A Few Days Later

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I have given my first attempt at making soap almost a week to set but it has not cooperated. Although the soap has gelled quite nicely, it has not hardened. When I cut it, it crumbles so it looks like I will be redoing this batch. But first I need to do some more research to find out where I went wrong.

I am not giving up. I am going to going to make it work...

Stay tuned for my second attempt.

Posted via email from Greyt Musings

My First Batch of Soap

Yesterday, I made my very first batch of handmade soap. It wasn't difficult but was time-consuming. The instructions that I copied from the web were incomplete and I had a few surprises. As a result, I don't think my first batch is turning out properly. I'm going to give it a few more days and if it hasn't hardened the way it should, I'll try again.

I have done some more research and now have a better soap recipe for next time.

What I learned from the experience so far:

- lye creates it's own boiling/heating action when added to water (made me jump)

- lye takes the finish off some surfaces (oops - lucky I was wearing rubber gloves as instructed)

- the ingredients need to be very carefully measured (I measured correctly but I think it is the recipe that I was following that isn't perfect)

- the ingredients have to be stirred constantly and forcefully for the mixture to thicken (I think I may invest in an electric hand mixer)

- there are many reasons why handmade soap may not turn out properly (learned this from a troubleshooting handmade soap website)

- it sometimes takes more than one try in the beginning to "get it right" - no kidding!

- it was interesting and fun, even if it didn't turn out as expected.

 

 

Posted via email from Greyt Musings

Going Green

With my last day of work at the end of this month (I officially retire in 3 weeks), I am looking at ways to save money as well as ways to eat and live healthier. I am going to start slow and work my way to living green as much as possible. Once I get "green" established, it is supposed to save money - and the environment.

Today, I bought everything that I need to make my own soap. Once I have that technique mastered, I am going to move on to making my own cleaners, shampoo, etc...

I have many plans for going green. I am going to keep a record of my progress here. Will let you know how I made each change, if it was easy or difficult, the results and the benefits.

One step at a time...

Posted via email from greytdogz

Going Green

With my last day of work at the end of this month (I officially retire in 3 weeks), I am looking at ways to save money as well as ways to eat and live healthier. I am going to start slow and work my way to living green as much as possible. Once I get "green" established, it is supposed to save money - and the environment.

Today, I bought everything that I need to make my own soap. Once I have that technique mastered, I am going to move on to making my own cleaners, shampoo, etc...

I have many plans for going green. I am going to keep a record of my progress here. Will let you know how I made each change, if it was easy or difficult, the results and the benefits.

One step at a time...