Making Cold Processed Soap- What temperatures to use?

When making cold processed soap, how hot should all the oils and lye water be? Watch the video and find out what Uncle Jon says!
www.unclejonssoap.com
[e-mail]
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "We're more than just soap!- Changes to the channel... PLUS, a give away!"
• We're more than just s...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@denisefoster6865]

You are the first person I have seen who did the blending in realtime - most soapmakers fast forward through that process. Thank you for not rushing the video and doing the realtime blending. It gives valuable information to people like me who are considering trying to make some soap.

[@unclejonssoap]

I try not to make all the videos take a look g time but once in a while it's nice to see what really goes into the batch in real time so people know what to expect 😁

[@tap80843]

@@unclejonssoap how long do you let it sit before cutting & then using?

[@JahleeyahKalonji]

wow, now this was very refreshing to see. You simplified the process and made it waaay less of a big deal. Freakin awesome. I don't worry about temperatures either. I use the heat from the lye water to melt the butters/solid oils and once melted, I add the liquid oils to it. I've heard that it's ok to add fragrance oils that cause issues to the lye water. As this prevents it from causing issues in the soap. Haven't tried it yet though. Great/simple video.

[@stevenstivers7403]

Dude. Its so great to see another soaper that works the way I do. I always soap hotter than most... like between 130-160. I always make my lye water for the day and then my oils. And the trace comment. Absolutely. Especially when you’re doing any colors. Just subscribed to your channel. I run a shop in Bardstown, Kentucky. Good to see another guy soaper.

[@unclejonssoap]

Outstanding!

[@BegArts]

I love how you cut the BS of soap making....great for us beginners! thank you!!

[@mimik2081]

I'm try to start making soap as a hobby, coz it looks fun. Every question I have you already have the answer. So so glad you took the time to make this videoS

[@rubirodriguez9993]

Thank you so much!!! You are awesome! 😁🙌 everybody else makes it so complicated!

[@HollyNewstead]

So, after several failed batches due to seizing which I think we're temperature related, I had pretty much given up. Then I watched your videos and your calm demeanor, and temperature info made me feel like maybe I could relax a little and not freak out trying to get my temps exactly right. Lo and behold, I have had several successful batches. Thank you!! I love that you are my soap guru.

[@unclejonssoap]

Outstanding!

[@Deborah-vv5cq]

thank you for making it sound so simple

[@kimberlywaterburydewittdew7542]

Agree on feeling, smell, ect, but yes flower fragrances makes it harden up like crazy! I always soap at room temp only bc , of trying to swirl or whatnot but going nice clean and simple it’s nice to know you don’t have to stress about temp as much !! As always thanks for the video!! Our family loves you guys!!

[@unclejonssoap]

Aww thanks!

[@jourdanwashington1737]

Hey man I appreciate you keeping it simple. Much less intimidating, thanks

[@shannonoakley-moore2292]

Thank you again for your videos! I finally got the courage to start making soap this year and your videos always help me relax when I get all spun up about the details of soap making! Love your laid back approach!!

[@msgreen452]

Thank you sooo much for this video. I will not sweat the small stuff anymore. Gonna make soap all day today and have fun doing it!!!

[@viewswatch1230]

Thanks again for this wonderful video that makes me feel calm about checking temperature, but now I feel everything will work out just fine, I'll enjoy soap making more. ❤️

[@make7966]

Thank you this was VERY HELPFUL. I was always worried about temp.

[@paulineedixo798]

Thanks 4 keeping it simple

[@sazoladlepu7116]

You're basically the best guy in soap making, you make it so simple and you're take the nervous Ness away, when I started with my research I was so stressed when I had about temperature difference, soap calculation etc, but I came across your videos and I must say I'm ready! Thank you for your videos, you don't have to! But you do.

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@iPervy]

Haha felt the same way. I already made my first batch without stressing over temps or being caught up in doing things by the random soap articles and its looking great so far! Haha i messed up on the cutting, but ill get better at it.

[@unclejonssoap]

Exactly. It ain't rocket science. Just gotta find your own way some times

[@normalitybeersoap7417]

I wish I had seen this before I made my first batch 2 weeks ago. Love how chill you are.

[@rachelcamm4990]

Excellent! I agree, don't get so wrapped up in all the little things that you don't enjoy the process!

