For those of you who make your own soap

[Kimmiepie]

I have some questions.

I've been doing a search on the boards and found some great information on how to start and some websites. But now I have one lingering concern. Where do you store your lye? Where do you make your soap? Do you take special precautions when using the lye?

I am terrified of the lye and am fearful of my kids somehow getting into it...or when I'm making the soap (which would be in my kitchen) getting some lye on the counter, or heaven forbid on some kind of eating utensil or something. I guess I'm afraid of "hidden" accidents if that makes any sense. Also besides gloves, what other precautions do you take? I worry about the fumes. Being so hot here for so many months opening the windows just wouldn't really work.

Thanks for any advice!

[mamasee]

Yes, the lye is dangerous and you are right to be concerned. I store it with my other cleaning items (on a high shelf, way at the back) but I don't have a problem with my dd trying to get into that kind of thing. You could also store it in a cabinet with a child-lock (as long as your kids can't get into the locks). Also, if you buy the lye at the grocery store, it comes with a child-safe lid (again, as long as your kids can't get into those).

I have always made soap in the kitchen. I mix the lye with the water in a very large mason jar and set it outside to cool (so the fumes go outside). Make sure this is out of reach of kids and wear oven mitts when carrying it. I don't use safety glasses, but it would be a good idea. Yes, gloves are also a good idea. While the lye is cooling, I proceed with the rest of the process inside and, when I'm ready for the lye I bring it inside to mix with the oils. I do this part inside with at least one window open. Making soap is a good project for cooler parts of the day or year : ).

If you do get lye on you or anywhere you don't want it, you rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse in cold or cool water. If it is ingested, my soap book says drink a glass of water and head immediately for the emergency room.

For cleaning up after making soap (or during the process), the same idea holds true - clean thoroughly with several rinses. I use stainless steel or glass containers and spoons / measuring utensils. So, to wash, I rinse, rinse rinse in the sink and then, usually add them to the dishwasher for a final cleaning. Wipe the counters thoroughly and several times with a cloth rinsed in cool water.

I use the same pots, etc. that we use for eating. I have no concerns about that as long as they are washed thoroughly. After all, you are making soap! That is what we use to wash our dishes! Just remember, lots of rinsing.

Having your kids around while you do all this would depend on their ages and ability to follow instructions (like, stay in your seat while mama carries this outside, etc). I think it's wise that you err on the side of caution, especially the first time you make soap. It's a process that has many slow parts, but a few quick parts or parts needing extra concentration. It might be totally boring for them, or it might be really cool. Also, remember that sometimes batches of soap fail and, it is just soap, so keep your perspective! If you need to abandon the soap batch to tend to your kids then you have your priorities straight

I have enjoyed the process and homemade soap is a well-appreciated gift. I hope you give it a try!

[mamasee]

Hey, Kimmiepie, I just noticed on your signature that you are pregnant. Hmmm.....I think that if I was pregnant I would not want to be around the fumes from the process if I could avoid it. Why risk it?