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I'll second the lard. I'm still a noob but, I use at least 20% in most batches. If you go high enough, it smells funny for a while but, that will subside with curing. If DeeAnna is right and she usually is, what you're seeing is ash. You can clean it up by spritzing with isopropyl alcohol...

I do the zap test on every batch I make. I wouldn't feel good giving it to my family and friends unless I did. That said, I wouldn't do it on cold process soap while it's still fluid. I've done it on the few hot process batches I've done after cooling a bit to make sure they were ready. Most...

Yes I do. In fact, one time I did it when I knew it wasn't ready just to find out what a failed zap test is like. It really is just like licking a 9 volt battery.

I use a lot of paper towels wiping oils off things as I make soap but, when I'm finished, I just let everything sit till it passes the zap test and wash in the sink. I usually CPOP so the stuff just goes in the oven with the soap and is ready to wash the next morning. No plumbing problems yet...

I think justlovely might be running into the same thing I am. I'm new to making soap and trying different recipes and scents. It's a hobby not a business. I give most of what I make away. The thing is people really like it and they want to pay me something to make more. I really don't know...

I think Teapot may have something. I've been making charcoal facial bars using a slight modification to a recipe I got off of Soap Queen (Yeah I'm a noob.). The one with tamanu oil. I'm putting a tablespoon per 18oz at trace. No problems. Just have to stir it in carefully if you don't want...

Thanks guys. I figured it couldn't be an issue but, I was curious. Now my curiuosity is satisfied.

I read a thread on here discussing an old soap recipe using ammonia. DeeAnna mentioned that ammonium hydroxide can saponify fat just as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide can. Well I and others have noticed that goats milk used in soap at too high a temperature gives off an ammonia...

That's correct before I can figure out how to make perfect soap, I need some experience with how different things affect the outcome. Yes, there's information in books and on the web but, until you try it, it's difficult to gauge the meaning in what you read. So, I make small batches trying...

In my case, the soap doesn't have to be manly. Just not too girly. I've had success with: 40% Allspice fragrance oil 40% Vanilla fragrance oil 20% Violet fragrance oil All from essentials depot. Makes a not to girly fragrance that won't scare away women. The vanilla will make the soap...

I'm not claiming any expertise here. I thought about doing liquid soap but, I haven't worked up the nerve yet. In my searching around about it, I ran across this article. https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-use-and-thicken-liquid-soap-base/ I can't vouch...

With what little knowledge I have, I agree. OTOH before I looked at youtube, I would have told you that the soap belonged in the cup. So, I learned something. My experience with this soap says the youtube videos go heavy on the brush loading and light on the water for this soap. A few swipes...

I neglected to say that I put 15% glycerin in the lye water so it's not too drying. I did try it this morning. I realize it'll take a week or two to get to it's peak but, this is for personal use and I had to try it. By the time you work it into foam and get it on your face, the Drakkar's not...

I do it every 2 or three days, if I remember. :)

I'm a total noob when it comes to soap making but, after reading this whole thread, I had to try it yesterday. First time with KOH or SA. There were a few surprises. The recipe I used was: 50 % SA 45% CO 5% Shea Butter superfat added at the end 85/15 KOH/NaOH I made a 6 oz batch...

Guys I appreciate the advice and the welcomes but, I'm not quite there yet. Understand I'm not trying to make money here. At least not yet. I've only been making soap for 2 months. Making soap is not a routine process for me. I'm trying to get there but, right now, I'm still trying to find...

Thanks for the welcome anyway. So far, everyone likes it. No complaints about drying nor have I noticed it.

I didn't mean to give the impression that I pop it out of the mold, cut it and use it. I think I might have used my first (horrible) batch the next day. Now I let it cure for at least a week. Two weeks is better. Longer is required if I screw up like the time I put in 15% shea butter. It is...

Hello from Hickory, NC! I've only been making soap for a couple months. I'm a hobbyist so I make small batches (18oz fat - 6 bars) but, I'm keeping myself and family supplied trying different things. I'm not the patient type and I don't have space to cure soap for months so, I mostly cold...