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@danalin7627]

Yep I soap by feel too. FO and clay's are the only things I adjust for. The soap does what it wants to do and I'm along for the ride. My soaps range from super fancy to Naked all based on their attitude. Of course I adjust my recipe based on needs but soap is soap.

[@willemh3319]

so keep it plain basic no sh... no frills👍love it tnx great vid

[@nancyelmon4544]

You give the best advice. Thanks

[@sarahdiane24]

Ur by far my favorite soaper

[@kinyuyclaudetteyiilareng1229]

Hello uncle Jon. Great video. Made my first soap batch and oops to the trash. temperatures were so much apart

[@rhondawiggins5728]

Thank you so very much

[@mandfscents]

Great video you are totally right! Temp needs depend on your purpose or design for the soap. Love your vids!

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@TalbyKitty]

Wow I just love when u say that we got to feel it feel it yess this is what soap making is all about being creative ,experiencing ! Tx for your videos and sharing your passion of soap making mercii !!😃🤗

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@gnomeoshaves4641]

Excellent video! Really appreciate the info buddy

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@alphalioncub]

This is really helpful for someone starting out. Thank you!

[@marciablais2136]

Good to see you again!!!🙂

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks! 😁

[@msccv4048]

Thank you for the video. Loved how you take the "scare" out of soap making🤗

[@sarahlowry9633]

We need an uncle Jon to ground us!

[@knightmare1015]

Awesome video Jon. The only worry that I would have would be the flash point of the fragrances but I can always wait until they cool off below the flash point if they are extremely low.

[@unclejonssoap]

That's true. But most of the time, in cold process, the temps drop fast enough that it hasn't been an issue for us. Even when we make shave soaps and the stearic has to be so hot to get liquid. 😁

[@knightmare1015]

That's awesome to hear. Most of what I want to try is around 130 degrees or better give or take a little.

[@jamesfeeney52]

I use ice for 80% of my water weight and water for the remaining 20% - gets the lye temp right to 100 degrees

[@unclejonssoap]

The smell of making plain soap is non existent. If you add fragrance it can be strong but at least it's pleasant. No explosions...lol. You should keep watching soap making videos though and learn how to create simple recipes first before you try it. Good luck!

[@unclejonssoap]

No need for ice in your lye mix either. Just mix the lye and water and once it clears up mix with your oils. There are some fumes from mixing the lye at first but no smell. Just keep your face away from the container where you mix the lye with water. The fines go away within a few minutes or less.

[@silverfox401]

Great advice! !! Like the old saying keep it simple S!!!!!!!!

[@cecilleebrown1439]

Thanks for the video. I love your soaps.

[@unclejonssoap]

Thanks!

[@Music-Heals-l7f]

Thank you, I needed to see this. I’ve been planning to soap for weeks now, but it all was so overwhelming.

[@nowexit]

If you're making a plain or single toned soap with essential oils then temp is not so important but the moment you add a fragrance oil with multiple colours with a design temp is very important. If in doubt always soap at room temp.

[@unclejonssoap]

I don't find those things to be that big a factor with only a couple fragrance exceptions...lol. But the main point is that too many people get so wrapped up in the exact temps that they lose something in the process. Check temps all you want.. just don't get so caught up and legalistic about it. (Not you by the way..lol.. just in general) 😁 There are some out there who will kick you right in the teeth if you date say or price anything they've been saying to be less than 100% accurate. I think it's because some soapers want you to think they're doing something you can't. And I think everyone can do this. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@poonamabbi7448]

That is another thing I need to ask before I do my FIRST EVER CP soap... encouraged by YOU & other youtubers. Are therer separate fragrance oils that need to be used in soap or the ones I use regularly in my bath bombs & creams & lip balms etc. will work? Thanks Uncle Jon

[@stevenstivers7403]

See I find just the opposite. Maybe it’s my recipe. I always soap hotter. Any time Ive soaped closer to 100 I have major time issues. If I go hotter like normal I have so much more time to work.

[@lisajosskixass]

​@@stevenstivers7403same here, making soap with tallow now and I have to soap much hotter that I was with coconut and Shea. They say the hotter you soap the faster it sets up but I have not found that, it's super fast if I let it go below 100.

