Did a little more research ...
The silicone used for trays and loaf molds is NOT the same as that used for decorative shape molds. There's a lot of discussion online about baking with silicone molds. A lot of that discussion ends with serious bakers refusing to use them for a variety of reasons (mostly uneven baking and that they hold on to smells).
Here's an interesting article on white film and foul odor coming from a particular brand of ice cube trays.
http://matthew-rowley.blogspot.com/2011 ... icone.htmlEarly indication, in the article, was that the film was due to hard water, but that's debunked when someone experiments with distilled water. Some say vinegar wash helps. Others say it doesn't. So, no real definitive explanation of the film. Bottom line in the article -- people don't like the molds and wouldn't use/buy again.
Most interesting thing I learned six months ago is referenced in the article - "Silicon is a natural chemical element found in great abundance on Earth, primarily as a major component of common sand. Silicon is generally found in a crystalline form. Silicone is a man-made substance derived from silicon and other chemicals, and it may be a liquid or a rubber-like plastic polymer." People often use the words interchangeably. They are two different things. Silicone uses silicon as one of its ingredients. And, as with all chemicals, there are good vendors/sources and bad ones. It's the "other chemicals" that is always my concern. In my mold making I only use name-brand silicone specifically intended for crafting molds and theatrical prosthetics and masks. Decorative mold makers use what's referred to as "Platinum" silicone for its elasticity, durability and ability to capture fine detail.
My concern with some mold makers is that if they are trying to save money, cut corners, or rush the process and are not willing to share the formula/technique/ingredients they use to make their molds, we'll never know what's in them. A "food-safe" designation in Taiwan is not necessarily the same as one issued here. Even the FDA and USDA are sometimes wrong. There are many mold makers who prominently say, "NOT food-safe." Those mold makers I trust. Not being food-safe doesn't mean it's not safe for soap or wax.
My soap wouldn't hurt you if you ate it, but I don't recommend you try it. I recently did 300 soap flower favors for a wedding, and although tagged very prominently "SOAP - DO NOT EAT," several guests did. I was glad to hear no one got sick.
Connie
www.soaprhapsody.com
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