About Terry Knorr Expertise I can answer most questions concerning the making of handmade soaps. Those which I cannot answer, I am willing to research for you.
Experience Began making and selling handmade soaps under the name of Earth Soaps in 1994. Have since expanded under the name Good Earth Herbs to 24 different soaps. We do both retail and wholesale business. I also teach two different classes on soapmaking: a basic class and an advanced class.
Question Thank you for answering my question so promptly! I have some comments and a follow up question for you...
The objects that I am embedding I have used before and clouding did not take place, so I don't think it's the objects. SOme of the bubbles could be caused by over stirring. Last week I used a double boiler but got lots of bubbles so this week I tried the mocrowave and got lots of them too. Maybe I am over stirring though and I'll try not to.
Could the clouding be caused by the form of alcohol I am using? I am using rubbing alcohol, but should I be using isopropyl? Could the rubbing alcohol be causing the cloudiness?
Also, I live at a high altitude now, could that be a factor in how the soaps are coming out?
Thanks again!
Shari
Answer Hi Shari!
I don't think the altitude will cause your problems, but I will look into it farther to be certain. I know that the higher the altitude, the higher the boiling/melting point. I don't believe the higher melting point could cause the cloudiness, but I'll research that for you.
The alcohol might be your problem. The rubbing alcohol is isopropyl, but it is not a pure substance. There are contaminates in it which could be causing the cloudiness. A better choice would be to use ethyl alcohol, also known as ethynol or grain alcohol. You will want to use the purist form possible (look for at least 190 proof).
It seems as if you have done this before with good results. Have you changed brands of melt and pour soap? Are you using the same type of alcohol? Something must have changed. Is the altitude the only change that has been made?
I'll continue to look into the altitude question. Have a great day!