[@truemetaljesus]

6:54 mind blown lol my grandma had unused dusty shell soaps behind the toilet

[@Sandifitzy23]

It’s funny you talk about how you don’t care about temperature and you pick up the gun!! Lol .. love your videos. 👍

[@unclejonssoap]

Lol.. that was really just to show the temperature difference 😂 Most days I only used the gun to do balms and stuff where I need to get the temps down enough to add fragrance 😁

[@kimberlywaterburydewittdew7542]

I think the heat gun was just to show us , exactly what he meant by temp, not that he uses it always ;) 💕

[@what_the_fff]

Amazing!!!! Thank you for this!!

[@m.morris3899]

Can you make a video on seasoning a cast iron pan using your product

[@unclejonssoap]

Sure! I've been meaning to do it and just haven't taken the time yet. Hopefully very soon. Keep an eye on the channel and hopefully I can get my act together 😁

[@twistedknotz5485]

Yeah it’s funny how uptight people get about temperature. I’ve watched people’s channels who are very finicky and make it seem super complicated and intimidating. From what I’ve seen, as long as you know why it’s good to do it a certain way you’re usually fine doing it your own way lol. I watch another soaper who soaps at room temp. Another who uses something called heat transfer to use the lye water to melt the solid oils then adds the liquid oils to it. There’s lots of different ways so your videos are nice it reminds people to breathe 🤣

[@SoapyOaksFarm]

Howdy Jon, I tend to let mine get to room temperature, but generally just to keep trace light, it also depends on type of fragrance I am using and type of oils I am using. It's great how forgiving soap making can be isn't it? Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@unclejonssoap]

Yep. That's the beauty of this hobby / business..lol. It is very forgiving. Thanks for watching!

[@sariaedwards4349]

Uncle Jon great video

[@mssshep]

Great information

[@kbgorney]

I think you are amazing!

[@abefrohman1759]

Thanks for sharing.

[@72PSI]

Thank you

[@cleothapeter909]

Nice

[@dedehodo8890]

Thanks for the video. Do you have a video regarding insulating soap and when you should do so?

[@unclejonssoap]

I touch on the subject a little in at least one video. I'm not a big fan of insulating. But, I'm also a little lazy..lol. Anything with high sugar content or using milk I wouldn't insulate at all because it might puff up out of the mold and make a mess. You'll have to experiment with it honestly with a cover over the mold and a towel or blanket. And really this is only to force gel phase. The soap will cure well either way.

[@dedehodo8890]

Uncle Jon's DIY and Outdoor Thank you 😊

[@noonaltijany6558]

In Jordan a soaper developed soap mixture without lye

[@unclejonssoap]

Actually..he is using lye. Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is the same thing as lye.

[@kimberlywaterburydewittdew7542]

Indeed Uncle Jon

[@billh4633]

What about cooler lye mixture into hotter oil mixture. Lye at 100 degrees oil at 150 degrees...ish

[@KAstarGod]

Hi, thank for your videos. I made my 50/50 ly solution and put it in a safe container. I just touch it and it's hard. How do I reheat it so I can use it please?

[@ion_q]

I wouldn't recommend balancing my lye water on 1hand either! 🤣

[@unclejonssoap]

Lol

[@Diamond18116]

I am nervous not enough space for me to work it out,, just 1 room 13 feet x 10 feet hope I can work it out

[@unclejonssoap]

That should be good for a while when starting out. I started in a smaller shared space and did well for a couple years 😁

[@ezfurniture6758]

hello uncle jon, i have problem with using fragnance, it accelerate the mixing a lot so i cant pour it into mold, do you have any tips?

[@unclejonssoap]

That's a tough one. What brand fragrance and what scent? It could be the fragrance itself is a bit too altered. It could also be the type of fragrance. Or... Maybe the water amount needs to be increased. Hard telling without having the recipe and the fragrance brand, etc... Feel free to give me that I for and I'll see if I can shed any light. Thanks!

[@ezfurniture6758]

@@unclejonssoap i use greentea fragrance 2%, im working with coconut oil, olive oil, rice bran and castor oil, 37% lye concentration and 2% citric acid. Thanks for replying 🙏

[@enigma___]

I usually mix around 80 degrees because the lye water is cool because I freeze the water before making lye water. It comes to trace so dang fast. Would warmer oils and lye mix permit it to slow down on reaching trace fast? (I do understand about the fragrance oil acceleration and that's added VERY last until I know how each fragrance reacts)

[@unclejonssoap]

It's hard telling. I've had both cold and hot recipes trace too fast before. But, it wouldn't hurt to make the oils warmer and see if that makes a difference.

