My first batch

[martin-scott]

That is helpful.....thanks!

 

[martin-scott]

HELP! Ok...here is the situation. Yesterday I was in a training session at work. During the introductions in the morning we were all telling our hobbies. So naturally I listed soaping as one of my many hobbies. A lady in the training piped up and said....oh...we need to talk.

Long story short she brought me approx. 25 lbs of a combination of Citric Acid and Tartaric Acid in 1lb bags. FREE! I don't know what I did to receive such a gift but...I am not looking that horse in the mouth.

Can someone point me in the direction of a recipe or two that will utilize either of these substances?

I appreciate any and all help.

 

[JustBeachy]

Two words come to mind. Bath Bombs.

Sorry I have no recipes for BB.

 

[martin-scott]

Bath Bombs......that helps. I'll start my search there. Thanks!

 

[martin-scott]

So....today I showered with my first batch of soap. It was amazing! I will never need to buy soap again.

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

So....today I showered with my first batch of soap. It was amazing! I will never need to buy soap again.

Great feeling! Congratulations.

 

[martin-scott]

Thanks

 

[Susie]

So....today I showered with my first batch of soap. It was amazing! I will never need to buy soap again.

Congratulations!

You will never want to buy soap again. There is a difference in those two statements. You will be so spoiled by your own soap that you will never want to touch that harsh, stinky stuff again.

 

[martin-scott]

Ok everyone...here is a pic of the suds it makes. Remember....this was used cooking oil...

 

[martin-scott]

You may remember if you have followed this string, that I met a woman in a training that for lack of a better term...hooked me up with some soaping supplies. Initially it was 25 lbs of Citric Acid.

Well, today I received the balance of what she had. It' s too much to list individually so, I am posting pictures.

The buckets are...approx 50 more lbs of citric acid and, 8 lbs of Palm Oil.

I can not believe how well this relationship has turned out for me.

 

[JustBeachy]

Nice haul.

 

[martin-scott]

I know right? I have no idea yet what to do with the 20 lbs of M&P I got but, I will do my research.

 

[JustBeachy]

I've never played with M&P, but if it's a good quality MP, then you can do some really cool looking soaps with it, that will turn out as quality soap.

 

[martin-scott]

I'm not artsy. I'll stick to function for now.

 

[martin-scott]

If anyone can help with this question it would be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to find any information on the Internet that addresses this. I live in Arizona. My primary workspace for making soap is in my garage...which is not insulated. I am wondering as we move toward warmer months, will I be able to cure my soaps in that type of environment? Or, should I plan to cure soaps in the regulated temperature of the house? I don't know how the extreme temps will affect the curing process or, if it will have no effect at all.

 

[martin-scott]

Yesterday I ventured into the world of Milk Soap. Specifically Powdered Goat Milk....I think it turned out well. Zap tested....no sting.

Lard, Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil & Cocoa Butter were used in this recipe.

 

[Dorymae]

If anyone can help with this question it would be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to find any information on the Internet that addresses this. I live in Arizona. My primary workspace for making soap is in my garage...which is not insulated. I am wondering as we move toward warmer months, will I be able to cure my soaps in that type of environment? Or, should I plan to cure soaps in the regulated temperature of the house? I don't know how the extreme temps will affect the curing process or, if it will have no effect at all.

I just moved to Arizona and yes you will be able to cure your soaps. One thing I am doing is putting a fan in the garage as well as A/C. Depending on where your garage is facing (North, south, east, west) it could exceed 120 degrees in mid summer in your garage, assuming you are in the valley and not up in Flagstaff. If it is getting too hot you will need to cool it down for the sake of your EO's! If you have a window - get a window A/C. If you have a side door you could get a fan for some ventilation. As for the curing of the soap. . . It is the perfect environment- hot and dry, just make sure it doesn't get too hot. Also don't forget to turn your soaps! The dry air will warp soaps if you don't turn them to dry evenly. Really anything over 120 needs to be cooled down! (Heck anything over 110 should be cooled - remember those EO's!) You might also want to invest in a Fridge if you have no other means of cooling.

 

[martin-scott]

Dorymae...thanks. Actually I am in the Valley. As for my garage....East/West Facing. As is the rest of the house. Trust me....our next house will be a North/South.

Good to know that the environment will be good. I thought it might but was not sure. Thanks for clearing that up. I already have a fridge in there but, I think I might get attacked in the middle of the night if I suggest putting soap in there....know what I mean? I will investigate the fan option. I think they have some really nice ones for a reasonable cost at the Home Depot. I trust you were talking Industrial size?

Thanks again for the response.

 

[Dorymae]

I'm not sure of the size you would need - it will depend on the size of the garage as well as how hot it gets and how low you want to bring the temperature, and how much you want to spend. Basicly you want it comfortable enough for you to work. If you can stand making soap in it then it is probably fine for soap. I would worry more about the EOs and FO's then the soap itself. You may need to tweak lotion bar, or deodorant bar recipes if you make them. I found mine got a bit too soft in the Arizona sun. Like everything you need to find that happy medium. Good luck to you!

 

[martin-scott]

Those concerns are a few months aeay. But....plan ahead for success right? Thanks for the advice.