Making soap?

[annewandering]

Well, our first attempt is going horrifically. I'm really trying to tough it out and hope it works, but right now I have a pot of ricotta looking goo. It's been far longer than everything I can find say it should take. This is not looking up. =(

How did it turn out? Ricotta huh? Thats about what I got when I did the cooking way. Goo is good though. If it really does not turn out right, save it and I can tell you how to fix it tomorrow. Sorry didnt see this earlier!!! Everything in soap is fixable one way or other

 

[RJSchaefer]

I left it in the crock pot in the hopes of researching a fix. The soap reduced me to tears because it didn't work - how awful is that?

Still haven't worked up the courage to go look again.

 

[RJSchaefer]

OK. The soap is done? It set up, but it's separated around the edges. It's also very lumpy/clumpy on the top.

Put on the gloves, dug my fingers into it, there's dark liquid underneath. It's got the consistency of ricotta and the texture of softened wax.

I think we screwed up. So many of the recipes I saw talked about adding honey, which we did, to the tune of 2 tbsp. :-/ We also used ~20 drops of sweet orange essential oil.

Any help in salvaging this would be appreciated.

 

[annewandering]

OK. The soap is done? It set up, but it's separated around the edges. It's also very lumpy/clumpy on the top.

Put on the gloves, dug my fingers into it, there's dark liquid underneath. It's got the consistency of ricotta and the texture of softened wax.

I think we screwed up. So many of the recipes I saw talked about adding honey, which we did, to the tune of 2 tbsp. :-/ We also used ~20 drops of sweet orange essential oil.

Any help in salvaging this would be appreciated.

Do you have an oven? That is the easiest way to fix it. If you do chop the whole mess up into a pan and put in the oven at under 200 degrees. 150 is good. the very lowest it can go. If it is not moist sprinkle a very little water on it. Leave it and it will re gel. It might take all day. If your crock pot is one of those that the ceramic part lifts out you might be able to just put that in the oven.
If you have no oven, I remember you said your stove stopped working?, then chop it up and do the same in the crock pot. Turn it on its very lowest setting. I have not done this in a crock pot but the principle is to break it up so the parts can remix and very gradually reheat to the gel point again so it can remake.
What is important to know is the temp has to be very low. Under 200 max. And it takes hours to do. BUT it works. Your recipe was good. I have added honey and essential oil with no problem although I do remember that I have had my most trouble from honey and coconut milk.

 

[RJSchaefer]

The closest I have to an oven right now is my Nesco roaster. Could I just put the whole crock in there and see what happens?

 

[annewandering]

The closest I have to an oven right now is my Nesco roaster. Could I just put the whole crock in there and see what happens?

How low does the temp go down on it?

 

[RJSchaefer]

150F. Would it heat evenly enough, do ya think?

 

[annewandering]

150F. Would it heat evenly enough, do ya think?

I think that is a great idea. In fact I am going to remember it for my self!

 

[annewandering]

One thing else. When it does start to gel you will want to push the unmelted parts under every once in awhile. Not often.

 

[jewels621]

There is a fabulous article and basic recipe for soap in the holiday 2012 issue of Cappers Farmer. The article and recipe are available on the Grit magazine website. It's been foolproof for me and its the only soap I use here at home. My kids even ask for it when they're running out at their houses because its so non-drying to the skin. I switch up the oils according to what I have at the time. Just make sure to run what you use through a lye calculator before beginning the process. I just made 315 guest-size bars with rustic packaging for a barn wedding. Scented it with Vetyver so it was good for both men and women.....my house smells so good as it cures!