Getting into good habits

[Susie]

You really should leave them open wide at a minimum.
On top of a cupboard or bookshelf - somewhere out of the way but preferably where they don't get dusty. They have to have air. After 6-8 weeks you can put them into a box and close the lid. You'll know if it doesn't work because they will sweat or get dos or warp. What about a tiny wire shelving system or a bookshelf?

^^This!

If you use a wire shelf, though, line it with freezer or parchment paper before putting the bars down. Airflow is key to curing soap.

I have started keeping a small copy of the recipe, in exact weights, on the end of the basket for each batch.

 

[CTAnton]

I'm with Susie....I cure my soaps on cardboard trays that fruit comes in rom Costco and instead of just a date the whole formula now goes on a slip of paper...I do this while the soap is in the oven . I used a soap the other day that as it wore down the clementine orange powder became apparent. Some would call it an exfoliating bar; I call it dermabrasion . Always nice to know what additives you put in something....

 

[45parallelsoapco]

I have been making soap for a year and love it. This is my game plan on soaping day.
1. safety first.
2. assemble all ingredients
3. measure.
4. mix - i do NOT melt hard oils first, i use the heat transfer method.
5. pour. Put in the fridge.
6. I take tons of notes, every single time. I also keep notes about the qualities of each finished batch.
7. unmold, slice and cure on open racks.
8. wrap with cigar bands, label, deliver to shops.
When i first started, i loved creating new recipes and trying different oils. Now i stick with my tried and true (and very much loved) shea butter recipe. I use more exotic oils for lotion making.

 

[nutterly_uts]

Thanks everyone

I didn't mean to abandon this, I have been working my way through all the beginner forum posts.
Getting ready to start this week hopefully

 

[ibct1969]

I wish I would have known to make sure that the fragrance oil I wanted to use wouldn't accelerate my recipe.

Also, swirling is a more advanced technique that I shouldn't have tried right off the bat; I should have learned more about soaping temperatures and trace first! I would recommend getting a few basic batches under your belt before trying anything too 'fancy' That way, you'll learn the basics about safety, trace, temperatures and cure.