The Potting Shed

Aqui · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:19 pm Post subject: Really soft soap

Made a batch of soap (T did the dangerous bits) about a month ago - can't remember exactly.

I've not de-moulded it yet. I was going to during the week, but it's so soft I could push my finger into it and it dented. (The dent is still there.)

This batch didn't really reach a satisfactory trace. Will it ever set properly?

I'm worried that if we try to use it it'll all melt in one wash!

Must try to do another batch this weekend (I've so much to do!)

lottie · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 5:54 pm Post subject:

Hmmm sounds like perhaps the oils were not quite right?

It has to be exact. Don't spose you used olive oil did you?
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Lottie the Allotment Lady

mrutty · 2 Star Club Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 827

My soap is so 'ard it carries a flick knife

Aqui · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:50 pm Post subject:

It was the vegetable oil I was always a bit suspiscious of. The recipe said "veg oil" I used what was called "veg oil". But it's blended with different oils - how can they all be the same? I think I shall avoid those recipes in future.

But I think it's a gonner. I am working myself up to throwing it away.

mrutty - Laughing

Kathy · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject:

I had to throw my last batch too Aqui, the oils all have different saponification values and like yours it just never reached trace properly. I had hoped the mixture of oils I used were close enough in value to the actual recipe to work.
The first batch I did using Pura vegetable block with the basic recipe was great, I just added lavendar oil and dried calendula leaves.

lottie · Posted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 5:09 pm Post subject:

I nearly got caught out with one using olive oil.

I thought that I would 'use the best' and bought Virgin Olive Oil, then another read revealed that was not the best and just olive oil should be used - which I did in the end and it worked

I am hopeless at working out the saponifications if I have other fats Rolling Eyes

So try and stick religiously to the recipes - but that is not always easy when you live in the country
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Lottie the Allotment Lady

Aqui · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:07 pm Post subject:

I just thought, well last night actually, could I go with it's softness and turn it into a liquid soap for hands and showering?

If so - how?

lottie · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:23 pm Post subject:

I read somewhere that you could
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Lottie the Allotment Lady