Curing handmade soap

Summary

In this video, John Conley from Uncle John Soap explains the essentials of soap curing for beginners. He clears up common misconceptions about curing times, emphasizing that soap is safe to use right after making it, especially hot process soap. Curing mainly hardens the soap, but it doesn’t significantly affect its mildness or longevity. John also discusses the zap test to ensure soap is fully saponified, and assures new soap makers that they don’t need to stress over lengthy curing periods. The key takeaway is to focus on proper measurements and enjoy the soap-making process!

Takeaways

• 😀 Hot Process Soap is safe to use as soon as it's done cooking, as long as it’s not too hot.
• 😀 Cold Process Soap can be cut within 24 hours, but it’s fine to wait another half-day for firmer soap.
• 😀 The Zap Test involves touching a small amount of soap to your tongue. A tingling or sour sensation means it's not fully cured yet.
• 😀 Curing soap doesn't affect its mildness or pH much, it only makes the soap harder and longer-lasting.
• 😀 Soap curing for 30-60 days is not necessary. A few days to a week of curing is usually enough.
• 😀 If the soap feels soft and comes off on your hands, it needs more curing time.
• 😀 Using soap early, after it's solid enough to handle, is fine. It won’t disappear faster if used earlier, unless it's too soft.
• 😀 Handmade soap can go soft when left in the shower, whether it’s cured for days or months.
• 😀 Don’t stress too much about curing time—soap will last pretty much the same whether cured for a few days or a year.
• 😀 Always measure ingredients properly and use a lye calculator to ensure safe soap making.
• 😀 Enjoy the soap-making process, don’t get caught up in minor details, and embrace your creativity.

Q & A

Why do many new soap makers worry about curing times?

Many new soap makers worry about curing times because they often hear that soaps need to cure for 30-60 days. This concern arises from a misunderstanding of the curing process and its actual purpose.

Is it safe to use soap right after it's made?

Yes, it's safe to use soap right after it's made, especially if it's hot process soap. The saponification process has already occurred during cooking, so it is safe as soon as it's out of the mold, although it might still be soft and mushy.

How can you check if soap is safe to use right after making it?

You can use the 'zap test.' Dab a little soap on the back of a spoon, let it cool, and then touch it to the tip of your tongue. If you feel a tingly or sour sensation, it means the soap is still too lye-heavy and not fully saponified.

How long does it take for cold process soap to be ready for cutting?

Cold process soap can usually be cut within 22-24 hours after being poured into the mold. If it's still soft around the edges, you can wait another half-day to ensure it firms up a little more before cutting.

What happens if you cut soap too early?

If you cut soap too early, it might still be soft and could potentially deform or lose its shape. However, it is safe to use once it's been cut as long as it has passed the 'zap test' and isn't gooey or too wet.

Does curing soap make it milder or less alkaline?

No, curing soap does not make it milder or less alkaline. The pH of the soap is generally set within 24 to 36 hours after mixing the lye and oils, and the curing process is mainly about hardening the soap for longevity.

What is the main purpose of curing soap?

The main purpose of curing soap is to allow the soap to harden, making it last longer when used. It does not significantly change the soap’s properties beyond this.

How can you tell if a soap bar is too soft to use?

If you press the soap with your finger and it leaves a noticeable dent or if soap is coming off on your hands (like a gooey texture), it's too soft to use. If it's solid but slightly sweaty, you can use it after it has hardened further.

What difference does curing time really make to the soap’s performance?

The difference curing time makes is minimal in terms of the soap’s performance. While longer curing can make the soap harder and last longer, a soap that’s cured for a week will perform nearly the same as one cured for a year, provided it is properly made.

What should a beginner soap maker focus on when starting out?

Beginner soap makers should focus on measuring ingredients correctly, following recipes accurately, and understanding the saponification process. It's also important to use a lye calculator to ensure proper safety and balance.