Fail

[hmpriv]

Im hoping the picture shows up!!

Hello everyone! This was my first attempt at a salt bar. I now wish that I would have cold processed the soap, but I hot-processed in the crock. It's a pumpkin and coconut milk with Himalayan pink salt... Everything went as planned... Added lye to frozen coconut milk cubes... Melted oils in crock... Mixed lye and oils... Added pumpkin purée..Cooked mixture. Once it know longer had a 'zap', I took pot out of the crock to chill. I then added E.O.s and salt and immediately poured soap in the mold.

I cut the soap about 45-60 mins later and it was SO incredibly crumbly!!! I was heartbroken!! I really wanted this soap to work out Of course, I'm going to try and try again until I get it

Anyway, I had my salt equal to 50% of oils. What I'm asking is if anyone might have a reason as to why my soap crumbled. I've been thinking thats maybe I waited too long to cut (even though I barely waited an hour), or that my salt wasn't fine enough. The salt granules were much bigger than simple idolized salt... I could almost describe them as crystals.

Thanks for reading, and TIA for help

 

[shunt2011]

What a bummer. Sorry that happened. I've not made salt bars by HP onl CP. Hopefully someone that may have had success will chime in. I can't recall it being made by HP. I could be wrong though.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

Look how big those lumps are in comparison to that toddler! Oh, wait a minute..............................

I also only make mine CP, so I can't offer too much advice. I think maybe you did wait too long - there is no real rule with when to cut salt soap apart from what you experience with your recipe. I always have to watch mine for when it is ready rather than setting a timer, which can be tricky

 

[lsg]

I only cp mine too.

 

[dixiedragon]

Try putting them in individual molds.

 

[hmlove1218]

You might have waited too long to cut since you HPd. I can't remember who it was, but someone on the forum said she does all or most of her salt bars HP and they come out fine. Did you use full water?

 

[Obsidian]

I hope you didn't toss your crumbles out yet. You can smash the bits into a powder and put in a large plastic shaker like what grated Parmesan comes in.
I think when you HP salt bars, you have to put it in individual molds. CP is much easier but I still advise individual molds if you have them, its just so much easier then worrying about timing the cut.
I ruined my first batch of salt bars too so don't feel bad, you'll get it next time.

 

[cmzaha]

You mentioned that you took the pot out to chill. You do not want to cool your batter before getting it into the mold. Also fine sea salt is highly recommended, since medium coarse sea salt can cut and/or cause abrasion of the skin.

 

[new12soap]

I HP mine. I think you may have waited too long to cut, individual molds are much easier, and I agree with carolyn do not let the soap cool first.

You can try rebatching them with a little bit of liquid, they will change consistency but will still be nice soap.

 

[judymoody]

I also recommend individual molds or cutting almost immediately. When I do CP as soon as it's in full gel, I cut. Of course, I wear gloves to protect from the heat and alkalinity.

 

[hmpriv]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice!! I've ordered some individual molds on amazon after reading this also, next time I try this I'm going to use different salt. I put all the crumbles in a box, I figured I'd find something to do with them...Would it be okay to use coconut milk as my liquid for my rebatch?? TIA

 

[hmpriv]

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[hmpriv]

Look how big those lumps are in comparison to that toddler! Oh, wait a minute..............................

LMAO!! I didn't even notice he was in the picture until I read your comment!! He's pretty good at stealing the spotlight

 

[hmpriv]

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