Teach Soap

I made my fourth batch last night and I think I may have encountered a problem. I ran the same recipe I've used for the other batches into the soapcalc to get a higher superfat of 7%. I used 5% & 6% before with the exact same oils and percentages. Also I resized the batch to fit into a 2lb silicone mold that I just got to try out. I ran it twice just to be sure. My previous batches were in a 5lb wood mold and they turned out great. I measured my oils and lye by grams and measured very carefully. (smaller batch less room for error) For the 2lb batch I added .75 oz. Powdered Goat Milk to the oils and mixed well just before adding the lye. I also added a very small amount of Kaolin Clay about 1Tsp. I used Energy FO from BB. All went well as far as mixing and pouring. I got colors and pretty swirls I hope. I kinda felt like I got a good one til this morning.

My question is that while I have never forced gel or paid much attention to it, the previous batches did gel on their own and hardened up overnight so I was able to unmold and cut the next night. This batch didn't gel at all. It is still really soft and I'm not even gonna attempt to take it out of the mold tonight. It looks good and smells great but I'm worried if I did something wrong that it is still so soft. It seems to be setting just much slower than my previous batches. Am I just being impatient because the new additions and higher superfat are slowing it down?

This is my first attempt at adding GM, Kaolin Clay and using a silicone mold, also it's a smaller batch than I've done before. Now I'm a bit worried. Did I add too much GM or clay. If it's unusable then I'm not sure why.

Could you post your recipe? That could help, just in case.
If you measured everything correctly and the soap didn't gel (or only partially gelled), then it will be softer and it could be 3-4 days before you can unmold it. Just leave it sit and check it every 12 hours or so to see if it's hardening.

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

It's possible that this batch didn't gel due to the small size. I prefer not to gel my soaps and they do start out softer, but harden up nicely after a full cure.

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

Recipe was :
Sweet Almond Oil 34g
Castor Oil 34g
Coconut Oil 76 degrees 136g
Olive Oil Pomace 204g
Palm Oil 170g
Palm Kernel Flakes 34g
Shea Butter 68g
Water 258g
Lye 92g

Added .75oz. Powdered Goats Milk plus the Kaolin Clay (too much Maybe?)

I made this recipe before but larger, a lower superfat and without the additives. This batch seems different though and much softer in the mold. I used some of the olive oil from my measured amount to mix my colors in which I didn't do for my other batches. I mixed the reserved OO with the TD and other oxides in separate containers then poured the soap batter into each and mixed them from light to dark. I used about a Tbsp for each of three colors (Thought I was very clever with that, as I have seen all you professionals do this.) My other batches I soaped at about 120 degrees. I need a better thermometer. I use a glass candy one and I don't really trust it. Last night it was really really cold and I soap in front of my kitchen window for ventilation. Maybe my temp was a bit off, but I'm positive I hit a good trace and the swirling seemed to go well. I don't get it maybe I'm just being impatient again. Wouldn't be the first time.

Well I finally got it out of the mold this morning after freezing it overnight. Told ya I'm impatient!
It looks like it will cure nicely still. I think I used too much colorant and that combined with the Kaolin Clay and Goats Milk just didn't work very well. I'm not that thrilled with the colors it came out, totally not what I pictured in my head. Hopefully after it's cut and cured for a while it will still be really good soap, just not necessarily the prettiest soap. I have zero intention of ever selling soap so if it stains a washcloth I don't mind. I'll just warn mom as she and my boys are my brave guinea pigs at the moment. So back to the kitchen for more experimenting...