SoapCalc Tutorial - How To Use a Lye Calculator

[@KAstarGod]

I watched a lot of videos on lye and didn't think this video would add anything. I was wrong. Thank you for this video, I learned so much here. I think you have one of the best channels.

[@muddymintsoap]

Yes! Love hearing this! So happy you found it valuable. :)

[@diydrivenGA]

Glad the algorithm brought me to your channel. Exactly what I was looking for

[@muddymintsoap]

Glad you're here and thanks for watching! :)

[@nikkirolando7860]

This video is so helpful! I’ve been using soap calc for about five yrs now and have learned new things along the way. Something you may or may not know is you can double click on the oil choices instead of using the “add” button to add them to your recipe list 😊

[@muddymintsoap]

Oooo! Great tip! I did not know that! Thanks for watching. :)

[@tassiegirl1991]

Simi. This was such a good session, i use soap calc and have done for 4 years but i have still learnt a few things. Your teaching style is excellent you give clear detail and adequate time for the viewer to grasp the information. I speak as a retired nurse educator. So thank you very much. I look forward to your next video session.

[@muddymintsoap]

I love hearing that! Thank you! Thanks for watching and see you next time. ;)

[@blkbrn1952]

This is by far the best explanation of how to use SoapCalc. Thank you!

[@muddymintsoap]

Wow! I appreciate that. ❤️ Thanks for stopping in!

[@jojojohnson800]

agreed!

[@scottcrable4966]

I just got your book ... what a great resource! I appreciate your clear concise teaching style. Looking forward to part 2. - Carolyn

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! So happy you're enjoying the book and thanks for watching our channel! :)

[@dianekulback2430]

So grateful that you are sharing your knowledge and expertise. My family and I own a lavender farm in Parker CO and are beginning our soap making journey now. You are an excellent educator and so happy you're so successful. Right here in Colorado! Terrific! Will be spending a lot of time watching your videos and just purchased your book. Can hardly was to get it. Thank you!

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi from Longmont! I love meeting Colorado makers, especially ones with lavender farms! :) Sounds so beautiful. Thank you for watching and for your kind comment. I hope you love my book!

[@SozoHomestead]

I appreciate this video. You teach so plain and simple. You are amazing 🤩

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful. 😊

[@zvonkafacija2757]

Simi, congratulations. I have never heard such a good explanation of soap calc on any soapmaking channel. I've been using it for 6 years, but I still learned something new. Thank you, thank you 🥰🥰🥰

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you so much! I’m so happy you found some nuggets in here. We actually just recorded a part two of this video, which should come out on Tuesday! 😊

[@zvonkafacija2757]

@@muddymintsoap Great. I'm looking forward to it. See you on Tuesday. 🥰

[@hazeharrisoniii8254]

You did an outstanding job of explaining this. It really helped me understand that calculator so much better and gave me a firm understanding of lye water ratio's and solution. That was the main part I was stuck on. I have read books and saw that most recommend the 2:1 solution inless someone is doing a water discount method for faster curing. I am subscribed and look forward to future videos.. My one question to add to your pile... What is the process for pricing soap..

[@muddymintsoap]

I'm so happy to hear this! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for subscribing! Pricing soap is kind of complex and I'm of the opinion that you should price competitively when you're first starting out (which many would disagree with). Once you have more of a reputation and reviews (for example, on Etsy), then people are willing to pay more. We have a free spreadsheet on our website to help you figure out the base price of your oils and then you can add the remainder of your ingredients. We'll do a very thorough pricing video in the future, but for now, know your bar cost, know the price of your competition, take into account whether you are doing wholesale or not, and price accordingly. And of course, make sure you're making a profit! :)

[@debraallison2765]

This was fantastic, I did not want you to stop. I will be on the lookout for your other informational videos. Thank you for putting together this wonderful video, I have learned so much.

[@muddymintsoap]

Oh wow! Thank you! This is very encouraging and I really appreciate it, because it’ll help motivate me to do part 2! 😊

[@lavediaedwards7289]

Thank you for making this video. It is super helpful and helped me to not be intimidated by SoapCalc.

