I have a few questions

[annastasia76]

I am new to soap making and am assembling all the supplies for this. I purchased my lye, I hope I got the right stuff, it says 100% lye on the container. I don't see a brand name on the container but it says; professional rooto quality, crystals of household 100% lye Drain opener. Is this the correct stuff???

also after making the soap what is the best way to test the ph level. I have read on multiple tutorials that the ph should be tested, what should it test at??

I will probably have more questions, I hope I don't annoy anybody will all of them. I just want to know what I'm doing 100% before I start.

Annastasia

 

[MrsFusion]

Hi and welcome!

Yes, the Rooto Lye Drain cleaner will work.

I haven't tested the ph level of my soaps yet. I'm a newbie too.

Please feel free to ask any questions, they will be answered more than likely!

 

[annastasia76]

thank you, I was worried that I may have gotten the wrong thing, lol.

Another question. All the recipes I have seen so far call for olive oil. does olive oil have to be used or can a cheaper oil be used.

I am trying to do this to save money on buying pre-made lye soaps, I can't use store bought soaps. I don't know if I will save any money or not but I'm still trying to figure out how much it will cost me.

 

[American Valkyrie]

Another question. All the recipes I have seen so far call for olive oil. does olive oil have to be used or can a cheaper oil be used.
.

Each different oil lends a different attribute to your soap, which is why you'll see most recipes have a combination of oils. Some oils are just plain NOT good for soap, though you technically can soap with them. Most recipes I've seen use a combination of palm, coconut, and olive. I've seen canola substituted for olive, and shortening substituted as well. But olive oil lasts longer on the shelf.

Here's a good site that talks about the properties of each oil:
http://www.colebrothers.com/soap/oils.html

Whenever you try a new recipe, though, be sure to plug each exact amount into http://www.soapcalc.net and be sure you have the right lye quantity. Each different oil needs a different amount of lye, and THAT really matters.

Good luck!

 

[carebear]

Another question. All the recipes I have seen so far call for olive oil. does olive oil have to be used or can a cheaper oil be used.

I suggest you read millersoap.com . It'll teach you a ton!

 

[jfwatson]

Thanks for your questions. The answers have helped me too!