Teach Soap

I recently made my first batch of soap, and I'm happy to report that the soap turned out great. It is curing now, and I'm looking forward to using it in mid-September. This seems to be a hobby that requires patience!

I built a wooden mold with hinged sides and lined it with waxed paper. Things went really well until I tried to remove the soap from the mold the next day. The soap was hard enough, but the waxed paper seemed to have attached itself to the inside of the mold. I got the soap out after a few minutes of struggling, but the inside of the mold is now stained in shades of brown on all sides up to about an inch from each edge. Here are my questions:

1. What was the problem? (using wax paper? building it from pine?)
2. Can I use the mold for another batch?

I'd appreciate any advice you have. Thanks!

It was most likely the wax paper. Wax paper isn't very thick and can stick, as you found out. If you can get freezer paper, that is better.
As long as you line the mold, you can use it again.

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Genny

The best liner discovery I made a few months back was to start using baker's parchment paper, the kind with silicone in it. Reynolds makes it and its easily available in supermarkets, and Wilton - who makes baking supplies. It doesn't stick to my wood molds, and peels off very easily from my soap. It also creases nicely when I'm lining log molds, much better than butcher/freezer paper.

Freezer paper is fantastic! Very easy to fold and it comes right off the soap! Takes me about 25-30 seconds to line a wood mold with it!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

LOL its only 4 folds and 4 snips!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

LOL...I was so proud I got my lining down to 12 minutes! Are you trying to take my small victory away from me?

Oh, that cold, cold Cylon-Canadian heart of yours!

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Shelia
Newbie still learning.....

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Shelia
Newbie still learning.....

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

I'm going to time myself next time, see the exact time it takes me!

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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!

I used my little tiny wooden mold tonight, the hardest one to line because I have ginormous bones and therefore ginormous hands. Took me just over 1 minute. If that darn thing didn't make a perfect 1lb test batch I'd drop kick it!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I use parchment paper,very easy for me

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like us

I no longer use any kind of paper. I find that thick black plastic bag works best for me. No stains, very easy to unmould, reusable quite often.