Teach Soap

I've made two batches of lotion so far, one shea butter/shea oil, the other borage and meadowfoam oils. I can't really say I prefer one to the other, as I like them both.

I've seen postings on other forums that describe how folks make a base lotion in a large amount (say, a gallon), then divvy it up into smaller batches for individual scenting.

I've been using a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup to hold my oil phase ingredients, and a smaller, three-sided plastic beaker for the water phase. I've been using a 3-quart double boiler, but I do have a larger one for later, larger batches.

My question is, what do those of you who make those larger batches use for your double boiler? I've not tried to put anything in the larger set (which is stock pot size), but the two containers I'm using for my current testing of lotion formulas fit pretty snugly in the double boiler. So if you're making something on a larger scale, do you just make a fire under a bathtub for your double boiler system????

I know I'm being facetious, but how do you make larger batches???

Anita

I use the stove for both. Double boiler would take too long for me. I use large stainless steel pots for both phases.

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

I do not use a double boiler either.

_________________
Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

So, I can ignore all those dire warnings about direct heat?

That did seem a little odd to me, after many years of direct-heating the oils for my soaps.

Thanks!

(Now to go cancel that order for the bathtub on wheels . . . . )

Anita

Sometimes I think it is a really, really GOOD THING that the internet was not pervasive (and there weren't too hardly any books on the subject either!) when I began making learning about herbs and essential oils and when I began formulating my own lotions, salves and soaps! I'd probably still be trying to figure it out!

_________________
Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy