Soapy question

[morgaina]

I was given a batch of homemade soap. A lovely lavendar variety. The problem was that they were in ugly, lumpy shapes. So being a geek I wanted to re-shape them. I melted the soap down and cast it in molds. First batch came out well. I remelted the soap & cast the second batch but even after a long wait are still bottom-of-the-soap-dish gooey. Any ideas on how to get the rest of the soap to set up?

Comments

[monkeybung.livejournal.com]

I've never had any sucess with this. When I first started making soap, I used to make a big batch and then try and re-melt smaller batches out of that to scent different flavors. But I had a hard time getting the soap to liquify. It's really frustrating, sorry I can't help.

Now I just do it all in big, one flavor batches and it works great!!

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

I was afraid of that. The heating must change the bonding or something.
So I've got lots of clean goop now. Thanks for writing me anyway.
What do you use for a mold to cast the soap in the first time?
I'm looking forward to seeing you & everyone you later this week :-) My jeep is packed ready to go.

[jeanderson.livejournal.com]

You know, you could put the goop in a pretty dish and use it with a scrubby or a face cloth. I think it will still work as well, regardless of the consistancy.

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

And I just may do that.
But my crass commercial self was going to put the soap into my ceramic soap dishes for display.
I could still put the soapy goop in them and show how they don't leak ;-).

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

if its not glycerin soap you really cant melt it. what made it solid is a chemical reaction and if you add heat again, you've changed it.

I'd be sure and test the pH before you used it even...I'm not sure you havent de-saponified...(you may be fine, but I dont know that for sure and would hate for you to burn yourself!)

next time, you can take lumpy bits and shape them with a potato peeler or paring knife. take the shavings and add a bit of water to make liquid soap :)

mmm. homemade soap :)

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I thought there was a chemical change going on. Am disappointed, but not a real big deal. I just won't do that again.

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Can I just drop a bit in some vinegar, or will I have to get some pH papers?