Washing wooden molds

[not_ally]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you typically tend to your wooden molds? I usually paper line and just scrape off the little bits of overflow, but just tried to use a homemade mylar liner, didn't screw the mold together properly, and the batter leaked out everywhere. I ended up washing the mold in the sink before I realized that was a bad idea.

So (a) have I ruined the mold, ie; will it swell so that the screws/dividers won't fit anymore? It is taking a long time to dry. Also (b) how do you guys clean your molds when there is a larger than usual mess?

 

[Dahila]

I do not wash them, they are clean, when I do is fast wet wipe.

 

[Seawolfe]

I've washed mine quickly with minimal water and then dried very well.

 

[not_ally]

Ugh, will cross my fingers it is ok, after a day of drying it is still not fully dry. Also untreated wood, so more likely to absorb water. I just bought this mold and all the add-ons (divider, swirler) for a great price, and it was well made, so if I ruined it b/c I am an idiot it will make me sad.

 

[Dorymae]

Put it together and just let it dry. Hopefully it will be fine but I would put it together so that it is in the shape I want it to be in when it drys.

 

[not_ally]

Thanks, Dory, good advice. I have been letting the bits dry separately, but that makes more sense.

 

[shunt2011]

I agree with putting it together to dry. It should be fine. Going forward just wipe it down. I use a sharp spatula to scrape any over spills. Sometimes I hit the edge of my silicone liner and it goes down inside.

 

[not_ally]

Thanks, Shunt, that is heartening! I am spending money that I shouldn't on my soapy tools, so wasting them is hard. Makes me feel better to feel like maybe there is will be an OK outcome.

 

[shunt2011]

Thanks, Shunt, that is heartening! I am spending money that I shouldn't on my soapy tools, so wasting them is hard. Makes me feel better to feel like maybe there is will be an OK outcome.

As long as you didn't soak it I'm sure you'll be fine. We've all spent money we shouldn't. I still find myself doing that more often than I should, I just can't help myself. Fortunately for me, my husband made all my molds, multi bar wire cutter, log splitter and displays so I figure I can spend the money I saved on other goodies. My bad!

 

[Cindy2428]

Absolutely - put it together as if you are going to use it. The wood will expand to accept the moisture. Your mold will warp. Once you put your mold together you could fill your liner with water in the mold and put in the over to finish drying.

 

[Obsidian]

I've had to wash my wood molds a couple times after leaks. I scrubbed it with hot water and dish soap, dried it very well after and let it air dry thoroughly. No warping or swelling. I also rub olive oil into the dry wood to try and make it a bit more stain proof so its easier to wipe up messes.

 

[grumpy_owl]

I'm with you, not_ally. My wooden log mold is so warped it doesn't fit properly together anymore. I have to depend on the silicone liner to shape my soap. Even before it got all warpy it was a huge PITA to put together.

 

[not_ally]

My poor mold is still a bit wet looking. Have reassembled and hoping for the best, and will wipe it down w/oil when it is ready. Fingers crossed.