coating silicone mold?

Jessrof · Jun 11, 2013

I just used my new CC silicone loaf mold and it worked ok, but the soap slightly stuck to the sides and we had a hard time getting it out. Does anyone use a unsaponifiable lubricant such as mineral oil or cyclomethicone to coat the mold? What is the best way to get soap out of the mold?

VanessaP · Jun 11, 2013

I've not had a problem with anything but the very corners of my soaps in those molds, and that was before I started using sodium lactate or forcing gel. Sounds like it wasn't quite ready to unmold. But the best way is to grip the long sides in the middle and pull it out to help release some of the vacuum action. Do the same for the short ends though you won't get quite as much release since those are shorter and therefore sturdier. Then I flip it upside down (I don't do fancy tops but if you do, you can just put it on its side) then I start to gently press the soap out from the bottom, starting at one end and working my way to the other. This helps the vacuum seal release a bit.

kazmi · Jun 11, 2013

I don't use sodium lactate and I usually avoid gel and I've never used a lubricant. But I do what Vanessa said to get the vacuum seal to release. With silicone molds I found that I have to let my soap sit a little longer in the mold than with a wooden mold/freezer paper. Pull the sides away a little from the soap after the first 24 hours. Then when you're ready to unmold (I usually wait another 24 hrs) do this again and turn the soap upside down and push on the bottom with your thumbs while you're gently pulling the sides out. With a little patience, and if you wait, the soap will come out once you release the vacuum.

stargazer44 · Jun 12, 2013

I agree it sounds like you un-molded a little too soon. Some silicon molds really retain the heat, and it takes longer to un-mold the soap. I have some that I have to wait 2 days before I can attempt to un-mold. I pull the sides off, and peek at my soap. If it is still soft, i walk away for another day. I have found if I push on the bottom to release the vacuum when it is too soft, I end up with smushy soap on the bottom. I have to be more patient then I like. If it is ready to come out, it should slide out easily once the vacuum is released.

theath2010 · Jun 12, 2013

I just had this same thing happen with my new BB liner I bought. I did not gel this batch and next time I definately will be to see if there is a difference. I ended up working the sides and smoothing out the few "patches" by hand. It wasn't the most attractive but it came out ok.