Teach Soap

I recently purchased some handmade cedar soap decks from a seller on etsy. They were listed as "unfinished" and when they arrived i was pretty excited...they looked very nice. But now that I have been using one for about a week, I have noticed that the wood seems to be discoloring my soap. The side that touches the soap deck has brown lines on it now. Wondering why this would happen with unfinished wood...? anyone have any experience with this? Anyone have a better suggestion for a soap dish/ soap deck? I had wanted to give them as gifts along with a soap or two for friends and family but am wary now....

I would email the seller and ask what specifically makes it "unfinished". Is it raw wood? Has it been treated with something? Has it been stained with a water based stain, but no glaze?

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

Raw cedar will discolor soap. It is caused by the oils that the wood contains. The effect does diminish as the wood ages, but I don't know if the oil will cause problems for people with sensitive skin. I make cedar soap dishes for my family, and haven't noticed any problems.

Thanks! I did email the seller/maker of the dish and he said the same as you Dave...tannins in the raw wood? He suggested rubbing the wood with veg or mineral oil to help seal it? THink that would help??

Rubbing it with veg oil should work. You will need to repeat that regularly though. As the cedar turns grey, you shouldn't have any more problems.

ok cool - thanks!