[@halseyballistic]

Outstanding job. Ohhhh, I made $5000 for the small clip of that song playing in the background under my copyright of ownership. Thanks for that, Haha kidding of course.

[@unclejonssoap]

🤣

[@jasmineprins6743]

I want to know when you are finish with mixing it do you have to put the soap in oven if not can i put it in my rubber moulds and maust I put it in a dark cool place or just put something over and it 6harden by itself. Question 2 can someone or you sir you really describe everything nice can you PLEASE help with calculating the oz to grams for us in south Africa. You have shops that sells it but here it is difficult to even order online wait for2 to 3 weeks and through some online shopping you dont sometimes get the right items it's a process to send it back.

[@deepviolence8082]

I have a question im having an issue with my soap as soonest i add the fragance it gets pretty hard It only gives me time to pour i to the mold but not to add the color.. so i wonder if is a temperature problem or the fragrance

[@gnomebeard407]

Sorry to go off topic but have you ever made Pomade? In particular unorthodox water-based clay pomade. I am going crazy trying to get my formula correct. The inclusion of oil‘s, butters is clays waxes in water is quite intimidating. It’s exactly like making lotion except you’re adding clay and wax for hold. Not sure if thatEver crossed your mind to make.

[@unclejonssoap]

I've been toying with that myself..lol. I've done oils and beeswax with Shea butter. But still haven't got that water and clay base down yet..lol

[@terrinewman5954]

uncle jon, where is a good place to buy the lye to make the the soap?

[@unclejonssoap]

If you're in the US, you can get 100% lye at Ace hardware stores. Online, I like essential depot.

[@terrinewman5954]

@@unclejonssoapthanks for the reply!

[@watergirl0077]

Awesome! Love your no silly business approach😊. If I were to add 2 oz of fragrance that was in jojoba oil, should that be put in the lye calculator as a percentage of oil? Thanks! Love your channel❤️

[@unclejonssoap]

Just the jojoba oil should be added. The fragrance has it's own spot on the calculator. Just curious.. why do you add the fragrance to jojoba then add it? Are you doing hot process or cold? If you're doing cold, you might as well just add all the base oils at the beginning. The fragrance can be added at any time.

[@watergirl0077]

It’s frankincense infused into jojoba oil in a little 1oz bottle that I have had for awhile and want to use for something. It’s the way it came. I thought it would be nice in soap. I’m trying a CP recipe👍🏻 I wasn’t sure if that would be considered the ‘fragrance’ part or if since it’s an infused oil, it should be in the oil percentage. Thanks for the super fast reply!😄

[@unclejonssoap]

Hmm... Then I might just leave it as the fragrance

[@watergirl0077]

Yeah, I’ll do that. I don’t mind if it’s a bit more superfatted because of it. We shall see. I love science experiments, lol

[@peepla7]

For certain swirls....I soap cool so it can't set up while I'm working.

[@unclejonssoap]

While soaping cooler, don't always assume that it "can't" set up while you're working. There are some fragrances that will force a hard trace almost immediately..lol. But you're right that generally speaking it helps a lot to work with cooler temps when you need more time.

[@peepla7]

Uncle Jon's oh I know...I have a list of fo that o won't use except in hp and mp....and I do test batches. Like later...I'll be doing the teardrop challenge....using lard, canola, olive,...cuz it moves slow and slightly warm so the lard doesn't do the cloudy....and a scent with no known issues. But I'm starting with lye water that's completely cooled.

[@charliestone8323]

Hey Jon, howdy from Texas. Was looking to get into soap making. You have a basic cold prep recipe using lard and 100% lye drain cleaner? don't know what ratios are safe but your vid made me more confident about curing times. Was looking to do this to save money because times are tough. I'm washing clothes out of 5 gallon buckets and baking soda for example.

[@unclejonssoap]

Understood. Sometimes you just gotta figure things out. So for that soap recipe, you'll need to go to soapcalc.com to use the lye calculator. If I get a chance tomorrow I'll see if I can plug in the materials and give you a ratio. But learning the lye calculator will be beneficial for you in the long run.

[@charliestone8323]

Thanks! Using Potassium Hydroxide the ratio of water to lye is roughly 2-1 using the basic 38% of water to oil ratio which is a pound to start with. Nice! Ends up about 6 ounces of water and 3 oz of KOH Now if i could find a way to measure the potassium hydroxide levels after processing hardwood ash. Gotta test that. thanks ALOT! Gotta kill a hog and test the homemade lye theory after i make a few store bought ingredient batches.... Thanks man, means alot.

