How do you know when soap is ready?

[Rebelshope]

I am figuring that curing times are estimates at best. Environmental conditions are going to vary. So how do you know when the soap is ready to be used?

 

[SimplyE]

The longer it cures, the harder it will be. General rule of thumb I would say is about four weeks, unless it is a castile bar, which needs a longer cure time. I think that most of us will "try" a bar after a week or even a couple of days just to see what it is like, but probably best to not give it out until 3-4 weeks. Also, the longer it cures, the more mild it becomes.

Anybody else? HTH!

ETA: Of course, this is all after you have made sure that there is no excess lye left that could burn somebody.

 

[Rebelshope]

Thanks. . . what is castile bar?

I did give in and try some from my first batch, but I waited 6 weeks. Then again I messed up and added too much milk so it was really soft.

 

[IrishLass]

Thanks. . . what is castile bar?

Traditional Castile bars are made with 100% olive oil, although some soapers consider any soap made with at least 50% to 100% olive oil to be Castiles. In order to avoid confusion over the issue, there are other soapers who call such olive oil-based soaps with less than 100% olive oil, 'Bastiles'. I hope I didn't confuse you!

I like to cure my soaps for at least 4 weeks before use. The longer you can hold out, the better. You definitely won't be disappointed.


IrishLass

 

[Rebelshope]

Thanks- I thought it has something to do with olive oil, I just could not remember what.

Thanks