HP question

[cmzaha]

For all of you that hp, do I have to use full water? I do not hp very often and have forgotten. I did a batch today with a water discount and it decided to go over the crockpot. Messy messy...it gelled in 4 min! What do you all think should I use more water? I had a 2:1 water to lye
Thanks

 

[Obsidian]

Yes, you want to use full water because as you cook, it will evaporate.

 

[soap_rat]

I had taken up the habit of holding back some water (full water) until 30-40 minutes into the cook because it does cook much faster that way, but I get clumps of lighter soap that way too--so back to full water from the start for me.

 

[cmzaha]

I had taken up the habit of holding back some water (full water) until 30-40 minutes into the cook because it does cook much faster that way, but I get clumps of lighter soap that way too--so back to full water from the start for me.

Yep that is what happened to mine today. Now I remember why I hate hp. Shall probably rebatch . Usually the crockpot comes out for a save not to hp. LOL, maybe I will just call it Rustic Van Sand (fragrance is Vanilla Sandalwood)

 

[cmzaha]

Yes, you want to use full water because as you cook, it will evaporate.

Thankyou Obsidian, I was afraid of that. That is why it takes so darn long for hp to harden and why I am not a fan of hp

 

[Skatergirl46]

I had taken up the habit of holding back some water (full water) until 30-40 minutes into the cook because it does cook much faster that way, but I get clumps of lighter soap that way too--so back to full water from the start for me.

What setting is your crock pot on? I'm wondering if the temperature is too hot. The clumps of soap sound like soap that has cooked too long or too hot and has dried out. I cook mine on the warm setting. Sometimes I use the low setting to melt my hard oils, but then turn it down for the actual cooking of the soap.

 

[CaraCara]

I love HP. I sometimes add 5% water and cook on high or do a 10% water discount and stir constantly to speed up the cooking. There are sometimes white-ish pieces but I don't mind them. Adding the superfatting oils and FO/EO at the end provides additional moisture.

 

[soap_rat]

Skatergirl, I usually HP in the oven, set at 250. Adding all the liquid from the start does make a visible difference in the soap, without any temp adjustment. When you HP do you use a water discount? I agree with Cmz that it would be nice to have the soap get harder faster.

 

[roseb]

I've done it with a 33% water and full 38% water. If I want to add any color or additives I'll go for full water so the soap is more moist and will accept the additives better. If it's my plain and simple I'll go with 33%. I have the crockpot on high til I reach trace, then turn it on low for about 1/2 hr. Then I turn the whole thing off and let the heat that it there finish the process. I only stir once and this is right before I turn the pot off. If you stir it too much you will get white, hard lumps...not attractive. Hope that helps. btw I love hp!

 

[lpstephy85]

I have always HP'ed with full water but for some reason I decided to try a new recipe with 33%. It was definitely less fluid then the other times so now I know, full water next time!!

 

[Skatergirl46]

Skatergirl, I usually HP in the oven, set at 250. Adding all the liquid from the start does make a visible difference in the soap, without any temp adjustment. When you HP do you use a water discount? I agree with Cmz that it would be nice to have the soap get harder faster.

I usually do 35%. I also use SL.