[@unclejonssoap]

Recipe Totals Total Water Weight6.08 ounces172.4 g Total KOH Weight3.34 ounces at 90% purity94.8 g Total Oil Weight16 ounces453.6 g Fragrance Oil Weight0.48 ounces13.6 g Total Batch Weight25.9 ounces734.4 g Superfat5% Lye Concentration35.48% Water : Lye Ratio1.818 : 1 Saturated : Unsaturated42 : 58

[@unclejonssoap]

This is what the calculator shows. Hope that helps. Just keep in mind this soap is going to be softer than you might be used to. Back in the day, they would sometimes use salt to help harden the bars some. But there will be some experimentation involved. Have fun!

[@jimmcdougall3750]

Hi Jon do you do soap on a rope , if so can you show use how you do it thanks Jim

[@BushImports]

Can I use oil/grease saved out of making chili if it is spicy to make soap, will the saponification kill the spice heat? Thanks man.

[@noonaltijany6558]

Thank u anyway

[@deirdremoniquemellaninncom8729]

Is it ok to let the lye sit overnight. I saw Royalty soaps does this and soaps her lye at 76 degrees. What happens if the lye cools to this temp?

[@unclejonssoap]

As far as I know a day or so doesn't hurt anything. Cold lye will work just as well. It might even give you some extra time if you want to do some fancy design or swirls. The only concern i ever have with letting it sit too long is the possibility of either water evaporation or the lye becoming less effective over long periods like bleach tends to do in water. But just over night should be fine. Hope that helps!

[@deirdremoniquemellaninncom8729]

Yes. It worked just fine!!! Thanks so much. Love your channel!!!

[@kimberlywaterburydewittdew7542]

Absolutely! All depends on what you want to do with your soaps like colors , swirls, piping, and of course the fragrances!!!! 😉💕

[@stevenstivers7403]

I have let lye sit for days. No issues whatsoever. I attribute it to just being a water discount if any evaporation happens.

[@rosebest6992]

Kimberly Waterbury Dewitt The

[@duttasumon5864]

Hi dear sir ... i want to know iff i take 1 liter coconut oil then what will be percentage off lye and alovera ..

[@unclejonssoap]

Hey there! So, for alovera, I would use approximately 60 ml. As for the lye concentration, you would need to check with a lye calculator to make sure you get it exactly the way you want it. One of the easiest to is is www.soapcalc.net. The best thing you can do is to learn the calculator. You will need this a lot once you begin making soap. Also, you will need to weigh your coconut oil as well as most of the other ingredients like water and lye. The alovera is fine if you don't add too much to make the soap sticky. I hope this helps.

[@skully3.0peice32]

Hi Jon, awesome tutorial!! can I add sodium lactate and titanium dioxide to the hot lye without a problem or should I add to the warm oils?

[@unclejonssoap]

You should be able to add them to the lye water. I usually add titanium dioxide to my oils but I think your good either way.

[@skully3.0peice32]

@@unclejonssoap Thank you for your quick and helpful reply. It helps me a lot as a newbie.

[@carolcrisp5568]

Does the temperature of lye vs oil temp matter in soap recipes? I've been making 100% coconut oil soap, trying to get both to 100-110 degrees. Which recipes really matter for temp?

[@donivers9454]

thanks but how much of the oils are with in it thanks

[@unclejonssoap]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Are you asking for the recipe? This video is more about temperatures that people choose to use when they soap 😁

[@anonalone]

Just wonder a little bit, How about increase temperature each lye and oil solution in a container with closed lid and wait until it get cool? I feel so nuisance with the temperature preparation and I think this idea may be worked. I will heat them through boiling water.I will use a pot which bigger than container a bit.Then bring each container to pot, adding some water to the pot that don't higher than my solution container. After that, heat the pot.When the water in the pot is hot, the temperature will transfer to my closed lid container. Heat it until I desire, and then remove the solution container from the pot but don't open it yet. Wait until it totally cool and continue to make soap.

[@unclejonssoap]

I think that's too complicated for me..lol. I just mix the lye and let it cool a little while melting my oils. Then just make the batch. It's easy and quick this way. I also don't have much room for storing things for long.

[@mimik2081]

Can I use regular thermometer ( i one use for body) to check the temperature in soap making???

