Teach Soap

I just received 2 silicon loaf molds, I purchased from a shop out of Taiwan.

They are very nice, but they have a VERY strong chemical odor to the plastic & silicon. I have washed them & the odor will not go away.
I emailed the seller and she said it was the silicon and not to worry about it. There is also a white film over the silicon. I have never seen nor smelled a silicon mold that smells like this. I am very concerned. I would not use soap I made in either of these molds. I have soaked them in hot water overnight. The smell & the white film are still there. This is an eye watering smell, not just an odor.

The seller wants me to send her pictures of the film on the molds. I am so disappointed. I really like these molds, but I can't see myself using them.

Any thoughts?

Thank you for any suggestions.

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"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

Try white vinegar to remove the film, if that doesn't work I would probably send them back. I know some forms of silicone REALLY reek! I have a couple silicone dog toys lying around and I don't know how she can play with them, to me they smell like melted rubber mixed with skunk or something of that vile variety. I also find the stench gets onto everything it touches, my hands, the dogs' mouth, the carpet... everything! I hope the company will do something for you =(

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Are they oven safe I presume? If so, can you put them in the oven for a while on low to help dissipate the smell? I've had silicone molds with the little white ash, but it came off when I washed it.

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

I don't know if they are oven safe. I will have to ask her today when I send the photos.
The smell does come off on everything it touches. Thank you for both ideas - the vinegar & the the oven.

I really like the style of these molds. They have plastic dividers; so it would be easier to make swirled soaps, individual soaps. They are realyy cool molds except they smell like a chemical factory that skunks have taken over!

I will let everyone know what happens.

Thank you :O)

_________________
"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

I don't think the plastic dividers would hold up in the oven, but the silicone mold should. I hope you get your answer.

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

I really got taken on these molds. She says they are food grade silicon.

I soaked them all day in straight vinegar! They really stink!

I have already paid to have them shipped here & then to ship them back with a signed receipt because there's no tracking.

I can give her negative feedback on Etsy. Then she will give me negative feedback!

There's not much I can do.

Any more ideas? Are they safe to use? I only handle them wearing rubber gloves!

What a disaster!

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"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

Has anyone here ever bought from DIY on Etsy?

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"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

Are they the "rendering soap molds"? Silicone with a plexiglass skeleton?

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

yes, they are.
Do you have one?

Are they safe?

_________________
"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

I don't have one, I was just looking at her stuff. It looks nice, but the smell would worry me. You could try a small batch with no fancy stuff and see if the stink penetrates the soap.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I don't know this mold maker or this particular mold. In addition to quality control, my concern about some of these silicone mold makers on Etsy is that they are ripping off the designs of the reputable ones. Ask her, if she's willing to tell you, whether the silicone she uses has an acid base (which is fine) or an arsenic base (which is toxic). The quick drying silicones usually have arsenic and the arsenic will leach out. It's been a problem for people who use silicone fish-tank accessories and they can't figure out why all the fish die.

I am now experimenting with making my own molds and have taken several classes in the use of various silicone products. There are literally dozens of suppliers of silicone. Some of it is great quality. Some is awful. It really makes a difference in both how the mold looks/performs and how long it will last.

I would not use the molds you got at this point. If you've not yet shipped them back, you can try one other thing. Silicone requires circulating air to fully cure. If she is turning these around too quickly, that may be the problem. If you have a powerful fan, put it directly in front of the molds and blow it full force (in a separate room from where you are) for several hours and see if that helps. Washing/soaking/baking molds that are not fully cured will not usually solve the problem. Trust me - I've tried.

One more thing - check eBay to see if she has a store there. Most of the Taiwanese mold makers have businesses on eBay and will have hundreds/thousands of feedback comments. eBay is where I found my four most favorite silicone mold makers.

Connie
http://www.soaprhapsody.com

Connie, thank you. I will try your suggestions. I am not & would not use these molds at this point.

I have bought other molds from Taiwan, the same place you buy yours. They are lovely, with no odor at all. I am on;y interested in these because they are rendering molds.

She states that they are food grade, but don't "bake a cake in them". She says they have an authentication safety report, but refuses to send me a copy.

Thank you for your suggestions.
I really appreciate them.

Happy New Year, Connie

_________________
"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

This company is offering these silicon molds as chocolate & cake molds.
I wouldn't want to eat anything made in these molds!

_________________
"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

okay, I can bake these molds at 400 degrees. I'm a little apprehensive to do this because of the smell.

I do not want this smell to spread throughout my house. They don't look like they will withstand 400 degrees.

If there is arsenic in these molds, it's still going to be there. I would think.

Does anyone know of another supplier of rendering molds?

Thanks Everyone!

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"Soap is to the body what laughter is to the soul!"

I am familiar with how silicone mods are made, but I have never heard of them having arsenic in it. That makes no sense to me. If the molds are safe, up to 400 degrees, I would put them in a 350 (US) oven and leave them there for 20 minutes. Keep your kitchen fan on if you're worried, put a standing fan there or open your windows. Don't put the plastic inserts there because those would most likely melt.

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