BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Soapmaking Soapmaking in the Tropics

I live in the tropics and am new to soapmaking. I probably should have begun in an easier location! My soaps seem to be getting the DOS problem, dreaded orange spots. I read the article on soapmaking in the tropics and wondered if anyone had a recipe that really works down here -- or knew which oils to stay away from for longer lasting soaps. I have been using mainly olive oil, coconut and canola. Thanks!

I found that the dos spots has to do with improper mixing, high percentage of superfat, and not mixing it well.

I have read several articles that do not recommend adding excess lye to prevent this, instead do a lye discount. I use to get them but I noticed I don't now ever. I mix well. I mix the oils before adding the lye and if using any additives make sure they are powdered and not chunks. Combine the oils and lye and mix well.

When drying --- if there is high humidity for prolonged time there is more DOS. Dry soaps in a dry room with a dehumidifier. Dry wall vs concrete concrete - concrete holds moisture or just store the the soap boxes in boxes not plastic. When it rains put the dehumidifier and ac on.

Thanks for your input .. sorry for the delay in replying. I am putting off soapmaking until after our hot/humid summer so haven't been checking in. Electricity costs a fortune on the island - our biggest expense - so I'm trying to work around air conditioning. I had a small bathroom off the office I work in, tried putting the dehumidifier in there and it just heated up the room. I've been wondering about using a small refrigerator solely for soap storage during these months. I'm testing some in my regular refrigerator now to see what happens. Never considered all these problems with the humidity and heat when I bought all my supplies. Oh well, I'm having fun.