Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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BahamaMama
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Soap!During the spectacularly wet Monday that was the Bank Holiday here I made soap! Following Sally's receipe article and so far so good - I was very suprised at how hot it got after it was poured into the moulds. I used old pringles and hob nob tubes and I hope to get nice round disks.
Here are my questions.......
I will need to cut it up when it comes out the mould, how is the best way to do this so it does not crumble and flake? Cheese wire, smooth bladed knife, serrated knife?
When is best to cut it up - immediately after it comes out the mould or after it has cured a bit?
I added finely ground oatmeal and fresh rosemary to the smaller batch - does that affect the curing/setting time?
It was really exciting and I keep popping into the bathroom to peer into the tubes  I can't wait to have a wash!
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sally_in_wales
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Cut it up as soon as its unmoulded, anything really sharp will do, knife or cheesewire both good.
Well done, its great fun isnt it!
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James
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Re: Soap! | BahamaMama wrote: | | I used old pringles and hob nob tubes and I hope to get nice round disks. |
thats a very good idea! we use a "tray bake" baking tray, but I like the idea of round soap...
| BahamaMama wrote: | | I will need to cut it up when it comes out the mould, how is the best way to do this so it does not crumble and flake? Cheese wire, smooth bladed knife, serrated knife? When is best to cut it up - immediately after it comes out the mould or after it has cured a bit? |
We cut ours after a couple of days. At this point, it's the texture of firm fudge and cuts easily with a sharp knife. We then wrap the pieces indevidually to mature for 6-8 weeks
| BahamaMama wrote: | | I added finely ground oatmeal and fresh rosemary to the smaller batch - does that affect the curing/setting time? |
No it has no effect on the cure/set, but dont expect the additives to maintain their natural colour. I think rosemary goes a funny dark brownish colour. I've not used oatmeal, so cant say on that one.
| BahamaMama wrote: | | It was really exciting and I keep popping into the bathroom to peer into the tubes I can't wait to have a wash! |
Its much, much nicer on your skin than bought soap. I love it. Once you start using homemade soap, you just dont go back to the bought stuff.
I love making soap- it brings out the chemist, the cook and the child in me.
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BahamaMama
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Thanks Sally - I have to wait until tomorrow, it is like waiting for Christmas, I am desperate to see how it turns out.
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BahamaMama
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BahamaMama
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The soap is out of its moulds and looks really good, the hobnob mould worked much better than the pringles tube, it was smaller and gave a much smoother finish on the outside. The pringles batch was quite a lot bigger and ended up with a finish like the craters on the surface of the moon but I am still chuffed to bits.
More questions...
How long does it keep? Is it better used young or aged for a while?
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sally_in_wales
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Should keep years. It ideally needs a couple of weeks to harden up before you use it, but once you are staisfied its ready, just store the spares somewhere dry and it will stay good
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BahamaMama
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Thanks for all the advice and especially the original receipe, I am really looking forward to experimenting with different perfumes and ingredients.
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