Soap making question

by Compostwoman 16th August 2010, 8:38 pm

Not sure if this is the right place, but can't think where else to ask...

I have just found one of my box of soap making supplies I "misplaced" several years ago Embarassed

In it was my Alkanet root and Annatto seeds ( which can be used as natural colourings when infused in oil, for soap making)

they were bought about 3 yesrs ago and have been in a coolish, dark place since. They have been AWOL for about 2 years....

Any idea of shelf life for the botanicals? T he organic melt and pour soap which was also in the box has gone a bit cloudy looking and doesnt smell too good or feel "right " when used, so have got rid of that as I have other stock, but I don't really want to throw the botanicals if not needed.

Have googled but only come up with people selling these ...

AJB, any one, any ideas?

by AngelinaJellyBeana 16th August 2010, 10:09 pm

Have no idea TBH. If they are still completely dry with no chance of any moisture getting in and making them go mouldy they may be ok. You could experiment with a bit and see how it turns out.

Could you not make up the melt & pour soap and then grate it up to make soap flakes for hand washing clothes or even just for general cleaning instead of throwing it away?? Just an idea as I have no idea of the shelf life of that either having never used it, but it could be worth a try?

I wouldn't use the colourings in it if you do experiment in making soap flakes for washing clothes though.

by Compostwoman 17th August 2010, 12:03 am

There are only a few bars worth of the soap left ( it was a small started kit I got to try out) and it is already in a "usable" condition but looks a bit "off" tbh..also does not smell right and had definately changed colour and texture. It may have just lost moisture over the 2 years, but it really doesn't look OK.

I have plenty of stocks both made up and in a raw state which are ok so it seemed false economy to use it up even for cleaning as it really isn't very nice feeling.

The botanicals look good and smell Ok so I am going to make up a batch of coloured oil and try a few bars of soap with them in. I can always use them to scrub out the hen houses if they are not ideal!

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