Speed Up Cold Process Cure Time
by Paul Poole
(Hayden, Idaho)
I've heard of a way to speed up the curing time of cold process soap making using the oven.
Do you know of this method? If so will it work on your Cold Process recipe's?
I love the way you do your recipe's and want to make use of them.
I am very new to this and I'll be using one of your recipes for my first batch. I've got to raise some cash this summer and hope to attend numerous craft fairs to sell my soap.
Thanks for your time......Paul
Answer:The method you are referring to is called the Cold Process Oven Process soap method. It involves placing the molded soap into the oven at about 150-170 degrees until the soap fully gels. All cold process soap recipes can be oven processed.
This method will speed up the time the soap gels at but I'm not so sure if it actually speeds up the cure time. It will likely make the soap harder faster but does it make the soap ready to use? I do not really know for sure.
Many people talk about how hot process and oven process soaps, when tested for pH after they are cooled show the soap as being at an acceptable pH level ( 7 - 10 ). I do not dispute this at all but I often wonder if this matters since my cold process soap consistently has measured at 8 the day after making it.
I have used my cold process soap the day after making it (can't help getting covered in soap when cutting the bars) and do find the soap a bit drying at that time.
I personally believe that soap takes at least 4 weeks to properly cure.
Sorry, probably not the answer you were looking for.
Cathy