Teach Soap

What is an ideal range for CP soap pH? The Google is providing me with lots of differing opinions! I have pH test strips on the way and am eager to check my soap. Also, what's the preferred method for testing (wet soap and rub the strip on it?)

Also can someone explain what *best* pH would be? Closer to 10 or closer to 8? Thanks!!

The pH of soap once cured is about 9. pH strips are not very accurate for this.

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

Funny you should ask this question, i've just tested 4 different batches that were each made a week apart.
3 batches came up as pH 8 and my latest batch that was made 2 days ago came up as pH 9.
I know i'm new to soap making but this confuses me, i thought the longer you let the soap sit, the better the pH would be?
and yet a brand new batch is neutral? hmm are my test strips falty? lol

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The pH of 9 is not neutral. With curing soap, only water will evaporate out. pH test strips will only give you an idea of what the pH of soap could be. They can easily be off by a couple of points.

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

Neutral pH is around 7 to 7.5.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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If the pH strips are not very reliable, what is the best way to test the soap?

This whole time I thought I was perfect because my first 4 batches I have tested have been come out as 8 every time...

--Lindsay

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

Zap testing with my tongue still scares me lol but okay, it's for the soap right?

So in a proper batch, nothing should happen when tongue testing? And if it caps like a nine volt battery, that's when it's lye heavy? When do you usually test your batches?

--Lindsay

Oops, should be **Zaps like 9v batt

Sorry

--Lindsay

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

If there is no zap does that mean it can be used straight away? is the only reason for leaving soap sit for 4-6 weeks is just to harden?

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

Thanks for all the info! People on this forum are so knowledgeable. I zap tested my soap and it was just... soapy-tasting, so it's probably good. I did use a lye calculator, a scale, and superfatted at 5% so I'm thinking it will be fine.

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dawn m