[@unclejonssoap]

I wouldn't. I don't think they're as reliable for this type of work. But, you can use an inexpensive candy thermometer and that should work.

[@mimik2081]

Thank you so much.

[@jimmcdougall3750]

Hi Jon I have just tried to make so soap, I put milk in with the oils, but it looked like it spilt. I poured the liquids out and then put solid in my mould. Have I done the right thing.

[@unclejonssoap]

It might end up ok but I'm not sure. You really can't add milk to the oils. You should freeze it into cubes and the use it to replace the water used to dissolve the lye. The Frozen milk will melt with the lye but scorch and separate less. It'll still stink for a bit until cured but it makes a good soap.

[@jimmcdougall3750]

@@unclejonssoap Thank You Jon i will have to try using milk instead of water for the Lye.

[@EAAL1988]

My soap is getting way too hard fast! As soon as I mix the oils and the lye . . Can it be the essential oils? I’m using vanilla an sandalwood. Any help would be awesome 🙏🏻

[@TheAmitkhandekar]

Sir, I have a question , during rainy season, even after 1 month of cure time my soap is attracting moisture from air, I can see small drops of moisture on the surface. The soap is hard and mild. I have tested the water drops on soap it's not lye. What should I do so that soap doesn't attract moisture from air ?? Is it common ?? I used coconut oil rice Bran oil Castor oil Stearic acid along with common salt, sugar syrup.

[@unclejonssoap]

Natural soaps tend to draw some moisture to themaelves naturally. After a while it should be less. I wonder if the added sugar syrup might be the issue? I live in a moderately humid climate certain times of year and it can be worse at those times. Its probably going to mean some experimentation to find out whats best for your climate. Sorry i couldn't help more.

[@noonaltijany6558]

I need ur help, will u pls make videos on translucent soap base. In India, they make it cold process. In Europe and US, it is very long exhausted process. Pls advise, thanks in advance

[@unclejonssoap]

Sorry. I'm not sure I understand. The only translucent soap bases I've seen are the melt and pour soap bases that are factory made for people that don't want to start from scratch and mess with lye. Is that what you mean? Otherwise, there are only a couple ways to make soap. Cold process, hot process, oven hot process, etc.. they all involve mixing oils, water, and lye. Let me know and I'll see if I can help.

[@beadladee]

You have to use grain alcohol and glycerin, I think it’s glycerin.

[@amandap6938]

I need help, I just made a batch of soap with coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, castor oil , and used a fragrance oil . Very new at this, put in mold and has been about 30 minutes and there is a layer of oil on top that seperated . It got thick really quick when i was mixing it , is it saveable, do i leave it or take it out and stick blend it again. I either mixed it to hot, or it was cheap fragrance??

[@unclejonssoap]

Sorry for the delay. It sounds like it should have been mixed longer.

[@amandap6938]

@@unclejonssoap thank you for responding ! I hot processed it !

[@barbra429]

Can you please tell me what thermometer you are using

[@unclejonssoap]

ETEKCITY brand from Amazon. They have them in several price ranges. This, I think was about $29. Been working great!

[@barbra429]

@@unclejonssoap thank you so much for the quick response

[@unclejonssoap]

You're very welcome! Merry Christmas!

[@Suzismart]

I'm new... I thought it had to be within 10 degrees....

[@unclejonssoap]

Nope. It's a baseline that is a good starting point but the temps really don't have to be that close. 😁

[@Suzismart]

@@unclejonssoap That's pretty incredible. Does doing it thos way speed up the batch?

[@unclejonssoap]

Not really. I can do things pretty quickly since I've been doing it so long. But I've always gone by feel for each batch..lol

[@Suzismart]

@@unclejonssoap That's awesome. Thank you for the info.

[@TheAmitkhandekar]

What about the temperature for the process which involves complex design having multiple colour ??

[@unclejonssoap]

I find that temperature doesn't make a huge difference in many cases. Or, at least not as much as fragrance for example. But, either way, you can still go by feel. Most say that cooler temps help extend working time. So, you can wait until the lye water goes to room temperature and the oils are just warm enough to be liquid.

[@TheAmitkhandekar]

@@unclejonssoap thanks for your reply. I tried doing it at room temperature, it provide me enough time to design my soap. But I am searching some more ways to get more time. Though I do use Stearic acid 0.5 % and common salt so as to get the bar, hard soon. I do use rice bran coconut and castor oil.

