Have you ever heard of this before???

[flavapor]

I have had a few false traces, and someone told me that when I think I have a thin trace (I am trying to swirl) to drop a small spoonful of the liquid into a glass of cold water.

If it all sinks its at trace

If any part of it floats its not at trace, this would include an oil on top of the water.

I have not heard of that before, but since I dont really "see" trace when I am doing a thin trace it may be worth a shot.

Any thoughts???

 

[Hestey]

That's a new one for me!

 

[Seventeen Soaps]

Sorry never heard of it either. If you miss trace, it may be because you are mixing for too long. Try mixing in shorter bursts and stop and check the soap to see what stage it is at

 

[judymoody]

Generally if you get a false trace it's because you are soaping too cool and your saturated oils are hardening up. False trace generally looks grainy. If you have a smooth even consistency (like gravy or even heavy cream) then you're probably good to go.

 

[Fragola]

I've heard of a similar method used to test hot process soap.

What you say does make some sense: soap is heavier than water and will sink to the bottom, while oil is lighter than water and if your trace separates, it will float to the surface. However, I don't know if it really works in practice.

To avoid false trace, measure the temperature and soap a little hotter.

 

[flavapor]

I had not ever heard of it either thats why I was asking here. I will try suggestions and advice, but if anyone is planning on soaping in the next few days, try it both before and when you know your at trace and report back.

I am not sure if I will get a chance to try it this week, but I am curious.

 

[Genny]

I've heard of it. I've never tried it myself, but I do agree that it makes sense. The oil should separate and come to the top of the water if your soap batter hadn't emulsified properly.

 

[flavapor]

Had to try it so I made a small batch of salt bars. So I tried it when it looked like light trace but I knew it wasnt, and a small part went to the bottom, disappeared and oil droplets were on top of the water .

Then when it actually was at light trace I did it again and I would say 98% fell to the bottom, one small oil droplet on top of the water.

When it was at a light/med trace I did it again and it sunk like a stone!

So... it actually does work! This is a great find for me, to be honest my eyesight is not good and I have a very hard time seeing trace on top of the soap unless its blatantly apparent as in med/heavy trace.