after about 19-20 hours. It looks really good but do I cut it yet???
The edges where it's unthawing seem REALLY soft. EEEEEEP!

Unmolded soap: http://twitpic.com/5bh3xc

Karri

_________________
I soap therefore I am.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 63 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next

All times are UTC - 8 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
[ Time : 0.159s | 12 Queries | GZIP : Off ]