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 I have been trying to embed objects in clear glycerine M&P soaps. They are coming out cloudy and with lots of bubbles. I have been spraying rubbing alcohol to get rid of the bubbles but to no avail, I still have lots of bubbles. I can't get a clear bar of soap to save my life! HELP! I am so frustrated.
Thanks! Shari
Answer Hi Shari!
Your's is an interesting challenge. There seems to be 2 factors which might be causing your problem.
1. The objects which you are embedding in the soap.
Most things will not cause problems with soap, however some things will. For example, plastic objects are generally unreactive but herbs can cause the soap to discolor or become cloudy. Small sponge type objects will usually not be a problem, but the dyes might bleed out and discolor the soap or cause it to become cloudy. So, without knowing what your are using, it is not possible to give you accurate information concerning this factor.
2. The physical treatment of the soap.
The soap will foam up if it is stirred too much or too quickly or poured too quickly. If this seems to be your probem, when melting the soap, try not to stir quickly or too often. Stir just enough to keep it from scorching. If you are not using a double boiler to melt the soap, you would be pleased with the results of using one. Little stirring is needed when using the double boiler.
