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Stitching & Crafting Room:  GOAT MILK SOAP  |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 06:41:03 AM
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I have been making goat milk soap for a long time. I have read several books where goat milk soap is a white soap. Ok, here's my problem. My soap always turn to a rich camarel color. I have used frozen milk, to very cold milk and I always get the same color. I add my lye/milk solution when it reaches down to 95 degrees to my oils at the same temp as my lye/milk. Could anyone tell me what's up with my soap? Here is the recipe that I make, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of lye, 3/4 cup coconut oil, 3/4 cup palm oil, and then add scent after it traces.
Thanks,
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 08:46:02 AM
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Hi, Laura,
Like Bonne said, I think the only way to get it white is to use half water and half milk and then add the milk at trace. I've never done it this way, preferring my GMS to only have the goat milk in it. And mine ranges from a creamy beige to caramel, depending on how hot it gets when I add the lye. It is just the way the milk reacts with the lye. Good luck with your quest. Judy
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 09:45:55 AM
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Thanks gals. I guess I can just play around and see what happens.lol
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 11:54:33 AM
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Laura - I'm only beginning to experiment with goat's milk soap although I've made soap for over 3 years. Every goat's milk soap that I've seen has a creamy color to caramel color, never totally white. When you are making any kind of soap you need to weigh the ingredients instead of measuring them. And your recipe should be run through a lye calculator to determine the right portion of lye and liquid for the fats and oils that you are using. The experimental batches of goat's milk soap that I've done I've done my oils at 85 to 90 degrees.
Go to www.thesage.com - their lye calculator is really good for a simple recipe. But you will need to have the weights of your oil. If I can help in any other way just let me know. Talking about soap is one of my favorite things!
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Aug 31 2008 11:55:25 AM |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 3:38:52 PM
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Did any of you soap makers happen to see Martha Steward's episode on making goat milk soap?
Dr. Brent Ridge demonstrated the process with Martha's assist.
Brent has about 75 Saanen Sable and Nubian goats on his farm, and he uses milk from these goats to make natural soaps. His soap, called Beekman 1802, is handmade, unscented, and chemical-free. The soap uses the maximum possible percentage of pure goat milk, and the milk's unique high butterfat content ensures that Beekman 1802 soap is one of the most moisturizing bars available, while its chemical free recipe makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
The receipe and resources are available on the website. His soap looked off white and creamy.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 7:02:56 PM
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Sarita - I watched that show! That's what gave me the inspiration to try goat's milk soap again. I made a very small batch of his recipe and have it on the drying rack. It is a very creamy off-white. I will tell you that it traced fast! I used my stick blender and could hardly get it out of the bowl and into the mold. I had to spread it in! Nothing like they were doing on TV where they were pouring it in the molds! But I tried some today and it is such nice soap. I've never made soap with shortening but it sure feels nice.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 9:09:02 PM
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My daughter, Ang, and I are going to give it a try. Will the coconut oil that I can get at Walmart in the cooking isle work? I have just made soap from Lard and it has been awhile.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 11:22:21 PM
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Got to Martha's site and type in goat's milk soap. That's how I found it.
I weighed out my goat's milk, put it in a plastic freezer bag, and froze it flat. Then when I was ready to make the soap I broke up the milk into my plastic pitcher and slowly added the lye. Add it a little bit at a time, then stir, then add more. It will heat up and melt the goat's milk. I've heard of adding it at trace. I've not done much goat's milk soap but I bet that would work. I know the main thing you want to do is keep the sugar in the milk from scorching.
Yes, the coconut oil at Walmart will work just fine.
I tried a bar of what I made in the bath tub tonight - it was great!! Lots of creamy lather. I didn't scent mine as I didn't want to waste the fragrance if the batch didn't turn out.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Aug 31 2008 11:25:19 PM |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2008 : 05:21:32 AM
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I knew you gals would help me. Thanks a bunchies. I'm going to go to Martha's web site and get that recipe. I also use a stick blender with mine. I didn't know that the coconut oil in the grocery isle would work, I ususally get mine from a health food store. Dumb me!! If only I used my brain.lol And I have made it with just lard.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2008 : 4:30:52 PM
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Coconut oil prices have skyrocketed. The Louann brand at Walmart has tripled in price the past few months. :(
Again, as Kay mentioned, always use a soap calculator when figuring your recipe and ALWAYS measure by weight, not volume. Use a digital scale that weighs at least to 1/10 of an ounce.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2008 : 6:41:55 PM
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If you gals are going to be doing quite a bit of soaping I would recommend getting your coconut oil from a supplier or maybe try an ethnic store. I know that the stuff at WalMart has tripled in price! Some of the gals on one of my soap boards was talking about it.
