Expert: Terry Knorr - 10/14/2004

Question
hey,
i just made my first small batch of CP soap and i know it didnt go as it usually does for people but i want to know if this is normal...
okay.. i measured everything perfectly (well as perfect as i could.. i have a digital scale) and when i got to the point of adding the lye water to the oils it was fine and i mixed it by hand for a few seconds but as soon as i hit it with the stick blender it took all of 20 seconds at most for it to start to solidify. now it wasnt chunky or anything but it got super thick... like cake frosting... i put it in its mold but am sure there are a few air pocket. it got on my hands and didnt burn me or anything so i am guess it isnt from to much lye (altho what do i know.. im new to this ;)! so anyways... whats the deal. should i have stopped mixing and poured it when it was starting to trace but before it was "frosting"... will i just have to wait and see?
thanks for your time Terry!
Mari

Answer
Hi Mari!

I have never used a stick blender, though I've been told that they work great (and after reading your question, I might try it!).  I sounds like you had a very good trace!  You might find some air pockets in your soap, as you suggested.  Putting in your mold after it traced, but before it became like frosting would likely prevent that problem.  

I don't believe you had too much lye in your mixture.  It sounds like it was a "perfect" formulation.  However, if you find small pockets of liquid when you cut your soap, then, yes, there was too much lye.  That liquid is the excess lye.

You do want to have a good trace before you pour the soap into the mold.  When you think you have a trace, drizzle some to the soap mixture into the pot (or what ever you mix in).  If it leaves a trail ( a raised mass where the drizzle landed), and it remains for atleast 10 seconds, then you have a good trace and it is safe to pour it into the mold.  But, the longer you mix the faster it will cure.  This is one of the things I enjoy about making soap: The soapmaker can control so much of the process.

It sounds like your soap will be fine!  I hope this is helpful to you.  If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.  Have a great day!

Happy soaping!
Terry