[@muddymintsoap]

You’re welcome! I’m so happy you found it helpful❣️

[@TrudyTutti-jm5wj]

Thank you for this teaching video Simi! You are a natural at teaching! I have a much better understanding of soapcalc and re-formulating recipes now. And after reading your book, it gave me the confidence to make the 50/50 Lye-water solution and I have made 4 batches so far! It has made the soap making process so much faster, and I feel it’s a safer method to use. I look forward to your next video!! Blessings!!🤎🪴

[@muddymintsoap]

Yay! I'm so happy to hear that you tried 50/50 lye-water solution! It does make everything easier, I think. And, thank you for the super-sweet comment. It means a lot and I'm glad you're enjoying our videos! :)

[@deniseoliver-stergiou7842]

I adore watching your videos. You make everything very easy to understand! I really like how you break things down into their simplest form and then build from there. That is one sign of a brilliant teacher! And that makes this teacher’s heart so happy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. 😊

[@muddymintsoap]

Aww, thank you!! That means a lot to me and I'm happy to hear that it's easy to understand. Thank you for your kind comment. :)

[@Arieh-Lael]

Thank you for sharing your time to explain this! This is the best instruction video I’ve seen on this! You did a thorough easy explanation… professional in my opinion!

[@muddymintsoap]

Aww, I really appreciate that! I'm glad my teaching style is working well for a lot of folks. That means so much to me! :)

[@gigiBo19]

Wow Simi, thank you so much for this detailed explanation of SoapCalc. You never disappoint! Stay blessed!!!

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@DouglasAdams-j4j]

Thanks for your help, I made my first batch today

[@muddymintsoap]

So fun!! I love hearing that! Glad you found our videos helpful. :)

[@DebbieZukowski]

Thank you for video! I always learn something new with your videos and the way you break things down makes so much sense to my brain. Great job!

[@muddymintsoap]

I'm glad we're on the same wavelength! :) Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@mikebanks166]

Thank you, Simi, for this excellent and highly educational video. I am learning so much watching it. I have watched it several times and perfecting my understanding. I found your comment about an ad blocker soooo useful. Thank you again.

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you, Mike! I really appreciate your comment and thanks for watching. :) I'm glad you found the video helpful and that you got an ad blocker! Happy soapin'!

[@sams79sam94]

Thank you simi for this amazing video. I hope you are feeling better after covid and your voice was clear. I hope it didn't hurt you from all the explanation. I wish you all health and wellness.

[@muddymintsoap]

I’m much better, thank you! And thanks for watching as well❣️

[@KathleenEdge]

Lye calculators scare me. Thank you for this! ❤

[@muddymintsoap]

I'm so happy it helped! :)

[@paml7500]

Thank you so much for this! So helpful

[@herfruitfulglow]

I absolutely love this video! Definitely one I will revisit very often. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! I'm so glad you found it valuable! :)

[@dianad7759]

What a great tutorial. Yes, I was scared of the soap calculator as I’m a newbie. Got your book but this is great! Thank you!

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! I’m happy you found it helpful. :)

[@luzdarynelson5644]

I just got your book! It's lovely, and I can't wait to try some of your wonderful recipes.

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you so much! I hope you love it. :)

[@sonakaraoghlanian9917]

Thanks for this great video Simi! Your content is always educational and helpful. I appreciate you sharing your expertise in soap making 😊

[@muddymintsoap]

So happy to hear that you found this helpful. Thanks for watching! :)

[@vernidabrown4237]

This was very informative. I learn something new every time I watch your videos and I love your book I've made several recipes ❤

[@muddymintsoap]

Yay! Glad to hear that! I'm also happy to hear that you're enjoying my book. :) Thanks for watching!

[@bonnielee3686]

Thank you! This was a great video. Loved how you walked through an actual experience. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful. ❤️

[@darlenedybas9706]

Thank you! Great video easy to understand ❤

[@muddymintsoap]

Happy you found it easy to follow! 😊

[@thedeubachs6280]

this video is chalk full of great information. Im learning so much. Thank you Simi

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you find it helpful. :)

[@Doggiedito]

Love how you talked about the ad blockers. Necessary:

[@muddymintsoap]

Thanks! I feel a little bad, as the ads is how soapcalc makes their money, but I just find them to be excessive. If there was just one ad at the top or along one side, it probably would be just fine. Sorry soapcalc!

[@Doggiedito]

@@muddymintsoap my computer got a virus by clicking on one of their ads. Luckily it was a really old lap top that needed to be replaced anyway.

[@muddymintsoap]

Oh no!!!

[@DesertLilyBloom]

amazing! so helpful

[@muddymintsoap]

So happy you found it helpful. Thanks! ❤️

[@lafamiliaintrovertidahappy4002]

Great video. Love it. Where’s your location, I wish you can do tours in your Lab so people like me can go and see in person the way you guys do your wonderful soaps 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi! We are in Longmont, CO, but we no longer have our larger production facility as we are now focused on education. :)

[@lafamiliaintrovertidahappy4002]

@@muddymintsoap OMG 😱 I missed so much 😭😭but now I’m glad I subscribed to your videos. You have the patient and the attitude to teach us the right way 👏👏👏🥰thank you 🙏🥰

[@muddymintsoap]

@@lafamiliaintrovertidahappy4002 Thanks for subscribing! :)

[@TeeW215]

Great video! I usually don’t calculate my fragrance in soap calc. I do it separately on a calculator due to individual fragrance limits. Brambleberry’s soap calculator calculates a little differently than Soap Calc’s I noticed myself. I did learn some different things with this…Thanks!

