CP and HP can you do both on the same batch?

[happyshopper]

Is it possible to make CP soap and take out just a bar or two worth to put in a slow cooker to HP?

Is all soap suitable for both methods?

I am impatient to wait for cure so thinking this would be a good way to test and use whilst waiting.

 

[Obsidian]

Yes, you could do that but HP doesn't cure faster then CP.

 

[happyshopper]

Thanks I misunderstood HP I thought you could use it straight away?

Or does it mean you can use straight away but HP is still better if left to cure/dry?

I think the CP left to cure will make the better soap but as I said I am impatient and want to try beforehand.

 

[Kamahido]

You CAN use it right away (assuming it passes a zap test), but it won't be very good. It also won't last very long.

 

[NsMar42111]

And by "very good" it won't lather as well, or feel as good on your skin. And it'll turn into a mushy blob if you leave it near a tiny amount of water-it needs time to evaporate out its own water.

 

[happyshopper]

How long does HP need to be left for a decent soap? if there is not much difference in the timings then for me its not worth the extra effort.

Thanks everyone

 

[DeeAnna]

Most people cure HP soap for at least as long as CP. Or even a few weeks longer, because HP soap often has more water in it and needs more time to really firm up.

The main advantage of HP over CP is the reduced time for saponification. Due to the added heat, HP saponification is fully done in a few hours. Most CP saponification is done in 1-2 days, unless the maker does something like put the soap in the freezer, in which case all bets are off.

Once saponification is done, ANY soap is technically safe to use on the skin. So HP soap is safe for use in a day or so and CP is safe for use in a few days.

But after saponification is done, the process of curing starts, which improves the lather, mildness, longevity, and hardness of the soap. HP doesn't have any advantage over CP during cure.

 

[msunnerstood]

I have been experimenting with this. I left mine out and tested it in various stages. Normally the bars feel a little wet or cold indicating there still a bit of water in them. I waited until that was gone which took about 2 weeks and I tested the soap. I also tested depending on the hardness of the bar. The longer I left it out the harder the bar got which would tell me that it would last longer. I found a decent cure time for my soaps is about 3 weeks.

Different recipes can mean different cure times but that has just been my experience

 

[happyshopper]

Thanks all for the help and explanations.

I am not going to HP now as CP is quicker and I don't think its worth time extra time spend for a couple of weeks saving on cure time.

Instead I will buy some M&P to satisfy my need to start using handmade soap now! As a bonus my son can help with the M&P, will be nice to do together.