Homemade Lye Soap: Safety Tips

One of the main ingredients when making Homeade Soaps is Lye, which is also known as Caustic Soda and Sodium Hydroxide. It's also sold as Drain Cleaner, so it is wise to use precaution when working with this chemical

Using Lye might sound scary at first, but thousands of people make soap everyday without mishaps. Lye is a dangerous chemical and as such needs to be respected as a dangerous chemical. The important thing to remember is to ALWAYS follow the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS when it comes to using Lye (or other wise known as Sodium Hydroxide or caustic soda). Read the manufacturer's notes on any and all ingredients that you use and do some research before jumping in. This is a safety guideline and should by no means replace or overrule any proper safety instructions from a professional or the manufacturer's notes. If you work carefully, you could have all the soapmaking fun in the world.

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. If anything happens you need to act quickly! I would also recommend that you ask your local medical practitioner for any advise he or she might have before starting the project. Stick to these safety tips and you will of endless fun! Homemade lye soap has loads of benefits and to date is still one of the best homemade products available.