Soapmaking 101

Lesson 7: Troubleshooting

Trouble before you unmold

Excess oil pooled on the top of the mold

This could signify a major problem as your soap may have separated after you poured it into the mold and the soap may contain large amounts of lye. You may not have stirred the soap constantly in the pot or your soap may have “caught cold” while in the mold. If the soap underneath the oil is very hard, this soap will have to be discarded as it is caustic. On the other hand, if the soap is very soft, your batch may yet be saved. You may have used too much oil in your recipe, or your recipe was made up of a large amount of oils which have a high percentage of unsaponifiables. Give this soap extra time to harden.

Soft, gooey, soap

You may have used too much oil in your recipe, or your recipe was made up of a large amount of oils which have a high percentage of unsaponifiables. While you should give this soap extra time to harden, it may never solidify enough for your to cut and use.

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