Teach Soap

Could soaping be my new hobby?
I have watched a hundred or more videos, read seven books from the library and read numerous threads on this site. I am waiting for an order from BB to get started. My first question is What is false trace? Using lye doesn't scare me but boy have I read a lot of problems. What is your best advice for a newbie? One more question please. My home temperature is set at 72-75 degrees year round. Is this a good temo for making, gelling, curing or storing soap? I am so happy to be here. Thank You


MaryLou

Welcome to the addiction, Marylou! Getting a new Bramble Berry box is like Christmas. False trace happens when it looks like you've hit trace (see trailings on top of your soap batter if you drizzle a little on top), but you actually haven't so your soap might not saponify completely. When you are learning to recognize trace, stirring/stick blending until light trace is important. Your home temperature is fine. Try soaping around 110*F (temperature of your lye solution and your oils before combining). Your lye solution and oils should be within about 5 degrees of each other when combined. Keep tons of notes on everything you do because you definitely can't remember it all. Ask all the questions you want, because there are lots of helpful people here. Most importantly, enjoy the adventure!

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

Welcome!
I would start reading this forum. Lots of good info here.

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

Welcome MaryLou!

You'll find lots of us newbies floating around here and I definitely agree, getting a shipment from BB is like Christmas! Im like Jack Nicholson in the shinning peering through the door all "HERE'S JOHNNY!" every time I hear a truck go by on a day Im expecting FedEx to have my BB order. I cannot wait until this Friday as Im expecting 3 boxes!!

Lj

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Lj

Hi MaryLou and welcome to the addiction!
My best advice is to start simple - a basic recipe (75% olive oil, 25% coconut oil, superfatted at 7%), no color or fragrance and no stick blender so you can get a true feel for the process.

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