Cracking

[miasmomma]

My soap cracks while it is drying/curing. When I melt it down to make hand milled it is fine. Any thoughts?

 

[carebear]

can you share your exact recipe including water?

 

[artisan soaps]

..

 

[miasmomma]

Thanks for your replies. Please let me know if you think I should be making any adjustments. I am new to soap making and would like to persue it further.

Thanks Again
Here is the recipe:

16 0z cold water
6 oz lye
16 oz olive oil
8 oz coconut oil
17 1/2 oz shortening.

 

[scout]

I just made my second batch and it developed a crack just like my first one. I tried putting my mold in the freezer like someone suggested and used chilled water. soaped at 112. It is frustrating!

 

[Deda]

Are you using any fragrance that could heat things up? I've experienced a few long cracks down the center with some FO's.

 

[scout]

The first batch was apple jack and peel so I know that was the cause of it cracking. This time I scented with adirondack. Does anyone know if that causes cracking? Neither was really bad, about an eighth of an inch wide and just in the exact middle of the loaf.

 

[carebear]

Adirondack can be problematic too - absolutely.

Yea, Adirondack can accelerate. I wasted the last I had on a seized batch

And now I have an order for matching soap and candles with it AND HAVE NONE (it's discontinued).

 

[scout]

It seems I keep picking scents that aren't going to behave for me!! Ok.... I am going to the kitchen to start a new batch with Daystars liquid crack....is there anything anyone can tell me about that? sigh. :roll:

 

[carebear]

I haven't soaped it myself, but the review on the Scent Review Board is good. Apparently it's really strong cuz Deda soaped it at 0.7oz ppo but says she'll go lower next time.

 

[scout]

I just finished, it doesn't seem to be heating up as fast as the first two batches. I had my mold in the freezer and soaped at 107. I also made two colors!! I can't wait to see it out of the mold.

 

[miasmomma]

I did use lavendar oil for this batch. My other batches have been fragrance free and have been crumbly also.