I recently made my first batch of lard soap (instead of vegetable shortening). From what I understand, the more times you melt and set it, the harder and longer lasting soap you will get - is this true?
Well, I chopped up the first 'setting' and put it in the pot to melt. OMG it stunk up half my house. It was just awful. I changed the heat from high to medium (this helped) and stirred until my arm couldn't stand it anymore, but it started to burn - or smell like burning - again.
It didn't go all the way to liquid, and when I put in just a few oz. of water it didn't blend well. So I scooped it out and put it back in my setting tray.
What in the world is going on? How do I melt the soap to a liquid? How do I keep it from smelling bad?
Also, I accidentally used an aluminum pan. Whats wrong if I get a little rust on my soap? Is this a tetanus issue?
Well, I chopped up the first 'setting' and put it in the pot to melt. OMG it stunk up half my house. It was just awful. I changed the heat from high to medium (this helped) and stirred until my arm couldn't stand it anymore, but it started to burn - or smell like burning - again.
It didn't go all the way to liquid, and when I put in just a few oz. of water it didn't blend well. So I scooped it out and put it back in my setting tray.
What in the world is going on? How do I melt the soap to a liquid? How do I keep it from smelling bad?
Also, I accidentally used an aluminum pan. Whats wrong if I get a little rust on my soap? Is this a tetanus issue?
I had some that ate throught the paint on a dresser top, and it turned all red and rusty looking, but I just shaved it off and re melted it. Also using an aluminum pan, will really make it stink!! Also in order to get it to liquid, you need you use a double broiler! If oyu don't use a double broiler, you won't get liquid soap out of it. Hope this helps! 
