Teach Soap

Hi, Just joined and got questions. I haven't made any cop yet but will soon. Can I ask-
Which f/o's are more likely to make the soap seize?
Can you make soap in a plastic bin?
Can you use plastic boxes for moulds?
Can you do it without a stick blender?

Hi Shan and Welcome!
1. many floral FOs can make a soap seize. The same scent from different vendors can have different reactions in CP. It's best to buy from a reputable vendor and fully read the FO description and also any user reviews that may be posted.
2. It's best to make CP soap in a stainless steel pot but you can probably use a thicker plastic bin or bucket
3. Plastic boxes work well for molds as long as they are sturdy and can stand the higher temps that soap can reach when it goes through the gel stage. Shoeboxes lined with a plastic trash bag also work well.
4. You can make soap without a stick blender, but you may have to stir for a looooonng time!

Have fun!

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

I use a heavy duty plastic bowl with a pouring spout for soaping. I picked it up at bed bath and beyond for $10. Its the 5 quart one in this link http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product ... 65&RN=213&

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

ok many thanks - I can lay hands on plastic boxes easily enough but not wooden ones. I have no pot big enough for making soap in so need a plastic bucket or buy a pot... but not sure how to tell the difference between aluminium and stainless steel though.

The easiest way is to look at the tag, or look for a stamp on the pot. If there aren't either of those go by weight. Aluminum pots are extremely light, while stainless steel is hefty. Generally you won't find many aluminum pots around as they dent easily and wear out quickly. Most pots will have a "Stainless steel" stamp on them somewhere; the bottom or by the handle.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Welcome!
Good luck on your new adventure! Don't forget to run ANY recipe through a lye calculator.

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

Oh thats good, thanks. Ikea have a big stockpot that I have my eye on.....
I found a link to a lye calc here somewhere and I will do that thanks. I posted more questions on another thread somewhere and have lostit- it was a poor Aussi girl who is having probs. Turned my hair grey reading it

Our forum owners, BrambleBerry, have a lye calculator on their web site. http://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Lye-Calculator.aspx

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

Spice FO will also cause your trace to excelate and I have had one spice soap overheat. For your first batch why not try a plain soap with no color, no fragrance? That way you will get the feel for the soaping process. Depending on the oils you use the color will probably be creamy - which is very nice. Or if you could find someone who makes soap and see if they are willing to take you on as an apprentice?

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

OK thanks. I live remote but I have got a pal who runs a soap buisness and she is willing to come visit and give me a mini tutorial but she lives a good bit away and it will be later on when the weather is better. I just have no patience and canny wait that long I wanted to do it NOW lol!
I wouldn't like to waste the oils on a non-fragranced soap Bubbles, that would feel too much like a waste of time. If there is a usually dependable f/o or e/o then I'd rather try that, you know?

Shan, I have never had trouble with the "water" scents, like kentish rain. Patchouli and oatmeal,milk and honey also behave for me. Have you watched the soap queen video's on you tube regarding CP soap? If not I would ask you to do that first, she is very informative. I'm sure once your friend comes to visit it will be a blast!

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

Ah thats a good help, many thanks x

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

Maybe it just seems very tame, as I came from m&p and like the kind of soaps that you can smell from outside on the doorstep!!

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