Teach Soap

So I knew I'd forget something in my first batch and this was it - heating all my oils! I had to heat the coconut oil to convert it to liquid but I didn't do the others. I was concentrating so much on the lye <sigh>

What now? Is it toast? I tried to google and didn't come up with anything. A few hours after I wrapped it yesterday, I could feel that the bottom of the container was warmer but nothing earth shattering.

Thanks!

It's not *necessary* to heat your oils. Every batch I made this summer I added the hot lye water to the oils and the hot lye water melted the solid oils. I'll probably go back to heating my oils a bit now that it's colder. It does seem to take longer for the soap to gel (sometimes it didn't), but it was fine in the end. It may take several days before you can unmold if it didn't gel, but I don't think you'll have a problem.

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

Thanks! I was reading stuff yesterday after the fact and read about having all your oils combined and heated and smacked myself in the head! As it was I was afraid the lye water had cooled down too much. I didn't mix it outside as it was windy, but I had my back hallway open for some fresh air with that bucket out there (those fumes CAN hit you hard!) and when I checked the temp the second time it was coming down quick.

It seemed to stay at mid-trace forever but it had definitely traced. I've peeked at it (it's still wrapped in the basement) and it doesn't look funny, no seeping or anything.

I didn't even think of adding the lye to the oils to melt them! I couldn't get the coconut oil out of the bottle without heating it though.

The other thing I never googled till after the fact was cleanup! Of course I had already rinsed everything off right away - and then read you can actually wait 24 hours and it will be soap. Anyone ever have drain issues from rinsing so quickly? I sent a lot of water down the drain and it was a small batch so I can't see where it would be an issue.

Thanks again, I feel better now

I clean up right after soaping. I always use Dawn.
My cleanup method: Don't get water on anything! Put all your utensils in your mixing pot/bucket and squirt with some Dawn. Then (while still wearing gloves/goggles) with your hands thoroughly rub Dawn into all soap left on utensils - it will look like a paste as the Dawn binds to the oils. Be sure to get the rim of soap pot/bucket as well. Once everything is covered, rinse with very hot tap water. At this point, gloves & goggles can come off. If utensils still feel slightly greasy, wash again or put in dishwasher.
For my lye pitcher, I just rinse with cold water. No soap because it can leave floaties in the next batch of lye water.

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

When do people put the molds in the oven?

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Lisa
“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” ~ Yiddish proverb

Thanks so much! It's not necessary for it to gel is it?

I have a gas oven, it's pretty toasty in there even when it's off

You're welcome.
As for gelling, it will become soap whether it gels or not. However when it doesn't gel, it takes longer to harden up and be able to come out of the mold. In this case you may need to wait several days to unmold and cut. If you use sodium lactate that helps to harden the batch if you decide to not gel. If it does gel it will become harder quicker and be able to unmold within a 24-48 hour period. Another point about gelling. If you gel the colors will be more brilliant. If you do not gel the colors will be softer...most pastel like. So it's really a matter of preference.
If you have an oven with a pilot light then that will likely help to get the batch to gel without having to turn it on. I have a gas oven but do not have a pilot light so I set mine just under the 200 degree mark.
Hope that helps.

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Lisa
“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” ~ Yiddish proverb

Oh! And another gel thing. Some people use silicone molds. With these molds the batch will often not gel without help. That is where the oven comes in. OR you can use a heating pad on low placed under the mold and covered up with a towel.

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Lisa
“What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” ~ Yiddish proverb

I rinse the lye pitcher in water and let drain. I rinse the stick blender in hot water. Then I rinse all my mixing pitchers and pots. Then I wash them. I do it as soon as I am done soaping. I have a 6 y.o. and would not want to chance her touching anything (not that kids are curious or anything remotely close to curious )

I think you just need some patience before you try to unmold your soap. Make sure to zap test it, but I'm sure it will be fine.

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

Thank you again! I of course had to poke at it this afternoon and the top at least is soft, but it has firmed up. I'm sitting in bed now so it's safe till at least morning.

I can't believe I didn't think to research cleanup before I got there! I ended up rinsing everything off with hot water, then I put it in the dishwasher and ran through the rinse cycle. This morning I washed everything in the dishwasher. Just didn't feel comfortable leaving the stuff in the sink with the cats. I never know what will intrigue them!