Silicone loaf mold question - help?

[Carly B]

I'm hoping someone who uses silicone loaf molds can provide some guidance. I've made a couple batches of CP soap using different recipes, and everything went fine until it came time to unmold.

For each, I waited overnight, the soap seemed firm and came away from the sides of the mold. However, once
they came out, the bottoms of the loaves were gooey, more like unhardened clay.

I'm assuming it's because the air doesn't get through the silicone, but I don't see this happening in the videos I've watched. It hardens up shortly after it gets out of the mold, but by then, the damage is done. I try and clean it up with a spreader just so it doesn't look so bad.

Is there a trick to it? Do I need to leave it a couple of days instead of just one? Or will it always do that because the air can't get to it?

Thanks for any advice you can give....I'm hoping it's not hopeless......

 

[soapmaker]

It can't be hopeless! I never had that experience but I certainly would let the soap sit longer than that if you're having trouble. Also, sodium lactate might help or plain salt (1 t.ppo) if you're not using a FO that accelerates. A water discount may help. I don't think it's because the air can't get to the bottom.
https://www.modernsoapmaking.com/lye-solution-in-soapmaking/

 

[shunt2011]

I agree with soapmakers suggestions. I can take longer to unmold from silicone. I use either sodium lactate or salt which makes the soap harder when it’s time to take out of the mold. It can also depend on your recipe. Something high in liquid oils will take longer than something with harder oils/butters.

 

[Carly B]

Thanks to both of you! I followed the link soapmaker provided, which had GREAT information. I changed the formula to be a water:lye ratio instead of a water as percent of oils, added a pinch of salt,
and it worked perfectly. Other than I forgot the FO I was using accelerates REALLY fast--it looked like it was seizing--but I got it into the mold and it popped out easily this morning. Success!! HUZZAH!!

 

[soapmaker]

Thanks to both of you! I followed the link soapmaker provided, which had GREAT information. I changed the formula to be a water:lye ratio instead of a water as percent of oils, added a pinch of salt,
and it worked perfectly. Other than I forgot the FO I was using accelerates REALLY fast--it looked like it was seizing--but I got it into the mold and it popped out easily this morning. Success!! HUZZAH!!

See, I told you it couldn't be hopeless