My First Rebatch! *sniff*

[American Valkyrie]

I don't think I'll be using pumice in my soaps again. They've all reheated! The last one was salvageable, but this one has big, brown oil pockets in it. Not cool.

The other loaves that I made with the same soap recipe (but no pumice) turned out great.

Ok, so how do I rebatch? And how long can I wait before I do it? I've heard it needs to be with fresh soap.

 

[paillo]

I don't think I'll be using pumice in my soaps again. They've all reheated! The last one was salvageable, but this one has big, brown oil pockets in it. Not cool.

The other loaves that I made with the same soap recipe (but no pumice) turned out great.

Ok, so how do I rebatch? And how long can I wait before I do it? I've heard it needs to be with fresh soap.

you don't have to wait at all! i've found the sooner the better! mash it up with a potato masher if you do it in the crockpot, knead it well if you do it in a cook bag, and you'll get barely any lumps. i always add some glycerin toward the end, and mix in some powdered milk with just enough water to barely liquify. good luck!

 

[SudsyKat]

I've not yet done a rebatch, but I'm considering it. Paillo - what's the purpose of the glycerin and powdered milk?

 

[American Valkyrie]

What temperature should I use on the crockpot, and how long will this take? Is this something that I can put in, turn on, then stir once an hour between clients? (I'm a massage therapist with a home office. I can multitask, but only if I don't have to check it during a session.) If I do it after work, can I finish it in 3 hours before bedtime?

Thanks so much!

 

[foresthome]

I have done it while I am making more soap. I just cut up all that soap that didn't turn out, and put it on high in the crock pot with a little water. Then I watch it and stir it every time I walk by it. I usually add a little of the soap I am currently making if the scents will compliment and then remold it. After that I treat it like all of my other soaps. When I trim up my soaps I save those curls and put them in the rebatch soap also. I just try to keep curls separated into batches that the scents go together. I had a batch turn out smelling horrible once. I ended up being able to cover the scent up with a spruce scent, and it turned out to be my husband's favorite soap.

 

[paillo]

I've not yet done a rebatch, but I'm considering it. Paillo - what's the purpose of the glycerin and powdered milk?

glycerine and powdered milk will give it a more liquidy consistency and make it more pourable (well, as much as rebatched ever is, which is very little in my experience) and smoother in the mold. i made the mistake of adding just dry powdered milk one time, and all the little flakes caramelized -- ick! though others seem to have success with just the dry stuff.

other experiences out there? thanks!