On the weights and measurement side topic:
You're welcome.
I use quart. Given that water by weight is 32 oz. and by volume is 32 fluid oz., if you have a scale like mine that weighs in ounces and grams, make it easy on yourself and weigh out 32 oz, switch the scale to grams if you like, and there you have it.
I couldn't agree more. It's interesting to note that JFK, President John F Kennedy, who was president in the early 60's, said that we would make it to the moon in 10 years and also convert the USA to metric in the same amount of time. We made it to the moon, but not the conversion. Says something about our Yankee spirit, me thinks.
(roll eyes)
I noticed that there were quite a few replies to this already, so I'll be brief .. I am always glad that I live in Australia, when it comes to weights and measurements, it makes maths in general very simple, and weights and measurements doubly so
On the EDTA sidetopic:
You too, Figgy. Pretty please?
Exactly what I was hoping to prevent.
You wrote a brief paragraph about EDTA
here.
When I read first read your post, and dxw replied to it, it was much longer. You described how you, when you first started soaping in 2004, chose not to use EDTA after reading that it was "mildly toxic". You went on to comment that this forum was the only one where you'd seen it used.
Obviously I'm paraphrasing, as the original text has been removed (but I do distinctly remember the year, the reason and your comment on this forum).
I thought dxw's reply to your post was interesting and complimentary, and warranted further discussion, but on another thread, hence my lighthearted suggestion for that other thread (partially quoted by you, above). I see that after quoting me, you edited your original post to remove your reasons and discussion points, and replace the paragraph with a simple statement that you don't use EDTA. Fair enough (I don't either).
While I understand you want to change your mind, and not discuss this particular side topic any further, your original post gave no indication that you didn't want it discussed further. As it stands, I don't feel comfortable complying with your "request" to modify my contribution to your side-discussion, however I will respect your wishes and not refer to it again on this thread (unless you choose to do so yourself first, of course).
On the recipe (main) topic:
View attachment 34633... NOTE to others: I use pomace OO because it's highest in acidity which makes it better for soap than EVOO which is lowest in acidity (thus, it tastes better!
) -- plus, if imported, it may be "fake" or "adulterated". Google to learn more.
... Notes: I’ve tried 2:1 and 1.5:1. 1.5:1 gets almost too hard and 1:2 is okay but a bit slimey, so, for me, 1.7:1 is the ideal. Olive oil is high in unsaponifiables; so 0% SF works best to reduce slippery slime.[ ... ]
Kiwi ... To prevent ash, have you tried spritzing lightly with alcohol and covering it with Saran wrap?
Zany, I notice that you are using pomace olive oil for this recipe. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this means that you are using solvent extracted olive oil?
The reason for this question is that I have a theory that Kiwi (and Australians) are getting a bit of extra ash at the periphery of the soap because of the difference in our olive oils.
I am thinking that there might need to be an adjustment to the lye concentration, for our EVOO soaps using your recipe. If you've already explored this, please let us know your results.
Otherwise, especially for our NZ/Aussie EVOO soapers who are experiencing ash with Zany's recipe, I suspect that we may need to use a little less water than Zany has found ideal for her choice. The increase in lye concentration should slow down the transfer of salts to the outer edges of the soap (which can carry salts and create a dusting of "ash"), and with the difference in oils, I doubt we will experience quite the same hardness that Zany noticed with her oil choice.
In other words, using different grade of olive oil may require a minor adjustment to the lye ratio Zany has found ideal.
Zany, I hope that provided an agreeable on-topic addition to your recipe contribution. Send me a PM if you would like anything changed