tijuanadonna
8 posts
Sep 24, 2009
6:23 AM
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I'm a hot process soap maker supplying many wholesale outlets. I've been making hot process for 4 years without a problem. Last week my oven blew a burner. I replaced it, and since then I have not been able to make a good batch of soap (13 throwouts). It usually takes 30 min. at 180 to reach applesauce stage, but now it's taking 1 hr. When I take it out of the mold it is cured but the 7 lb 2 foot long loaf will break in two when I hold it at one end. The soap seems brittle and a bit flaky. I have used it, but it is not the same quality. I have replaced my blender, rechecked my scales , changed my lye batch, changed my oil, etc. The only thing I noticed, when I put the thermomoter in the oven, the oven temperature varies from 180 to 250! I am going into town to buy a new oven thermometer, and new pots--I use stainless steel ones but they have a bit of darkening in the bottom--could there be a layer of aluminum in stainless steel pots? Also I notice when I stir the lye and water initially, the bottom of the pot seems to have a layer of lye that needs consistant mixing, which I never had before. Any help would be appreciated--I've made 100's of batches and I am totally stumped! Thanks, Donna
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Betty Jane
69 posts
Sep 28, 2009
1:22 PM
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I do hot process as well. I have never had this problem. However one thing I do before adding the lye mixture is to strain it through a strainer lined with cheesecloth. I would suggest also that you contact your thermostat manufacturer and get them to replace it again. Not only are you wasting time and money with the soap, but turkey day may not be the same either.
Good Luck
Betty Jane
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www.goddessblendssoaps.com
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tijuanadonna
9 posts
Sep 30, 2009
3:16 AM
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Thank you for your suggestions Betty Jane. Finally traced the problem to my chemical company's new shipment of lye from China--contaminated with something--lye won't completely dissolve in water-has grainy undissolved things floating in it. Switched to Spanish lye and my soaps are coming out beautiful again.
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simonizer
154 posts
Sep 30, 2009
2:07 PM
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I tend to stay away from made in china garbage.They put anything they can for fillers in their products.I am anti china.
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