SALT BARS - Need assistance

[Miz Jenny]

Salt bars unmolded okay, but cutting them was a challenge. Is there a secret? Many of the bars had crumbly parts, to which I took my veg peeler. They definitely look rustic. I used the BB recipe. :???:

 

[new12soap]

Salt bars get very hard very fast. Most people (including me) unmold and cut while the bars are still warm, before they have had time to completely set up. Or, use individual cavity silicone molds, those are much easier!

The crumbly parts will smooth out a bit and look better with a good cure.

 

[JennH]

There is a very small window of time where its perfect to cut salt bars. For me it's at 2.5 hrs. At 2 hours the bars are still too soft and at 3 they are to hard and crumble when I cut. Many people recommend single cavity molds so you don't have to cut them at all. I haven't found a mold my hubby likes, and the salt bars are for him...so I just set a timer and cut.

 

[Miz Jenny]

There is a very small window of time where its perfect to cut salt bars. For me it's at 2.5 hrs. ...

Thanks so much! Will make another batch & cut way sooner. Some bars are good for selling; others I'll use as samples.

 

[Dragonkaz]

I always make my salt bars in individual moulds, so I don't have to worry about the 'window of time' for cutting them. They unmould easily whenever you have time and you have lovely salt bars ready to let cure.

 

[Miz Jenny]

Before I can use individual molds, I need to get a good supply of same. Going to make another batch & cut at the 2-2.5hr mark.

 

[new12soap]

http://www.brambleberry.com/12-Bar-Square-Silicone-Mold-P4908.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VFWWWU/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

a few options, both places have several others and I am sure there are more sellers.

 

[green soap]

The ones on the second link are the ones I use. I keep buying more and I have six of these molds now! They work great and soaps are a nice size - smaller than standard but this is OK because the salt makes them heavier or more dense than standard soap. They also last a really long time even at that size.

 

[chicklet]

I haven't bought individual molds yet either (hope to soon). I make salt bars in a log mold. After pouring, I start checking them at the one hour point and then every 15 minutes after that. I've had different unmold/cut times every time I've made them! Not sure why - probably just my consistently inconsistent soaping skills. Anyway, the gelling starts at the center and spreads out, so as soon as the corners feel firm to the touch I unmold and cut.

 

[Miz Jenny]

Okay, so now I'm going to start checking at the 1hr mark, etc.