Hand Milling Problem - not melting

[bassgirl]

Sorry to repeat, but I thought this might not get noticed in my old thread...

Today I grated some of my first soap to hand mill, added 75% water, and had it on the double boiler for about a half hour. All I got was a goopy paste. Put it in the microwave for 4-5 minutes at 50% power and got a big expanded goopy paste. Now it's back in the double boiler and it's been over an hour.

Is it hopeless?

 

[pepperi27]

Ok so you added about 75% water meaning what? I only add about 1-4 tbs of water depending on how old the batch is. For soap thats older I add 1/4 cup of dw.

 

[bassgirl]

It was 6 oz. of soap, so I added 4.5 oz. of distilled water. Everything I've read said to use that proportion. I added a few more tablespoons at one point, but it didn't seem to make any difference. I just have a gelatinous blob now. :?

 

[cdwinsby]

Handmade soap doesn't actually become pourable like MP soap when you handmill it. Think gloopy mashed potatoes. Like Pepperi27, I only add a small amount of liquid, if any at all. Once the soap shreds become transparent you can spoon them into your mold.

Here is a link to a tutorial I have made:

http://www.soap-making-essentials.com/rebatching-soap.html

 

[bassgirl]

Hmmm...so it sounds like my soap was as melted as it was going to be? I guess I'll try another batch today (assuming yesterday's batch is toast now), add less water, and go ahead and add fragrance and pour.

Thanks for the guidance!

 

[cdwinsby]

Don't chuck away yesterdays batch though! Put it in a mold anyway....it will just take a little longer for the water to evaporate out. The soaps may be a little bit soft and get a 'shrunken' look. It will be fine for home use, they just might not be as asthetically pleasing as you would have hoped for.

 

[bassgirl]

OK, thanks!

 

[pepperi27]

I have my methods posted here in the photo gallery if you would like to take a look.

 

[bassgirl]

I would love to! What do I search for?

 

[carebear]

a "little" longer? I'd think a LOT longer

If I'm rebatching relatively fresh soap I add up to a tablespoon of milk per pound of soap. Which is half an ounce per 16 ounces...

I'm curious how it will turn out.

 

[pepperi27]

Here check this out!

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/forum/vi ... php?t=4935