advice for cp soap

[LushishLux]

I am wanting to start making soap this way, however I am a bit nervous. I am reading everything I can before I jump in to it. Would anyone have any advice on how to get started. I have looked there like the basic list of materials and I have been wondering about like the double boilers and pitchers and what not. Can I just use like a metal one? Is there any other kinds? I know these may seem like dumb questions but I want to make sure I am doing everything right.

 

[soapbuddy]

Why not just make cold process soap? You won't need a double boiler and you can melt your oils either in the microwave or in a stainless steel pot on the stove. Make sure that your metal is stainless steel and don't use glass to measure or mix your lye in.

 

[AmyW]

This is what I do. I'm lazy and hate clean up.
Melt oils in pot on stove, pour into metal bowl.
Add water to plastic pitcher, pour lye directly into it while on scale.
Let lye mix cool down, stirring w/metal spoon to dissolve, pour into oils. Stir.
Stick blend to trace. Pour into prepared molds. Clean up.

You can generally get everything you need at a second hand store. Stick blenders are cheap, just a basic one is all you need. Some people (like myself) will use metal items that have touched lye for cooking, some completely separate their soap gear from any other use. But plastic absolutely can't be used for anything other than soap once it's used for that. Don't bother with wooden utensils, the lye eats the wood.

 

[Giangxamar]

Can I ask a question here?
Why cant we use glass to mix lye solution? I always use glass measuring cup from Pyrex

 

[kelleyaynn]

Can I ask a question here?
Why cant we use glass to mix lye solution? I always use glass measuring cup from Pyrex

You can.

 

[calico21]

Can I ask a question here?
Why cant we use glass to mix lye solution? I always use glass measuring cup from Pyrex

You can.

Most will tell you not to use glass, it can become etched and break violently when the heat from lye water builds. It would sent shards of glass and hazardous chemicals everywhere. Search pyrex on here and there is a link to an article about pyrex safety issues in recent years. Please use an appropriate plastic or stainless steel mixing container, for your safety. :!:

 

[lsg]

I sometimes use a glass container to mix my lye water, but I always set the container in the kitchen sink. I open the window over the sink to let out noxious fumes. If the container breaks, it is in the sink, so the damage is kept to a minimum. Be careful when lifting a glass container out of the sink in case the bottom breaks.
All in all it would probably be better to invest in a stainless steel pitcher big enough to hold plenty of water for those bigger batches.
I would also invest in a good digital scale and a stick blender. I have mixed my soap in ice cream buckets with a bail. This works OK since the oils go in first before the lye. Some equiment does not need to be the best, while other equipment does need to be better quality and very sturdy.

 

[kelleyaynn]

Can I ask a question here?
Why cant we use glass to mix lye solution? I always use glass measuring cup from Pyrex

You can.

Most will tell you not to use glass, it can become etched and break violently when the heat from lye water builds. It would sent shards of glass and hazardous chemicals everywhere. Search pyrex on here and there is a link to an article about pyrex safety issues in recent years. Please use an appropriate plastic or stainless steel mixing container, for your safety. :!:

Wow, I thought for sure Pyrex would be safe. I use a small stainless pot, but would use my Pyrex measuring cup except it's too heavy for my scale. However, a good glass beaker from a laboratory supply company would be just fine. I've used those all the time with acids and caustic materials, and high heat. They are made to withstand all that, and they aren't that expensive. So I may go off to find my Flinn's catalog.....

 

[dcornett]

I use a 1 gal. rubbermade pitcher that I picked up in a second hand store to mix my lye & water in. Same with the PLASTIC measuring cups that I use to measure with...VERY inexpensive. My stainless steel pot came from "Big Lots". You can start off using a lined shoebox as a mold (and freezer paper is better than saran wrap) But, you do need a good stick blender and scales, these are the 2 things I would suggest you don't skimp on. You'll need candy thermometers, plastic/rubber spoons (as wood can splinter), and saftey equipment (as I'm sure you've already read). Your first batches could be mostly lard, olive oil is also easily obtainable, then build up to the other ingredients when you see how it goes. Just start simple. Most of the basics don't have to be very expensive. Then you can add to your collecion little by little.

 

[LushishLux]

Thank you all so much for the advice. I am going to start getting my equiptment slowly since I don't really have alot of money to spend. I am hoping to make a little cash from my MP soaps to help me save up for the items. I just started selling on this website so hopefully I will get some form of income! I have been watching videos on youtube and it seems a lot less scary then how the books describe it. haha! I am getting so excited. I have some of the oils and fats already. Where can I get the lye? I really do not like ordering off the internet. Or can I only get it online?

 

[Microdot]

Hardware stores usually carry lye, our Ace does. That will be a good place to start, but when you start making larger amounts you might want to find a more economical source. I am enclosing a link if you decide to explore the online option.

http://www.essentialdepot.com/servlet/t ... Categories

 

[LushishLux]

Awesome thank you. It seems to be quite reasonably priced as well.

 

[cleanwater]

Where can I get the lye? I really do not like ordering off the internet. Or can I only get it online?

Where are you located? Other locals might be able to point you toward a source. Ace is great when you're starting out (if yours carries lye), but once you get thoroughly addicted you'll want to look for bulk supplies to cut costs.

 

[LushishLux]

I am in the Wisconsin. We have ACE out here so I am sure if its not there it could be at Home Depot or some other hardware store. I told my mom about my wanting to make CP soap and she is looking so farward to trying my first batch. I have made her a few MP bars but I think she will love a CP one.

 

[foresthome]

CP soap

I get my lye at my local ACE hardware. It is $3.99 for 1 lb. I am in Montana.
I use a stainless steel pot to melt my oils, a plastic pitcher for my lye/water mixture, and a pyrex measuring cup to measure out my dry lye. I find it best to use a stick blender and a kitchen scale.
When I was trying to get the confidence up to try CP soap, I ordered a soapmaking kit with everything in it for my first try. I got it from this place in Missoula, and I still get some EO and coconut oil from them.
My kit was the Oatmeal/Lavender and the soap turned out wonderful. I got about 20 bars. I picked it up at the store and didn't have to pay shipping though.

http://www.botaniesoap.com

 

[BakingNana]

Just make sure if you're purchasing lye from a local store that it's pure lye and doesn't contain other undesirable ingredients.

 

[LushishLux]

I never thought to look for anything else added to the lye. Haha. Are there like bottles that just say Lye or sodium hydroxide? Or is there like a certain code name? LoL.

Also I am super excited to share. I got my stick blender. I found it at walmart on there clearence rack for $12! I couldn't believe it! Woo one item down one more to get!

 

[foresthome]

Getting ready

At the ACE where I get my lye there is only one brand that is 100% lye, sodium hydroxide. All of the others have other chemicals in them. So yes you need to read your labels. I sometimes get my coconut oil at Walmart, if I am running low. It is in the cooking oil section and is called Lou Ana's coconut oil, last time I bought it there it was $5.68 for 31.5 oz, only a little more than I usually pay for it at WSP. Happy soaping.

 

[LushishLux]

I do have another question. When soap is curing do I need to let it sit out in the open or can I put it in a plastic container?

 

[kelleyaynn]

Leave it in the open to air can circulate around it. That will help it to dry out, one of the reason we cure soap.