Homemade Lye Soap: Safety Tips

Before I go in too deeply into the magnificent world of making your very own homemade lye soap, we first need to have a look at the safety procedures that you need to follow. Lye is one of the main ingredients used to make soap. Also known as Caustic Soda and Sodium Hydroxide it is often used in drain cleaners for its caustic properties. It is a dangerous chemical and needs to be respected and treated as such. Therefore I present to you some basic safety tips that you can use to help prevent any accidents while you are enjoying this stunning hobby.

I know that using lye might seem a bit daunting at first, but keep in mind that thousands of people just like you use it on a daily basis without any mishaps. The important thing here is to always follow the safety instructions when it comes to using lye. Take the time to read any manufacturer's notes on all of the ingredients that you will be using. Do a bit of research, if you have any questions feel free to ask any professional or health care practitioner. If you work carefully, take your time and think ahead, then you can have all the fun in the world making your soap.

Safety First:

* If any Lye comes into contact with your skin you should immediately rinse it with vinegar and then with cold water.
* Always make sure that the room is adequately ventilated.
* Always wear eye protection goggles (The goggles should preferrably seal eyes in the same manner as swimming goggles would).
* Always use chemical-resistant gloves.
* DO NOT SWALLOW. Lye can be fatal if swallowed. If ingested do not induce vomiting. Go to the emergency room immediately!
* Keep Lye and any essential oils out of reach of children. Keep it in a locked cabinet and NEVER leave it unattended for one second once you start using it.
* Lye has very strong fumes, so ALWAYS wear a safety mask that covers your mouth and nose.
* Wear an chemical resistant or rubber apron when working with Lye to protect your skin and your clothes.
* If Lye spills on your counter tops you should immediately wash it off, because it can remove paint and varnishes.
* ALWAYS KEEP AWAY FROM PETS, CHILDREN and anyone else NOT COMPETENT to work with Lye.


Containers:
* Always keep your Lye in an air tight container.
* Use safe containers like glass, enamel, plastic and stainless steel.

When using Lye always make sure that you are well versed in the safety precautions. Take the time to prepare before you start your new soap making project. Place everything you might need in case of emergency somewhere that is easily reachable and that you will know to look for. If anything happens you need to act quickly! I would also suggest that you speak to any local medical professionals as they might be able to give you some advice or medical tips. Take care, be safe and take your time. Soap making is not a race, it is a craft to be enjoyed. Follow these basic steps and you could have hours of fun creating your very own Homemade Lye Soap.