pH issue question to help out a baby soaper

[ellkaycee0724]

Hey there! Brand new to the forum and cold process in general. I’ve got 3 small batches under my belt. Been interested many years and finally gave it a go. I’ve got a question I’m hoping someone can answer about my second batch. I colored with TD, pink and blue micas. The TD was on the bottom of a loaf mold with blue in the center an pink on top. The batch is 9 days old. I’ve tested with phenolphthalein and the edges of the cut bars, TD white on the very bottom of the mold keep turning pink. The TD white on the inner sides, pink top and blue centers tested clear after the 2nd day. My first batch, one day older, same recipe, all TD white tested clear after 2 days. I’m at a loss. Any insight appreciated!

 

[dixiedragon]

Forget the strips. to use them correctly, you'd need to dissolve a very precise amount of soap in a very precise amount of water, then test that. If you are concerned, tongue test it - wet your finger tip, rub the bar and then touch your tongue. if you feel a "zap" there is still active lye. You could also just lick the bar.

But assuming you followed a good recipe correctly, you should be fine.

BTW, pics please? We love pics from new soapers!

 

[Kittish]

Forget the strips. to use them correctly, you'd need to dissolve a very precise amount of soap in a very precise amount of water, then test that. If you are concerned, tongue test it - wet your finger tip, rub the bar and then touch your tongue. if you feel a "zap" there is still active lye. You could also just lick the bar.

But assuming you followed a good recipe correctly, you should be fine.

BTW, pics please? We love pics from new soapers!

Shame on you, dixie! We do not lick the soap. :mrgreen:

I second pics, please!

 

[Susie]

Often my gloves are something I do not want in my mouth, and will touch the tip of my tongue to the cut side of the end piece.

 

[ellkaycee0724]

Thanks dragon! Although I don’t relish the idea of licking a bar of soap! I won’t get hung up on the pH anymore. I think I need the reassurance no one’s skin would fall off. Gotta say I’m more self conscious posting these pics than the last time I went on a date. But, the important thing is that I learned something from each one of those batches. Hoping #3 shows off some of that when I get it out of the mold tomorrow.

 

[toxikon]

They look very nice, well done. I agree with others that zap-testing is much more useful than pH strips.

I see your bars have some TD crackle/glycerin rivers - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, and some soapers like the look of it, but if you're not a fan, you can prevent it by using less water in your recipes. Just a neat fact for you! Here's a little article about it: https://auntieclaras.com/2014/05/glycerine-rivers-secret-revealed/

 

[ellkaycee0724]

TY! And great link! I had after several days thinking it was a mixing issue, managed to figure out those were glycerin rivers but all I’d found so far referenced heat S a factor. I’ll definitely experiment with the H2O. Honestly, after all 3 people I gave a bar to commented they thought they were pretty, I started looking at them with a different eye myself.

And, you’re right. My tongue must be the best indicator—no zap. Wish my book had mentioned that instead of investing in ph strips. Thanks again!

 

[earlene]

Okay, phenolphthalein is much better than pH strips, but you are not using pH strips anyway, right? But I'd suggest you save the phenolphthalein for testing in solution, which is the most accurate way to use it. But not with soap, as the zap test is all you really need to know if your soap is safe to use. You don't need to lick the soap. Later up a bit of soap and dab the lather on your tongue. With or without gloves is up to you.

But what to use the phenolphthalein for now that you have it, if not to test soap? Test your lye purity with it. Here are some useful links, but you might like DeeAnna's video for a simple to follow demonstration.

(DeeAnna's video, lasts less than 8 minutes)
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQpDim4jt44[/ame]

https://classicbells.com/soap/NaOH_KOH_Purity_Check.pdf (DeeAnna's 4-page lye purity check)

http://cavemanchemistry.com/HscgAlkali2015.pdf (Kevin Dunn)

http://greenerlifeclub.com/the-balancing-act-part-ii-presented-by-dr-kevin-dunn/ (Kevin Dunn video of lecture/demo part 2, lasts an hour)

 

[ellkaycee0724]

Wow. That’s a lot to absorb and brand new info for me. Never occurred to me that the lye could lose purity. And, yes, I do have the solution, not strips so now I have learned two new things! YAY!