Ut Oh, Crust on top of my liquid soap!

[xraygrl]

I have a problem...second batch ever of Ls, made it yesterday in the crockpot, and diluted it last night. I *thought* I finally had it all liquid this morning, but now there is a 1/16" thick crust formed on top. I tried skimming it off, and another crust just forms. Any thoughts as what went wrong or how to correct this?

I just stickblended it back in and turned the crockpot back on...maybe it needs to cook a bit longer? maybe I need more water? Maybe I need to chuck it and start back over with a 100% coconut LS? :?

 

[Donna M]

I have a problem...second batch ever of Ls, made it yesterday in the crockpot, and diluted it last night. I *thought* I finally had it all liquid this morning, but now there is a 1/16" thick crust formed on top. I tried skimming it off, and another crust just forms. Any thoughts as what went wrong or how to correct this?

I've made liquid soap only twice, but both times I've had to skim a crust off the top. However, once that is gone, if you keep a top in the soap, no more crust will form. At least that's been my experience. Also, I read that to keep a thick layer of foam from forming on the top, spritz it with a little alcohol and put the lid back on. I did that today and when I opened the pot, the foam layer had reduced dramatically. I skimmed it off and had pure amber liquid soap.

Donna

 

[xraygrl]

Thanks Donna. I think what was happening yesterday was what is called congealing because the crust kept getting thicker. I added borax solution and it seemed to fix it.

 

[knicelyr]

The crust might also indicate that the liquid soap is not diluted enough.

 

[Donna M]

The crust might also indicate that the liquid soap is not diluted enough.

Thanks, Rick, that's good to know.

Donna

 

[Bigmoose]

Another possible cause could be the recipe is light on coconut oil, under 20%. If you make a batch high in coconut oil (70%+) you will have a hard time getting it to thicken at all.

Bruce

 

[Donna M]

Another possible cause could be the recipe is light on coconut oil, under 20%. If you make a batch high in coconut oil (70%+) you will have a hard time getting it to thicken at all.

Bruce

Well, mine was 100% coconut oil (made for dishwashing/laundry soap), with zero super-fat, and was nice and thick. I did use the borax neutralizer, which contained 6 oz. boiling water, and that helps to thicken. I diluted the paste (made from 40 oz. coconut oil) with 40 oz. boiling water.