newbie question

[odenflagship]

Every how to i've read says you need to mix the lye with the oils when they're the same temp, what happens if the lye has cooled below the oil temp? What is the maximum acceptable variance?

 

[dagmar88]

No problem at all; I soap at about room temp all the time.
And welcome to the soap making forum!

 

[LJA]

The temps arent as scary as some will have you believe. As long as it's in the ballpark, and neither are flaming hot, you're good. Welcome to the forum!!

 

[Milla]

I quit measuring temps. I do my lye water first. I used cold water from the fridge and I think that helps keep it a tad cooler. Than I melt oils, measure other oils into melted oils, get FOs and additives ready, wash a few things, and then start adding! By that time they are pretty dang close in temps, which is why I quit measuring. Have fun!

 

[Deda]

I have a couple of recipes where I refrigerate the lye/water before I mix it with my oils. I use prebatched oils, pour into the mold and then put the mold into the fridge. It takes a bit longer to saponify, but the soap is really creamy.

 

[soapmakesmehappy]

It helped me to learn a little more by taking the temps at first, the desired range is for your mixture to be 90-110F usually all that takes is adding your lye water to your oils

 

[Guest]

I started out measuring temps ( I think it is a great idea for new soap makers ) .Now I go by the feel of the oil pot and the lye jug now . Many times I get the oils and lye ready and don't make the soap for hours and it is fine . Sometimes the oils (depending what oils I use ) semi solidify , I just melt them again on low heat and make the soap.

HTH

Kitn

 

[dagmar88]

I'm sorry, soapmakesmehappy, but there really is no desired temp in general. Some people stick to that -+100 F, others make an icy lye slush or soap at room temperature.

 

[Rosey]

I stopped taking temps as well and things are still the same (very limited experience) but it's one less thing to have to "figure out".

The only time I really care is when I do the goat's milk. I'm not sure yet if I will make it gelled or ungelled but I like the non-gel color so for that, I just wait until everything is room temp.

 

[soapmakesmehappy]

I'm sorry, soapmakesmehappy, but there really is no desired temp in general. Some people stick to that -+100 F, others make an icy lye slush or soap at room temperature.

well it's worked for me thanks for setting me straight.