Soap Makers Help!

[MSDeb]

Cyndi, do you make lotion bars?

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

Not any more.

I do have a 'making salve' page


I make lotions & creams though.

 

[Flyboy718]

Quote:
I only have a 3.3 quart crockpot...would this recipe fit in my crock? Why do I have to allow it to age for 4-6 weeks? I thought I could use hot process soap as soon as it cools basically?

Also...will this from Lowe's be ok to use?

http://www.lowes.com/pd_146450-331-...rentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=drain+opener&facetInfo=

 

[MullersLaneFarm]

Yes, that would be fine to use. As long as the Roebic drain cleaner says 100% Sodium Hydroxide, you're good to go.

Why do you need to age 4-6 weeks? This allows the excess moisture to evaporate from the soap, making it harder (i.e. it lasts longer) and to lather better. HP soaps are safe to use right after un-molding, but so are CP soaps if they go through gelling stage & after they cool off. If you prevent or retard gelling a CP soap, then it may take up to a week for the soap to completely saponify.

I don't know if it will fit in your size crock. Any recipe smaller than that, I would definitely switch to weighing in grams instead of ounces.

 

[Morgaine]

Quote:
A good guide line is 1/3 beeswax, 1/3 butter, 1/3 liquid oils. Go up down on any of them to your preferences.

ETA, all you do is melt everything together and pour into into your molds. Easy peasy.

 

[MSDeb]

Thanks Morgaine, you always have the answers!

 

[Acre of Blessings]

I so need to make some more soaps.....you all are jsut teasing me. LOL

 

[OHhappychicks]

How many different oils have you all used in one recipe? I'm working on one that has 7 oils. I've run it thru the soapcalc. It seems good there. I'm just asking to see if anyone else has used this many and if it turns out ok. Like too many cooks spoils the soup, can too many oils spoil the soap?

 

[Morgaine]

I use 7 in my standard recipe and I like to think it is good soap

Good soap can be as many or as little oils as you want. Play with it and see what you like.

 

[OHhappychicks]

Thank you Morgaine!!

I have another question. What is INS on the soapcalc? I looked on the site, but didn't find an explanation. My recipe is a little under the recommended, 133 to the 136-165. Also my iodine is on the high end of recommendations. I try to stay in the range of all the suggested readings.

Ok. Just found what INS means on soapcalc.

Didn't dig enough!