Teach Soap

Hi!

I made the olive oil re-batch from BB! It was FANTASTIC - so much FUN!!!! I used the oven method - so easy.

I have 3 questions:

1. BB states: Please Note: As our rebatch is made very fresh, it is intended to be used within 1 - 2 months of being received from us. Once made, soaps should be stored in a cool, dry, oxygen rich environment just like cold process soaps.

Does this mean it still has to cure? It has been sitting for 48 hrs. I just cut it into slices. It's still a little soft. Is it done now to use?

2. I added 1 TBL of distilled water per pound as BB recommends. After it melted, I stirred in the FO & the colorant which increased the liquid about 2 more TBL.
This seemed like a lot of liquid. I was actually able to mix it with a hand mixture into a creamy state.

Was this too much liquid?

3. I used a 40 ounce loaf mold. I weighed out 2.5 lbs. I had a lot left over, which i poured into molds. The mixture was creamy and I was able to pour it right into the molds.

How do I figure how much the mold holds? Isn't this volume?

I loved doing this. I'm ready for cold process!!!!

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

Grats on your soap! I'm glad you've caught the soaping bug. I haven't used BB's rebatch soap so I can't answer your questions but I hope you post pics.

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

Congrats, einnoc!
Rebatch needs to cure, just like cold process. The more water you add, the softer the soap and the longer it takes for the water to evaporate. 4 weeks is average, but for 100% olive oil (or soap with a high % of olive) a longer cure will be much better - like 3 months or so.
To figure out how much your mold will hold use this formula: L x W x H x .4

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

Thanks, ljm1180 & SudsyFun

Does the measurement total come out in lbs, ounces?

The directions don't say anything about curing at all!

I have to wait!!!!

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

The measurement is in ounces.
Yes, waiting is the hardest part of CP soaping. Just ask Coolah and Hestey!

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

Now that I have cut it, should I cover it? I put it in the refrigerator!

I can't believe I have to wait!

So once the re-batch gets firm and can be sliced, it can be touched - the same as the re-batch can be touched without gloves? It won't zap me?

It doesn't say anything about this in the directions.

I thought the grated re-batch from BB is already cured????

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

The rebatch base from BB is already saponified. It should not zap, but should be cured for a couple of weeks at least after you rebatch it.

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

Thanks SoapBuddy

I think I'm confused about the terms:

What does cured mean vs saponified?

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

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

OK! I have it now!!!

Thank you, Soapbuddy!

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

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

One more question .... for now!

How long does it take for the lye to go through Saponification and longer dangerous to touch? Is it instantous?

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

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

Thank you, Soapbuddy

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