Soap Making 101

[valmom]

I also bought my cheap pot and scale from Walmart. Along with a couple of spoons and pyrex measuring cup, and stick blender. I just wanted dedicated stuff for soaping.

I am having so much fun with this, I have to say. My in-laws were up this weekend and loved my soap. (SO says they are parents, they have to love your stuff you make :/) I think I have settled on a coconut/canola/olive/crisco mix that does quite well. I've done a few batches with this combo now.

 

[Morgaine]

I used the cheap enameled pots I got from wally world. Worked great!

Yes, I used a glass candy thermometer, Now I don't even bother with the temps. Let them cool down to room temp and you are good to go! Unless you are working with beeswax or something that will go solid below a certain temp.

I have made liquid soap in a crock pot and rebatched in one, but I have not made regular soap in one.

For a shampoo bar, you want a LOT of castor oil, like 10-20%. Avocado oil is really good too. Hubby's hair does great on an all coconut oil soap superfatted at 20%. So far for me, I have not found one does well with my hair.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Has anyone done hot process soap making?
It looks like there would be less interaction with additives & the lye, since most of the reaction happens before you add extras like scent & herbs.

Few links
http://www.soap-making-essentials.com/hot-process.html

http://www.candletech.com/soap-making/hot-process-soap-instructions/

http://www.learncraftsonline.com/hot-process-soap-making.shtml

 

[Mackay]

Can someone recommend a good stick blender to purchase?
Some I've seen were too short!

and I really don't want to go over $40

 

[Bettacreek]

Has anyone done hot process soap making?
It looks like there would be less interaction with additives & the lye, since most of the reaction happens before you add extras like scent & herbs.

Few links
http://www.soap-making-essentials.com/hot-process.html

http://www.candletech.com/soap-making/hot-process-soap-instructions/

http://www.learncraftsonline.com/hot-process-soap-making.shtml

It really isn't much different from cold process, except for time and texture. You have to keep a good eye on it while it's cooking. Cure time is much shorter. Texture, well, let's just say that you shouldn't put it into cupcake molds, because then when it's out drying, everyone who visits wants to try one of your coffee cupcakes. Lol.

 

[Farmfresh]

Can someone recommend a good stick blender to purchase?
Some I've seen were too short!

and I really don't want to go over $40

I just got a wider pan!

 

[savingdogs]

I found my stick blender at the Goodwill for 5.00.

 

[Morgaine]

My favorite stick blender has been the cheapo one from Wal Mart for $10. How deep is your pan? I'm doing 20# batches and they have been fine.

I have made liquid soap which is a HP method. But I have not made bar soap that way. You can add Sodium Lactate to make your soap easier to pour and that makes it smoother. HP soaps are more rustic but still make great soap!

 

[noobiechickenlady]

It really isn't much different from cold process, except for time and texture. You have to keep a good eye on it while it's cooking. Cure time is much shorter. Texture, well, let's just say that you shouldn't put it into cupcake molds, because then when it's out drying, everyone who visits wants to try one of your coffee cupcakes. Lol.

LOL! Thanks

Makay, I got a new Cuisinart stainless steel for $20 or so on ebay.

I rebatched some of my successful first batch into coffee & cardamon soap balls. The color is gorgeous! A rich brown speckled with black coffee bits. And it smells awesome, a perfect kitchen soap.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Hot process soap! That was fun. The pot bubbled up when I turned my back for a moment, but my countertops are squeaky clean

Lavender Soap
10oz Coconut, 10 Palm, 20 Soybean (I'm determined to use crud this up!) 5.67oz lye, 12 ounces water.
I put the lavender in at the end, no additional scent and no color. The lavender still turned brown, but against the cream colored soap, its actually quite pretty. And it smells divine.