Teach Soap

Hello!

Another newbie here. I see there are a lot of introductory threads here, so this one is mine.

As stated in the subject, I'm from Virginia. If you're not from the USA, just know that Virginia is a very pleasant place to live.

I very recently got into soapcraft (is that the right word?) Before making my first batch of soap, I learned everything I could about the process. Especially the safety concerns. I read every procedural I could find, watched the Soap Queen videos, and basically learned everything I could before actually proceeding with making my first batch of soap.

I'm really looking forward to learning from all of you!

This is my first batch of soap after pouring it into the mold...


And after it was cut into bars:


Tom Petty was right: The waiting is the hardest part!

Congrats on your soapmaking! Waiting the 4-6 weeks for a cure is the hard part.

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

congrats! and welcome!

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Anna Rose @-}--
blog

Welcome!

I disagree with Soapbuddy - waiting for your next box of goodies to arrive from Bramble Berry is the hardest part!!!!

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

Thanks!

I also do homebrewing, so I'm definitely familiar with the waiting game. The great thing about soaping is, once it's hardened, you take it out of mold, and the mold can be used again right away. With beer, it has to stay in the fermenter for 1-4 weeks, depending on recipe. You have to have an extra fermenter if you want to do a second batch before the first one is done.

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Anna Rose @-}--
blog

I got the mold from Michael's. It's a 2 lb. capacity, and I think it was $25. I didn't use any kind of liner, so I had to use a knife to get my soap out. Next batch, I'm going to use a light coat of Crisco to see if that will help it release.

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Anna Rose @-}--
blog

If I still have trouble, I'll just cave in and start using freezer paper.

I haven't used that mold but I do use HDPE molds.Try giving it a thin coat of mineral oil. It doesn't saponify so it will lubricate the mold. After several uses, you may not need it anymore. It also helps to use sodium lactate or salt in your recipe to give you a harder bar. That makes it easier to remove the soap sooner. Hope that helps!

and Welcome!

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Linda

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

Thanks, Linda!

Where can I find mineral oil?

I don't think I'll use salt, because 24 hours isn't really that long of a time to wait.

If you don't have a hard bar, it will be longer than 24 hours. Don't ask how I know it can be 3-5 days! Mineral oil can be found anywhere from WalMart to Home Depot. It's inexpensive too. I stop using it when my molds are seasoned.

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Linda

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

How do you season your molds?

Molds are seasoned by using them. The more you use HDPE molds, the easier it becomes to unmold the soap eventually without mineral oil. It's another good excuse to make more soap.

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Linda

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