Teach Soap

I know this will seem really crazy...but it actually happened to me last night. I was waiting for my lye water and oils to reach that magic temperature, and decided I would try my new infrared thermometer that I ordered from BB. I had my digital as a backup- So I measured the temp of the lye water with the infrared first and it read 76 degrees F. Then I measured my oils- 90 degrees. I'd read the directions (which are basically point and hit the button) and did it several times and kept getting similar readings. To my touch, they felt a lot hotter and I was suspicious so I got my digital out, and it measured the lye water at over 100 degrees F and the oils higher- like around 120. I didn't know which to believe although I was inclined to go with the digital because I knew for sure that my lye water was alot hotter than 76 degrees. I made another batch last night, same thing. Is it possible that even tho it says "F" next to the number it's really Celsius? Has anyone had this experience? Both batches were fine BTW But I can honestly say I just waited til they felt like bath water- the temp I would like my water to be to take a bath in. I was totally guessing and I got lucky. I am not experienced enought to trust my hands each time. What do you all think?

Not sure what is going on there, but there is certainly a discrepancy of some sort.
How high does your IR thermometer read? You could try aiming it at the surface of some boiling water - which by definition (at sea level) is 100C/212F and see what the result is.
Perhaps it just requires a re-calibration?

I use a couple of inexpensive (but accurate) traditional glass thermometers (alcohol, not mercury).

Cheers,
Adam

You need to stir the lye/water mixture or the oils just before or even as you measure the temperature. The temp on the surface will be the coolest as it is losing heat from the surface. I have experienced the same thing and I have found stirring and then taking the temp provides accurate results this way.

Dawn

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Dawn

Soap Artist and Owner
Bluebirds Bath and Body

Dawn is correct, you need to take the inside temperature and not the surface. When in doubt I would follow the digital thermometer as they are extremely accurate.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

ROFL, when I read the thread title I had the funniest image of two thermometers dueling Star Wars Style (that's the movie with light sabers right?). Gave me a little morning giggle!

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

Thats nothing, I was wondering how a thermometer could pick a mean banjo

Adam

LOL you guys are so silly!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

Your lye water and your oils don't need to be at that "magic" number. Just go by feel of the pot and the outside of the pitcher.

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

Irena, I think you are asking alot of some of us. My guess there are a few of us that need the verification of seeing the number. Maybe after I have done this for 10 years I will be able to trust my hands?????

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

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

I was going to do my St Pats soap tomorrow.... to important to mess up. But I also have been wanting to do the 12 bar "test batch" in the silicone mold and use a different fragrance in each bar... use up some of my little bits, or even try some florals. I could take on that challange for that.... I do have a bit of gamblers blood in me yet! Wow, two batches in one day.... that too is rare for me. But then for the next 2 weeks I am putting in extra hours at both jobs....and then we are off to Mexico for vacation for 2 weeks so no soap making then. I deserve to have a 'good day soaping'.... guess I just talked myself into it!

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

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

I actually check the temperature of the lye water by laying my hand against the glass, if it feels right I double check with the thermometer. Both times it has been near 115*F The oils I can't do this way as my bowl doesn't project heat like the glass. But I got a nice little digital thermometer from Bed Bath and Beyond for $14 and it works wonderfully

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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

Well, I did it.... one batch with the thermometer.... the other with just touch. Both are making soap as I sit here. It was hard not to test that second batch, I had to hide the therometer!

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