There is no such thing as a complete failure in making soap. However, there are some problems that may occur. Most can be corrected. Take notes, so you will know what to do next time.

Defect Cause Cure
Greasy layer atop hard soap Incomplete saponification liquid soap poured to soon uneven distribution of lye Measure accurately
Pour when thick & creamy
Stir & Stir & Stir & Stir
Greasy layer atop liquid Recipe proportions wrong
temperatures inaccurate
Rancid tallow/fat		 Make sure directions are followed carefully
Greasy, soft soap Too little lye
Too much lye		 Measure accurately
Use only soft, distilled or rain water
White residue (ash) on soap Hard water
To much lye		 Use soft, distilled or rain water
Measure accurately
Streaked soap Uneven emulsion
Stirring		 Pour lye slowly into fats
Stir & Stir & Stir & Stir
Hard, brittle soap Too much lye Measure accurately
Add vegetable fat
Cracks in soap Too thick when poured
Set too fast
Too much lye		 Pour when creamy (pudding consistency)
Keep at room temperature, away from excessive heat
Reduce lye

Most soap batches can be saved even if they look beyond help. Merilyn Mohr in The Art of Soap Making suggests the following: Pour the soap into a kettle along with half its volume of water, melt and bring to a boil. Simmer until it forms "strings". If it seems too thick, add a bit more water, as it easily can boil away. When ready, re-pour into molds.

A note about weights & measures: Volume and weight are not the same! Recipes and books may differ in which they are using. Make sure you know which, volume or weight, your recipe is referring to.

HINTS:
It is a good idea not to wear metal jewelry while making soap since lye can corrode metals.

Never, never substitute lye with any other product. There is no substitute! Make sure you use only products that are 100% Sodium Hydroxide or "Lye". There are products that contain lye as well as other products. These are not suitable for soap-making and will cause disastrous results.

Never, never pour a "bad" batch of soap in the toilet, sink or down any other drain. This will always end in an expensive house call from the plumber. Instead refer to the suggestions above to save what you may consider a failure. You can also cover the "bad batch" with boiling water and let it gel. this can be used 50/50 with your laundry detergent for washing clothes.

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