Teach Soap

Hi,

My typical batch will usually yield about twenty 4.5 oz bars. I want to start making bigger batches of about 80 bars (still around 4.5 oz). Does it 'cook' differently and is there any change at all in the end result? Is there anything I need to look out for?

Thanks again for your help!

DC

The bigger the batch, the longer it might take to reach trace. Since the mass is bigger it usually gels faster.

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

Do you know what molds you'll use? I'm increasing my production from 10 lb batches, and trying to decide on the best way to do it.

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/AvitalsApiaries

Hi,

About an hour ago I made a batch of forty, 4.5oz bars and covered it up. I just checked it and there was a massive crack, grand canyon style, right through the middle. Any thoughts? I haven't seen this before since I usually make smaller batches over a wider surface.

Thanks again.

DC

That much mass means more heat. I would leave them uncovere, or soap cooler.

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Lesli Sagan
Avital's Apiaries
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/AvitalsApiaries

Thanks Mellifera,

I'll start with that.

DC

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Thank you for your responses!

Also, I forgot to mention that the soap in question is beer soap. Does this add to its downfall?!

I have never made a beer soap but from reading other posts on here, the extra sugars in the beer make it prone to overheating. I would put it in the fridge to prevent gel and help keep it from overheating.

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Haven

The sugars in beer soaps do tend to lead to overheating, I put my beer soaps straight into the fridge (or freezer) to prevent gel phase (which also prevents that crack). The good news is that the crack is generally just cosmetic (always check for zap!), the soap should still be just fine.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

If your soap is still gelling, you can fix that crack. Spray it with some alcohol, cover the area with saran wrap and use your hand to smooth it out. Just repeat until the crack's gone.

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Genny