Tips to prevent soda ash

Tips to Prevent Soda Ash in Cold Process Soap

Soda ash is a common issue that many soap makers struggle with, but the good news is—it can be prevented! If you've ever noticed a white, powdery layer on your cold process soap, that’s soda ash. While it doesn’t affect the soap’s performance, it can make your bars look chalky and uneven.

In this guide, I’ll share five proven ways to prevent soda ash so you can achieve smooth, flawless handmade soap every time.

1. Control Your Soap-Making Environment

The temperature of your workspace plays a major role in soda ash formation. Cold and damp conditions make soap more vulnerable to ash.

✔ Avoid unheated sheds, basements, or garages—cold environments increase soda ash risk.

✔ Keep your workspace at a comfortable room temperature (around 70°F to 90°F / 21°C to 32°C).

✔ Use a small space heater if necessary to maintain warmth.

👉 Rule of thumb: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your soap!

2. Optimize Your Water Usage

The amount, type, and temperature of the water you use can impact soda ash formation.

✔ Use less water – Soaps with a lower water content are less prone to soda ash. Try reducing your water discount slightly.

✔ Use warmer temperatures – Keep your lye solution and oils above 100°F (38°C) when mixing.

✔ Choose distilled water – Tap water contains minerals and impurities that may contribute to soda ash, soap scum, or early rancidity.

Stick to distilled or deionized water for best results.

3. Add Beeswax to Your Soap Recipe

Beeswax is an excellent natural ingredient that can help reduce soda ash while also making your soap harder.

✔ Add 0.5% to 2% beeswax (based on the total oil weight in your recipe).

✔ Melt it thoroughly with your oils before adding lye.

✔ Works especially well in cold process soap recipes that require extra hardness.

4. Encourage Gel Phase

Gel phase is when your soap heats up and becomes translucent during saponification. Higher temperatures reduce soda ash formation.

✔ Insulate your soap mold after pouring.

✔ Use a heating pad under your mold for 20–30 minutes to encourage gel phase.

✔ If your house is cold, cover your mold with towels or blankets to retain heat.

5. Be Patient & Avoid Unmolding Too Soon

Most soda ash forms when raw soap batter is exposed to air too early.

✔ Leave your soap in the mold for at least 24–36 hours.

✔ Cover your soap to prevent direct exposure to air.

✔ Avoid touching or cutting the soap too soon—letting it cure properly reduces the risk of ash forming.

Say Goodbye to Soda Ash!

 ❤By following these five tips, you can significantly reduce soda ash in your cold process soap and achieve smooth, professional-looking bars.

✔ Keep your workspace warm

✔ Use distilled water and reduce excess liquid

✔ Incorporate beeswax for added hardness

✔ Encourage gel phase with insulation or a heating pad

✔ Be patient and resist the urge to unmold too soon

With the right techniques, you’ll be able to create beautiful, ash-free handmade soap every time! ❤