Soda ash and slabs

[DWinMadison]

I realize its because of more surface area exposure, but does anyone have a good solution/deterrent to soda ash in slab pours?

 

[dixiedragon]

A fellow soaper lives about 30 minutes from me. We both use tap water, and it comes from the same water treatment system. We both use lard. But I don't get ash and she does.

I'm pretty convinced it's the dehumidifier.

 

[KiwiMoose]

Probably not helpful, but I use soy wax 20% and I gel - both seem to contribute to a lesser amount of ash.

 

[shunt2011]

I’ve actually had good luck spraying mine with 91% alcohol 4 or so times in the beginning and then keeping it covered until it gets and cools completely. I do gel all my soaps so insulate them well. I know not everyone has the same experience.

 

[DWinMadison]

Probably not helpful, but I use soy wax 20% and I gel - both seem to contribute to a lesser amount of ash.

How does soy wax change the soap texture? I assume its an additive and not considered a base oil?

 

[earlene]

Soy wax is considered one of your soaping oils, not an additive. There are several threads here on SMF about using soy wax, so (pardon my cold, I'm just not up to a lot of explanation right now) if you search Soy Wax, you'll find loads of info.

 

[DWinMadison]

A fellow soaper lives about 30 minutes from me. We both use tap water, and it comes from the same water treatment system. We both use lard. But I don't get ash and she does.

I'm pretty convinced it's the dehumidifier.

Well, that would explain a lot as I live in Mississippi, which next to New Orleans, might be the most place on earth. I guess its like making divinity...my grand mother would never make it on a rainy day.

Soy wax is considered one of your soaping oils, not an additive. There are several threads here on SMF about using soy wax, so (pardon my cold, I'm just not up to a lot of explanation right now) if you search Soy Wax, you'll find loads of info.

That’s all I needed to know. No need for further explanation. Thanks.

 

[Kamahido]

I realize its because of more surface area exposure, but does anyone have a good solution/deterrent to soda ash in slab pours?

Have you tried using a tighter water:lye ratio?

 

[Dawni]

I'm not much help coz I've only done two slabs... But I did notice one had a ton of ash, like maybe 2cm, and the one with less water had none.

BUT that was an experiment, with soft oils only and faux seawater, but less than the original recipe so maybe a tiny amount of baking soda helps with ash?

I also once subbed some amount of vinegar for the water (didn't use it to harden so way less than the suggested 50% and up) and I also didn't get ash on that soleseife loaf, whereas another one with just plain water (exact same recipe) had lots.

 

[DWinMadison]

Have you tried using a tighter water:lye ratio?

No...just using my regular recipe which is the standard soapcalc ratio. Thanks.

 

[earlene]

I think it depends a lot on your recipe as well as other factors. I haven't made a lot of slab mold soaps, but some recipes I use never produce ash no matter how molded. That holds true for slab mold and non-slab molds. So your recipe might make a difference. If you have a recipe that doesn't produce as much ash or no ash, maybe use that one for slabs?

Or do what SoapQueen suggests and mist with 91% isopropyl alcohol at least 3 - 4 times every 20 minutes. I read that in one of her books. I am not sure how well it works, because I tend to forget to go back and repeat the misting q20min.

 

[Rune]

I found this in the comment section to a blog post from Auntie Clara
https://auntieclaras.com/2014/04/tutorial-inverted-stamp-technique-lattice-tops-more/:

"Fest Clara!
I just love your Soaps!!! What is your secret to prevent Soda Ash? All my soaps become white and i don’t get rid of it.
Greetings from Germany
Martina

Thank you! My best advice for preventing Soda Ash is to keep water low and to protect the saponifying soap from cool airflow. Either insulate the soap or keep it in a box or cupboard until it’s fully saponified."