Clean up stray lye crystals?

[ca_soap]

56 grams (2 oz) of lye to 212 grams (7.6 oz) of water should see considerable change in temperature

The biggest problem I see here that really stands out is the recipe. When I enter the numbers into soap calc this recipe is around a 30% superfat, of course I wasn't sure what type of vegetable oil was used so I calculated with canola oil. Way too much oil!

 

[ca_soap]

Also as far as mixing the lye/water and it turning to soda ash. That won't be the problem. I mix batches of lye/water in advance in large batches. If stored properly the solution will be good for a month or better.

 

[DeeAnna]

If there was no heat of reaction when you mixed the "lye" and water together ... and your soap batter never saponified ... then it's possible you are not actually using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It would not be the first time I've heard a new soaper using sodium carbonate (soda ash) rather than sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). Sodium carbonate will not make soap.

NaOH solution does not convert quickly to soda ash. If you mix NaOH and water to make lye solution for soap and use the solution within a reasonable time (an hour or two, for example) ... or if you store the solution in an airtight container ... it will be fine.

YMMV = your mileage may vary. Meaning what works for one person might not work for another. Sorry for the shorthand.

 

[panzerakc]

I was wondering if she was talking about that video

Was he expecting to use the bark as an exfoliant?

Anita