blacktieaffair Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Ok I know this is a dumb question but yall know Im new to this and I can assure you, I will have tons and tons of dumb questions before this is even remotely over ! How do yall melt your soap? Is there an easier way than the micro? Anyone use a presto or crock pot or anything like that ( no double boilers )Seriously, I am already sick of hearing that ding dang dinger go off on my micro every 10 seconds , figuratively AND literally ! Im afraid Im going to blow this thing up , or the door fall off or something, and its brand new. But this constant start/stop/open/close/start/stop every 20 seconds or so CAN'T be good for it.Yes dang it Im looking for a cheat ! Help !My micro, and my ears and sanity, thanks you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindanelson Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I use the microwave all the time for melting my soap. I set it for 2 minutes. Then stir. Do another minute. Been doing it this way for about 7 years now. The microwave is fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacktieaffair Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 Thanks Linda. I guess you learn stuff and new ways around it, the more you are into a new project huh? Everything I've read or seen, says to do it in 10 to 20 second bursts. I think I could deal with setting two pounds on like a minute or so to begin with and then work down from there, but that constant dinging was driving me insane at 3am! ( I've got my days and nights mixed up again! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceangazer1 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I use the microwave all the time for melting my soap. I set it for 2 minutes. Then stir. Do another minute. Been doing it this way for about 7 years now. The microwave is fine.Yep...wouldn't bother with any other way...10 yrs for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceangazer1 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Thanks Linda. I guess you learn stuff and new ways around it, the more you are into a new project huh? Everything I've read or seen, says to do it in 10 to 20 second bursts. I think I could deal with setting two pounds on like a minute or so to begin with and then work down from there, but that constant dinging was driving me insane at 3am! ( I've got my days and nights mixed up again! )Depending on how much your melting 10 - 20 seconds won't get you too far. Just watch and don't overheat or boil it. Start with minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindanelson Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Thanks Linda. I guess you learn stuff and new ways around it, the more you are into a new project huh?This is true. That's why we formulate and test. Tweak the recipe. Test some more. Finally a finished product that can be sold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacktieaffair Posted February 12, 2012 Author Share Posted February 12, 2012 Ya know, these "how to" books could freaking MENTION THAT !!! Omg I hear ding ding ding in my sleep LOL THANKS YALL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindanelson Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 That's why I like forums. You get different ways of doing the same thing. Find what works for you and go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitn Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I like using the microwave too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
periwinkle Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I just ordered my first m&p supplies last night. Is using the microwave preferrable to a double boiler? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksranch Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I use a double boiler - but only because I don't have a microwave in my shop. I do fine with it, however, I would have to think the microwave would be faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam W Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 I melt in a pour pot in a pan of water on the stove - do not like the microwave for melting soap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
periwinkle Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Ahhh... so it's just personal preference! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindanelson Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 It's your choice. I only do a pound or two at a time, so the microwave works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gourmetscents.info Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I've always used the Microwave... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacktieaffair Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 I don't mind the micro method now that I know I dont have to put it on 10 second intervals in the beginning of trying to melt 2 or more pounds ! That, was a SERIOUS pain in the ............. fill in the blank ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) I still use the micro. I was like you starting out thinking you can only do 20-30 second bursts. Took forever to melt my base that way! Now when I use the micro I go for 2 minutes and an aditional 1 minute until my base is completely melted. I melt 2 lbs at a time that way.However, for most of my melting I mostly use my rice cooker. Got mine at Walmart. Don't remember the price but I really needed it for the mass production I do. Once you start selling you really should consider a good soap melter. I'm already on my second rice cooker!! Edited February 13, 2012 by Candybee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbenimble Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I use the micro too. As I get more popular I will probably go with a presto pot or something similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlwaysWondering Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 jack, did you do a video when you made the kitchen soap with the pumice and coffee grounds? Did you have to do the layer thing like the oatmeal in order to get the pumice and grains evenly distributed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbenimble Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 jack, did you do a video when you made the kitchen soap with the pumice and coffee grounds? Did you have to do the layer thing like the oatmeal in order to get the pumice and grains evenly distributed?Yes, I layered the pumice but not the coffee grounds. I put them into the soap mixture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ange647 Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I use a crock pot. Love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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