Freezing soap in the mold

[newbie]

I noticed that at least several people here talk about freezing their soap in the mold. It hasn't sounded like it's always to prevent gel or to remove soap (not talking about popping it in the freezer for a few mintues)and several people mentioned that their bars seem to turn out much nicer after cutting.

What exactly are people doing, who freeze their soap, and what do you think is happening from that process that makes the bars turn out nicer? I haven't done this but am interested.

 

[AmyW]

I'm going to try it on my next few batches, besides to prevent gel, I've found my soap sticks to my new silicone molds and tears them apart. I've read freezing helps it stick together.

 

[ikindred]

I normally freeze my soap in the mold for about 2-3 hours prior to removing. It helps to get the soap out without tearing it. I have never tried to put my mold into the freezing after molding...I don't worry about gelling.

 

[judymoody]

I'm going to try it on my next few batches, besides to prevent gel, I've found my soap sticks to my new silicone molds and tears them apart. I've read freezing helps it stick together.

Amy, I was having problems with the WSP molds. I've heard that inhibiting gel through refrigeration or freezing works but in that case you should wait a couple of days to unmold. OR go for full gel with heavier than normal insulation or a touch of extra heat. Too much heating and they stick a bit also. And wait at least 24 hours. I think I've got it down now and I'm also thinking that maybe lining wooden molds ain't so bad after all.

 

[soapbuddy]

I prefer not to gel, so my soaps go either into the fridge or the freezer. The colors come out lighter and I can get away with using less fragrance.

 

[PrairieCraft]

I had a horrible time unmolding the WSP molds the first few times I used them, gel or no gel. After a few batches they let loose very easily even if the soap is still soft from not gelling. I do tend to let the soft ones sit though because I am clumsy handed with my unmolding and end up squishing it with my thumbs. I've never used a wooden mold that had to be lined, do the sides come off for unmolding or do you still have to dump it upside down?

 

[AmyW]

I'm going to try it on my next few batches, besides to prevent gel, I've found my soap sticks to my new silicone molds and tears them apart. I've read freezing helps it stick together.

Amy, I was having problems with the WSP molds. I've heard that inhibiting gel through refrigeration or freezing works but in that case you should wait a couple of days to unmold. OR go for full gel with heavier than normal insulation or a touch of extra heat. Too much heating and they stick a bit also. And wait at least 24 hours. I think I've got it down now and I'm also thinking that maybe lining wooden molds ain't so bad after all.

Great advice, thank you! My first 2 batches I didn't gel and I'm sure tried to unmold way too quickly (12ish hours), the batch I have now I let completely gel and I'll make sure to let it sit at least 24, if not 36+.

 

[newbie]

I read in one thread that the person felt their soaps were neater in appearance if they froze the soap, then thawed and cut. They didn't need to polish their soaps or rinse them to get a nice smooth surface. Perhaps I misunderstood what they meant, but it seemed that they purposely froze it for that reason, not for unmolding purposes or just to prevent gel. I've heard of that before and have done it, but was wondering if the freezing process seems to have some effect on the looks of the end result. Anyone?

 

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[AZ Soaper]

Now I think my gelled soaps are prettier than my ungelled soaps. I also think the gelled has a better texture. I gel most of mine but I use individual molds. If I have trouble unmolding I will put it in the freezer for an hour or so to unmold. I don't think it changes the look of the soap. Though, I do prefer the molded soap vs. log or slab molds and then cut.