Bunny

I have them, but haven't used them yet. I have to wonder if most items that are that big should go in a flat rate...

It would be a matter of days. Please remember, that if you see mold or funk, it's way too late, it's been growing a long time. Personally I store everything I make that is unpreserved for personal use in the fridge.

Salt? Hmm.. In food maybe.. But it's used in combination with taking the moisture out of things, like salted fish, jerky, hams, etc.

I can sure see that. I appreciate you sharing your links with us!

It like turns to water! I can't believe you're never had one do this! WOW!

:bliss:

WOW!

Does it get thicker when you add fragrance?

Umm.. No. Not in any way shape or form for 95% of the fo's I've tried!

Lol.. When I try that, I get the consistancy I want, and the moment I add my scent it turns totally different..

UGH!

Kelly, here's is a very basic guide on preservatives (it is in the B&B FAQ at the top of the main page). Once you find one that looks like it may suit your needs, I would recommend going to the manufacturer's link and reading up on it (them) further.

http://www.candletech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21759

I like that it's local as well and i think a better chance it won't get lost in the mail or mixed up. I read about a kit somehwere not sure how affective it is:undecided

I used to do the at home test from Snowdrift farms first, that way I wouldn't be horribly embarrassed if my formula was totally off. If it passed the stick test, It then went to the school. The test from Snowdrift is NOT the be all end all, it doesn't give readings. You'll know if it's way off base or worth looking more into.

I believe last time I did the test it was 25 bucks candlebean.

Yup! I like talking to a person when I hand my "babies" over. LOL!

If you have a local college that has a microbiology department, give them a call. I do the poor man's challenge test. Get one tested right after use, then out of the same batch, use one for 6 months. Toss it in the car, toss it in the fridge, stick my fingers all in it. Let my kids use it..lol And get it tested again. Much easier on the pocketbook than a real challenge test. Just ask for an APC. There's a few labs you can send off to, but I can't find them in my bookmarks!

I thought your moment of weakness was the liquid soap? My gosh, you sure have loads of adventures!

CB... I've got ct.. And I can do these. I can knit on needles for about 20 minutes before I have to start shaking my wrists around, but can go for about 45 minutes on the loom. And 45 minutes on the loom gets a lot more done than 45 minutes on needles...lol

Oh Doris, I totally agree. That's for your personal use. I believe what we choose to use on ourselves is totally different than what we can or should sell. Many disagree and go completely preservative free in everything they sale, and that is their right to choose the way they want their business to go. Lots of arguments both ways.

http://healthandenergy.com/mold.htm

Everything you wanted to know about mold and more. It duscusses more molds that are inhaled, but read closely and you'll find what you need.

Kelly, if a product contains just oils and butters it shouldn't grow mold, as mold grows in water. Some choose to use it in their butter/oil products as the user may accidently introduce water to the product (wet fingers after a shower) to keep their customers safe.

And thanks Blaze, just another reason why I make my own stuff. Yuck. Even you say you didn't know it could hurt me unless I ate it, where is it going to go after it's on your lips? I know I lick my lips.

Wow.. I knit scarves. I can knit a lot of scarves. Did I mention I can knit scarves? Oh, and a baby blanket for my daughter. Lol. I really suck!

Just learning how to increase and decrease, so hopefully I'll be able to make something fun soon! Getting tired of scarves!

OMG yes.. It can make you go blind if it gets in your eyes.. And it's more than mold also, it's fungus and yeast.

((Bunny bows down to girlyracer))

I can knit purl, and regular. And purl, and regular. Give me a patter and I "gaurantee" I'll mess it up. (I'm serious..lol)

I love making socks on these! Am thinking about using the next size up though and felting the socks. Mmmm.. Custom fitted warm wool socks!

Most people who use a treatment pump think that a gel or lotion type base will come out of the pump. Getting it out of the treatment pump will work, but it'll be very messy for the end user. If you are set on a silicone base, I'd try a combo of cyclomethicone and dimethicone and get a much thicker viscosity than the straight cyclo.

I don't think mine is drying. But it's not as perfect as I would like it either. I just doesn't bubble well yet. I need to play with this some more! Hurry up and go back to work hubby!

I superfatted mine at 5%. I added excess lye so that I could make sure the soap would not be cloudy from superfatting, with the anticipation of adding more water during dilution and just boiling it out. It works very well.

I'm totally confused by this statement, as it seems to contradict itself. If you add excess lye it takes away the superfat, and without calculating it to 0, it very well may be lye heavy. I'm not understanding at all.

I can't figure out the straight loom for nothing! But can whip out some awesome hats now in about 2 hours..

Do not superfat! Ummmm.. Do really wait til the goop is translucent..

Do not expect it to be any other color than amber. It's gonna be amber..

Floggings!

I use 2 labels too.. Unless I can get one label to wrap all the way around the bottle/jar.