My first batch

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martin-scott

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Ok...this is my first batch....second attempt at making soap. Will anyone look at these pictures and give an opinion please? FYI....I decided to use recycled cooking oil rather than invest in expensive oils and butters for this test. I figured...get the process down...then invest. All opinions welcome. 1415803880399.jpg
 

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I always applaud those who are willing to move slowly, and get comfortable with the process before jumping into more complicated areas of soapmaking. Soapmaking is a rather complicated skill, and it takes time to learn all of the ins and outs, looks like you've made a good start. I've never used recycled oils before. My guess is that because of the high heat used in cooking as opposed to the low temps used to melt oils for soapmaking, that the oils in your soaps will oxidize faster than if you had used "new" oils, but you've successfully made bars of soap, and that's an accomplishment in itself! Did it gel? If so, you can try a little sliver and see how it feels. What oils did you use?
 
Congratulations on the first soap! And welcome to the addiction! The first time that you combine oils, water, and lye and get a solid soap is just something you will never forget.

Let us know what you think in a month or so. Then tell us what you used to make it, and we will go from there.

But, you can be learning how to create a good recipe, and getting familiar with the lye calculators in the meantime(if you aren't already), so while a month seems to be forever, we can keep you busy until then.:grin:
 
By the way thank you all for the quick responses. It is amazing to watch the liquids become solid...chemistry is a wonderful thing.
 
What kind of opinion are you looking for? What kind of recycled oils did you use? Did you clean them first? What was your recipe and process. This will help us give you a true evaluation. Congrats on your first soap!
Sunflower oil. The Cold Process recipe was:

40 oz oil
5.10 oz lye
13.2 oz water

Lye solution at 100 deg, oil at 80 deg.
 
I always applaud those who are willing to move slowly, and get comfortable with the process before jumping into more complicated areas of soapmaking. Soapmaking is a rather complicated skill, and it takes time to learn all of the ins and outs, looks like you've made a good start. I've never used recycled oils before. My guess is that because of the high heat used in cooking as opposed to the low temps used to melt oils for soapmaking, that the oils in your soaps will oxidize faster than if you had used "new" oils, but you've successfully made bars of soap, and that's an accomplishment in itself! Did it gel? If so, you can try a little sliver and see how it feels. What oils did you use?
I always figure slow and steady wins the race.
 
Did you clean the oil first? Also, sunflower unless high oleic is prone to DOS due to short shelf life, especially as 100% of your oils, so watch your soap closely. Give it a good cure and then test it out. Probably won't have much in the way of bubbles as you will need either CO or PKO and some Castor too would help. Congratulations on your first batch though! Playing with recipes is half the fun!
 
Ignoring all the aspects of conditioning, etc, if it's hardening up and lathers, then it's basically soap. The fact that you got it out of the mold and cut, speaks to the fact that it must have firmed up. Zap test it. If it looks like soap, feels like soap and TASTES like soap. Then you've got a basic soap.

Just a note. Seems like you have a decent amount of soda ash formed. Try covering your batter with saran wrap right after you get it in the mold.

PS, I also like how your soap is Safe On Hard Floor Surfaces. JK. :)
 
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Google the properties of oils in soap. Every ingredient in soap contributes something different. Some oils are used because they are conditioning, kind to the skin. Some contribute to a nice hard bar of soap, while others contribute bubbles, lather. Olive oil, palm and coconut are the holy trinity of soapmaking for a reason. Together, and in different combinations, those three oils alone, can make a kick butt bar of soap. Olive oil alone makes the classic castile soap, but most one oil soaps, like yours, are lacking many of the qualities we look for in a good bar of soap. You explored the process, now, for a great bar of soap you'll really enjoy using, try some different oils, and combinations, and see what happens!
 
Did you clean the oil first? Also, sunflower unless high oleic is prone to DOS due to short shelf life, especially as 100% of your oils, so watch your soap closely. Give it a good cure and then test it out. Probably won't have much in the way of bubbles as you will need either CO or PKO and some Castor too would help. Congratulations on your first batch though! Playing with recipes is half the fun!
I did filter it but being so new I am not sure what else I could have done to clean it. I think I saw something one time about boiling it in water? If you can shed some light on the process it would be appreciated.

You used an acronym I do not know....DOS? Can you explain what that is?

For this first batch like I explained I am working on the process...bubbles at this stage are not important. As I become more familiar and comfortable with making soap I will do more experimentation with various formulations.
 
Ignoring all the aspects of conditioning, etc, if it's hardening up and lathers, then it's basically soap. The fact that you got it out of the mold and cut, speaks to the fact that it must have firmed up. Zap test it. If it looks like soap, feels like soap and TASTES like soap. Then you've got a basic soap.

Just a note. Seems like you have a decent amount of soda ash formed. Try covering your batter with saran wrap right after you get it in the mold.

PS, I also like how your soap is Safe On Hard Floor Surfaces. JK. :)
Being able to clean hard surfaces is important. :p
 
I did filter it but being so new I am not sure what else I could have done to clean it. I think I saw something one time about boiling it in water? If you can shed some light on the process it would be appreciated.

You used an acronym I do not know....DOS? Can you explain what that is?

For this first batch like I explained I am working on the process...bubbles at this stage are not important. As I become more familiar and comfortable with making soap I will do more experimentation with various formulations.

DOS is Dreaded Orange Spots. Can be caused by rancid oils, and/or some other variables.
 
I applaud you for your strength to work slowly! I can't even begin to explain the thrill of having a beautiful looking bar, that smells wonderful, and has amazing bubbles and conditioning. It's a moment of pride when one's soap comes out perfect. :)
 
My intention at this point is to make soap for personal use. But...how many are selling theirs?
 
Thanks for the advice. I will do some research and see what components provide what benefits. I feel like a mad chemist at the moment....or maybe a kid in a candy store is a more apt description.
 
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