[@muddymintsoap]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, I don't use this for fragrance either, but if you're resizing a batch from a known amount, it is valuable to convert the fragrance amount as well. Glad you found the video helpful! :)

[@TeeW215]

@@muddymintsoap agreed 👍🏽

[@coconutluxenaturals]

Great video Simi, I am also enjoying your book ❤

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! ❤️

[@misheym9193]

So thankful you did this video❤🎉

[@muddymintsoap]

Glad to hear it! I hope you found it helpful. :)

[@Susansapothecary]

This was so helpful...thanks so much! Just a question. Can we round up or down on the oil amounts if the final numbers on the "ounces" section?

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi there! Yes, you can round up or down to get values that actually make sense to measure on your scale. I do that in the video when I recalculate the recipe for a new size mold. I also like to make the lye and water amounts exact because I'm a weirdo. Haha!

[@Susansapothecary]

@@muddymintsoap Thanks!

[@maried378]

As a newbie, this is super informative but also a lot to take in. I'm going to have to rewatch a few times. I do wonder though, how does adding essential oils to a recipe that is unscented change the calculations? Also does adding mica powders or dye change this?

[@muddymintsoap]

Yes, it is a lot! Totally understand. The best way to learn it is by entering the recipe yourself and go through the steps to see if it makes sense. As I mentioned, entering one of our recipes will be much easier, as I provide the superfat and water to lye ratio. Oils are the only thing that affects the lye amount, as those are what react with the lye. Anything else you add will increase the volume of soap made, but the lye amount remains the same. I hope this helps!

[@CathleenS-c7h]

If you did a 10% water discount that would be subtracted from the additional goats milk or the lye water solution?

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi! You'd take it off the goat milk, since the lye has to be mixed with equal parts water. This is why I use a 2:1 water to lye ratio, since the more goat milk (or other additional liquid), the merrier! If you wanted to have more goat milk in your soap, you would probably want to create your lye and goat milk mixture from scratch using goat milk ice cubes rather than using the milk in oils method. I hope this helps!

[@zvonkafacija2757]

Simi, although my question is not directly related to Soap Calc...but...what is your opinion on adding macerates ( plant extract) to soap? Whether it is worth it or not? I mean regarding the high pH soap and of course the temperature in the gel phase. Different soap makers have different answers, so I'm interested in your opinion. Thanks for the reply

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi there! Great question! We use a lot of plants in our soap, but mainly to impart color. For example, we use carrot juice for a nice yellow, indigo for blue, madder root for reddish pink, spirulina for green, etc. Personally, I save the infusions, such as calendula infused in olive oil, for topical applications like in balms, salves, and body butters. My feeling is that whatever properties those plant extracts add to the oils are more likely to be impactful when those oils are not saponified. In addition, they are more impactful in a leave-on product than in a wash-off product. I hope this answers your question!

[@zvonkafacija2757]

@@muddymintsoap Simi, thank you. I am satisfied with the answer as I can see that we share the same opinion. Thank you! ☺😍

[@AbyS444]

When you say super fat, what are we talking about? The first thing I thought of was hard butters such as shea butter.

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi there! Superfat is a term used in soapmaking to describe the additional amount of oil that is included in a bar that the lye does not react with. This means that it is free-floating oil in the bar (it is unsaponified). This is also sometimes called a Lye Discount. Basically, you need a certain amount of lye to turn your oils into soap. Once the lye reacts with all the oils, if there's any oil leftover, it won't react with anything and will remain as oil in your bar of soap. This is the superfat! I hope that helps.

[@AbyS444]

@@muddymintsoap yes, this makes so much more sense now! I also watched another one of your videos that touched on this.Thank you.

[@evew8532]

Can you please share your ad blocker with us? I hate all of those ads 😂

[@muddymintsoap]

Of course! I'm using the uBlock Origin Extension on Microsoft Edge.

[@evew8532]

@@muddymintsoap Thanks so much. 🙂

[@annreinbeau]

Lye calculators often vary. SAP values are an average, batches of fats or oils can vary. There's not much point trying to make recipes match exactly.

[@muddymintsoap]

Hi there! I get what you’re saying. You don’t have to make them match exactly, but I’m just explaining my process. Many people have asked me to share how I do things and this is exactly what I do! 😊

[@Carolyn-d5p]

Brill video

[@muddymintsoap]

Thank you! :)