CP Soap Mold Question

[uniquewolf]

Just curious about wood vs. HDPE molds. Is one mold better than the other?
Does the plastic one take longer to harden before the soap can be cut?
Does the plastic help insulate the soap better during the first 48 hrs?

I bought the plastic molds thinking that they are easier to use & clean up. But I've been debating whether or not to try a wood mold.

I'd appreciate feedback from those who have used both.

Thanks,
Annette

 

[kysoapnstuff]

I started out using a wooden mold that I made. Since wrapping each piece in plastic wrap to line them became a bit tedious, I purchased some of the HDPE molds.
The differences I've noticed are that the wooden mold insulated the soap better and it reached gel just a bit faster.
The HDPE mold didn't release the soap very easly but I didn't want to start lining them with plastic wrap. I've learned to wipe the mold down with a little mineral oil prior to mixing a batch and that made it much less of a job getting the soap seperated from the mold.
To me there really is little advantage of one over the other...the wood requires no clean up since it's lined but plastic wrap lining can leave wrinkles in the soap. The HDPE molds make nice sides and corners but require a bit more clean up afterward.

 

[uniquewolf]

Thank you for the info. I really have no problem getting the soap out of the plastic mold. I just run my soap cutting blade down the sides, then the ends and bottom. I'll have to try the oil trick on the next batch.
Thanks again!

 

[BakingNana]

I agree about the plastic wrap not being very desirable. I use freezer paper to line my wood molds and don't get any wrinkles that way. I use both types of molds depending on my mood and the recipe. On some plastic molds, the soap releases better if it has been chilled in the fridge.

 

[BakingNana]

Oh, I just thought of something else about plastic wrap and why I don't like to use it. When plastic wrap is heated, it releases toxins which are considered carcinogenic. Since I gel soap made in wooden molds and the molds can get pretty warm, I'm not comfortable using plastic wrap.