I was a bit concerned the day after I took the soap out of the mould to see that the top had a crust on it and was hoping it wasn't from using the wrong amount of lye as my scales are a bit unreliable sometimes.
However, I tried the soap today and it lathered up beautifully despite its appearance so I will definitely use this method again as it is so much quicker. Apparently I should have covered the mould overnight to prevent the crust forming.
As mentioned in the previous post I just mentioned... Learning a New Method of Soapmaking ...I used the following ingredients:
450ml water
172g caustic soda/lye
1000g olive oil
I thought I might give the soap a pinkish tinge by adding Hibiscus Tea to the water first but that didn't work out in the end unfortunately.
I added the lye and the tea must have made it smell worse than usual. What a pong! :-)
Then I added the chopped up copha to the lye mixture and stirred until it melted...
...before adding the olive oil.
Then I used the stick blender to bring it to trace....
...before pouring it into the mould.
Today I watched the tutorial by Gavin from The Greening of Gavin when he was making Lemon Cream Pie Soap and he covered his mould overnight with a towel whereas Racheal didn't so I guess it is just a matter of preference. Gavin did put a top on his mould before wrapping it up by the way. Check out the video as it is very interesting.
I will try this method again as it is much quicker than warming up the oils even though I spilled the soap when I was moving the silicone mould onto a board as I had forgotten to do that beforehand and they are very wobbly and need to be on a hard surface. I made quite a mess and was hoping that the there wouldn't be any damage to the bench from the lye but it was okay...as was my track suit top, pants and T Shirt. LOL!
After the rain I have been checking out the garden and most of the lettuce, silverbeet and kale has gone to seed and it isn't worth planting anything at this stage as my son and I are going to the beach next week so it will all have to wait till I get back. I should have arranged for my trip to Mt.Isa and to the beach to be further apart but you just have to grab the QANTAS specials when you get the chance as the normal 'economy' price ONE WAY is now $361. Isn't that exorbitant?
There are few beautiful Orchid Cacti flowering at the moment and they are adding a bit of colour to the garden as the poppies are nearly finished and not much else is flowering at present.
This is interesting! I didn't even know the heating of the oil could be skipped. I read that I was meant to get the oil about the same temperature as the caustic mix with a thermometer. But not having a thermometer I just guessed and it worked out fine. So obviously there are different ways that work... interesting!
ReplyDeleteYes Annabel, I was surprised when I heard about it and held my breath when I saw Racheal add the oil to the lye in her demonstration. LOL! It is much quicker so give it a try sometime.
DeleteThat little bit of crust on the soap would be soda ash crystals. Soda ash forms when unsaponified lye reacts with the air. With this soap makinhg method it is best to ensure you get to a really solid trace to ensure all lye is saponified. This can also happen if you leave your lye to cool. Using lye immediately is key as is ensuring the bowl you are using is not a heat sink...hence I use a plastic bowl so it does not rob the natural heat from the lye. The tiny film of soda ash can also be averted by popping clingwrap over the soap to stop it's contact with the air during the first 24 hours.
ReplyDeleteI do love this method however...infinitely easier.
Thanks for that, Phil. Next time I will cover it with clingwrap. I was quick with adding the copha so that it would melt but I might combine my oils when I make it again and add them all at once.
Deletei only melted my copha as i keep that in the freezer, other than that i don't heat anything else as don't own a thermometer either. i have heard that covering or wrapping them up helps with the setting of the soap, if it cools down slowly it's much better & lasts longer or something?
ReplyDeleteinteresting post, will go have a look at his video too
thanx for sharing
That is interesting, Selina. I have heard of others doing that as well and the soap has worked out.
DeleteBeautiful flower pics. You certainly are having some fun with your soaps. Gav is a great resource for many things. He lives 30 min from me and i've visited several times. You should taste pizza from his cob oven, divine. Then i guess you have Rhonda at your end. We are all so lucky to have such clever and willing advisers that are prepared to give of themselves.
ReplyDeleteYes Lynda, Gavin is full of helpful information, isn't he? It is great that he and Rhonda share what they have learned with the rest of us.
DeleteInteresting soap method, it seems quick and easy. Lovely flowers!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely quick and easy, Kelly. Give it a try sometime.
DeleteNana Chel my soap also developed a bit if a crust over it. Thanks to Phil for commenting here re using cling wrap to avert the crust forming. I will definitely give this a go. Whilst a crust did form my soap was still lovely to use. I tried this method after seeing your post and Phil's. It certainly makes he soap making process much quicker and easier. We're grey nomadding right now and there is water laying around after a big storm last night here in lightning Ridge. Looking like we might get some more rain tonight.
ReplyDeleteJane, I will cover mine next time that's for sure. Lightning Ridge must be a fascinating place to visit. Enjoy the rain.
DeleteThat soap recipe sounds so nourishing for the hands. My hands get so dry. Have fun at the beach!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly lathered up nicely, Zena. The calendula soap as well as the nettle soap I made would also be very good for dry skin. Give it a try sometime. Put the children outside first though :-)
Delete