My 14 year old even mentioned today what nice soap the Martha's recipe made. I'm almost scared to try a larger batch as the last time I did I burned the goat's milk! Boy does that stink!
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4190 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4190 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2008 : 04:06:01 AM
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The recipe that I use calls for adding the milk and water together, then adding the lye. It does not say to freeze the milk. It has always worked for me anyways. I don't think is ever stunk of burning milk. ?????? Also no temp taking on that recipe either. It does end up being a creamy beige color. I substitute cows cream for the goats milk. As I don't have a goat. Works the same and is a lovely soap to use.
My favorite laundry and stains soap is a lard soap. Works great on stains, floors anything. Another cold process, no temp taking soap. I love those simple recipes.
Michele |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 4:51:47 PM
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I just gave MS recipe a try...my is carmel color and already feels so good...just cleaning up. Did anyone get a lighter color batch?
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 5:19:27 PM
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Mine was a little lighter at first but now that it is curing it is during a little darker - not much. It has been curing for 2 weeks and I just couldn't wait any longer to try it. That recipe is wonderful!! As long as it doesn't have a stinky ammonia smell it's probably just fine. I've heard that it can even have that smell but that will disappear in a few days. My first batch didn't - it was a mess.
Sarita - did your soap trace fast? I used palm kernel oil flakes in mine in place of coconut oil. I was wondering if that might have caused the super fast trace. I stopped using coconut oil in all my soaps as so many people have problems using it.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 7:17:04 PM
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Kay, my soap did not trace much at all but the ones I poured into molds are firming up. Washing up the bowl and equipment was a joy, my hands feel so soft. What was different about your first batch? Oh, I hope this turns out...this is very expensive soap!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2008 : 08:01:19 AM
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Couldn't wait...I turned it out on cookie racks last night and used a small bar in the shower this morning...my skin feels so good and clean. I am not known for my patience! I did not put in fragrance in this batch and it didn't have the usual strong odor that my other soaps have had.
It is a light carmel shade. The way it feels out weighs the color...expensive or not...I may have to get some more goat milk and make some more.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2008 : 1:56:31 PM
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Sarita, I am like you! I can't wait to try a soap, and usually test a sliver of it the next day. The good news is that if it feels nice that early, you have got yourself a wonderful soap; it will become more mild as it cures.....so what starts out that soft on your skin will become absolutely divine with time!!! Great job!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2008 : 9:14:27 PM
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My soap just traced super fast. In fact, I had to scoop it out of the bowl and into the pan I was using for a mold. It was thick like brownie batter. I've never had soap do that before. I didn't scent mine either since it was an experimental batch. But I just love the soap! It is so creamy and nice big bubbles. I will definitely be making more.
I can hardly wait to try soap either. My favorite part is cutting the soap and trying the end piece to see how it feels.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2008 : 03:33:50 AM
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Ya'll are using the recipe from the Marthat Stewart site, right?
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2008 : 4:03:20 PM
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Laura, I just read some of your blog posts, and they were so wonderful. I love the tributes to your children, and hearing about you raising a bunch of kids in a small space was inspiring!! I'm going through that right now, and was glad to hear that your kids were no worse for the wear. Thanks for those wonderful posts!
The Biz www.tvalahandmade.com
The Blog: http://blog.tvalahandmade.com/
The Bits www.happydalehobby.blogspot.com/
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2008 : 4:17:19 PM
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Molly, thank you for those kind words. Yea, we are cramped in this small house but I love it. It makes things so interesting around here.lol All 6 of my kids are the love of my life. Each one has their own special place in my heart. There are some that I didn't give birth to but shhhh, just don't tell my heart for it doesn't know the difference.
Laura
www.2lmzfarms.blogspot.com |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2008 : 4:48:05 PM
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I was reading on one of the soap making forum that if you add salt...it makes soap harder and if you add sugar, it makes it lather more. I think I will make another batch of goat's milk soap and add some honey or sugar to make it lather more...when would you put it in and has anyone tried this?
Sarita
The Spinning C
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets
into hot water. Eleanor Roosevelt. |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Sep 10 2008 : 5:25:09 PM
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The jury is out as to whether sugar actually makes more lather. Pretty much 50/50 ~some swear by it and others don't see much difference. If you add honey, be careful of the soap "batter" overheating in the mold and volcanoing. I used to HP my soaps that I added honey to. Gives it a nice golden color too. I use up to 1 Tbsp PPO ~add it at trace. Same with sugar~add it dissolved in some water (deduct amt of water from that used to dissolve lye) at trace. (1/2-1tsp PPO, I've read) If added to the lye water it can scorch.
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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Stitching & Crafting Room: GOAT MILK SOAP |
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GOAT MILK SOAP