[@magdalenaherrington8839]

Do you cover your soap for 24-48 hours after you pour? I've heard that advice a lot. Also, I noticed your batter was way thinner than most soapers I've seen. I would love more insight into your technique

[@unclejonssoap]

Nope. I don't try to force a gel with my soaps. I could but it's not really important. Also, you'll need to be careful with certain soaps when insulating because they could get too hot and volcano it off the mold after being poured. I like to pour a little early when I can. Some fragrances make that impossible and the batter traces really fast. But the ones that behave allow me to put when the batter is still very liquid which is so much nicer.

[@magdalenaherrington8839]

@@unclejonssoap thank you so much for your response

[@sacquoyia]

Thanks so much because these people out here are making soap making ridiculous and complicated and like you said they want you to think they are doing something you can’t do I can’t stand people like that I have a question about covering the soap with cardboard and towels is that necessary?

[@unclejonssoap]

It's not necessary at all. If you want the whole batch to go to gel, then I would cover and insulate it. I don't worry about that any more. It just never seems to make the soap any better...lol. or, if you have any flies hanging around.. they seem to fly into the curing soap when you're not looking. That's the only reason I would cover it. Hope that helps 😁

[@sacquoyia]

😂 ok thanks so much the lady that I got the recipe from was making it such a big deal to cover it with cardboard and towels so the soap stays warm in the molds I’ve also watched bramble Berry videos and that lady really makes things complicated the soap queen from bramble Berry makes it more of a scary experience for us beginners

[@unclejonssoap]

Agreed.. they tend to create a lot of drama around soap making 😂

[@sacquoyia]

And what does go gel mean???

[@unclejonssoap]

When you look at your soap as it sets after pouring, you'll notice the soap go through some changes over several hours where it starts going opaque starting at the center and working it's way out. Some people think the soap is better if you insulate it and force it to go all the way to the edges. I'm not sold. I just let the soap do what it wants to do. 😁

[@johannebelanger882]

It's same for goat milk raw?

[@unclejonssoap]

Yep! I always add some water as well. That and the frozen milk should keep the sugars from scorching.

[@barbra429]

What thermometer are you using please?

[@barbra429]

Oops! I asked this question already and you answered me.

[@markfung5654]

People over think and over complicate soap making

[@alexciagayle8287]

For cold process soap do my oils have to be the same temperature as the lye?

[@unclejonssoap]

Not really. Some of it depends on what fragrance or essential oils you're using.

[@alexciagayle8287]

not going to be any essentials oils or fragrances

[@noonaltijany6558]

I'be sending u the link of the Indian guy who said he made it

[@randyshaves7956]

Did you say cold??? LOL

[@unclejonssoap]

😂

[@monicacovarrubias1364]

I started to soap and it's been an epic fail...lol, I watched about 20 videos of hot processing soap, so I tried it. The soap is very soft and it crumbles. So then I said okay maybe do cold process instead. So I did, the soap never hardened hahahahahahah. Any advice?

[@unclejonssoap]

I would have to see your recipe honestly. Maybe I can steer you right.

[@monicacovarrubias1364]

@@unclejonssoap really? You would do that? Wow...

[@peepla7]

Wear gloves.

[@unclejonssoap]

Gives get in the way and can make chemical Burns worse if the soap gets inside the glove. The lye in soap is mold enough that if I get it in my hand I just go to the sink and rinse with water 😁

[@r.thomassen6285]

I did once put my finger in the lye water to check the temperature (my first time soaping). Not clever. But I did not get any lye burns either. Just rinsed it off quickly. Lye when mixed in well with the oils, are not that burning. Burning, yes, but not very dangerous if rinsed off in relative short time. So hands are not the worst, but the eyes. Eye protection is THE most ever important thing. Gloves, well, I prefer to wear them, but if they get in the way, I take them off. I use bare arms, so that I can rinse off quickly. And my arms sometimes get a drop here and there from splatting with the stickblender. And that can feel like mosquito bites.

[@peepla7]

R. Thomassen my very first soap.... I had taken the goggles off.... splashed raw soap in my eye...and then had to put vinegar in my eye. Safety first. may be inconvenient but important.

[@unclejonssoap]

By the way.. you don't need vinegar for lye that splashes on you. It doesn't neutralize the lye any better than just plain water. I know many say it but I read an article from a chemist who wrote all about it. And I've tried it myself. 😁