Teach Soap

I plan to order my supplies from BB, since you all seem to speak highly of them. Have a couple of questions. Does anyone know which of their m&p bases do not contain sodium laureth sulfate? I would like to try to stay as chemical free as possible. Also, what are your favorite rectangular molds for 4 oz bars? And could you tell me about loaf molds.....what is good for a small loaf, and how much base will it take to fill it?

Once again, thanks for your help!

BB lists all the ingredients for each of their bases, so you'll just need to compare them to see which works better for you.

I don't use the bar molds, but my silicone loaf molds hold 2# (8 slices of finished soap). They come in all different sizes - it depends on how many slices you want to make.

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

How about a mold like this? It makes 4 oz. bars individually. http://www.brambleberry.com/12-Bar-Squa ... P4908.aspx

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

Linda....8 slices sounds about what I'm looking for. Can you tell me the dimensions of your loaf mold?

Irena....thanks for the suggestion. I will have to keep that one in mind. Do you all have pretty good luck with the silicone molds? No problems with them holding fragrances after being cleaned?

Mine definitely hold scent, but it doesn't transfer to the next batch of soap. The first batch I made in my silicone loaf mold was a very strong manly scent, 10 or 12 batches later I can still smell it, though it has a strong rose scent right now. But the smell has never transferred.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I have a few silicone molds. They smell lightly of fragrance, but the fragrance does not transfer to the next batch.

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

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

As far as molds are concerned, if you're just starting out I'd recommend using plastic silverware drawer dividers. I know it sounds silly, but I have had amazing luck with them! And they're super cheap. I bought a 3" x 9" to use as a 1 lbs. loaf mold, and I also have a 6" x 9" to use as a slab mold for 2 lbs of soap. I got mine at Walmart and it cost me about $5 to buy one of each size. Once the soap is unmolded they have nice edges to the bars, and a professional look. The soap comes out of the molds very easily without having to grease them.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Dra ... e/16408633

Thanks, Linda!!

AriaGirl, I'm intrigued! How many bars do you get out of them, and how do you figure their size? Sounds like a good, more inexpensive alternative. I'm game!

When I started out I used yogurt cups and milk cartons! They work great and are usually free, as long as you eat yogurt and drink milk!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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

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Debbie

I love BB's products and you can't beat their customer service! As for loaf molds, I use these Lock&Lock 8.3 cup 67 fl. oz. continers I found in amazon for only $6.88 and they'll ship it for free with a $25.00 order. I got two and just ordered two more. You can make a small test batch of one pound (4 four ouce bars) or pour a full 3 lb. loaf. I love the way the soap ALWAYS pops right out. I don't use anything to release it. Here's a link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000A ... 00_details

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ewww! I plead the... umm... right to poke it with a stick!

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

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ewww! I plead the... umm... right to poke it with a stick!