The Basics of Soapmaking, Part 2 - Safety and Materials List

By DoItYourself.com Staff

Intro to Processes - Safety and Materials - Herbal Soaps

Soapmaking Safety

It's no lie, that lye is no joke. It can be fatal if used carelessly. It can burn if it touches the skin, and it can make you sick if you don't have proper ventilation - not to mention what it can do to floors and counter tops if contact is made.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to read the instructions and warnings listed on the lye container, if using cold process. Thousands of people make soap this way without a problem, so I'm not trying to dissuade you from using this method, I just want to make you are aware of what you're working with.

The amount of lye used in a cold process recipe depends on the other ingredients you will use. Be sure to use a lye calculator to determine the proper amount. Too much lye and the end result is a bar that dries and burns skin. Tool little lye and your pH balance will be thrown off.

pH Testing

pH testing of your soap guarantees it is a bar safe for the skin. Perhaps you've seen people test their pool water to make sure there was just the right amount of chemicals in there. Too much would be irritating, and too little wouldn't properly clean the pool. The same is true with soap, which is why you test your batches.

Testing strips are available online or at craft stores and are easy to use. Your goal is to have a batch that tests between 6 and 9. You know you didn't use enough lye if the number falls below 6, and if it is above 10, you used too much.

Let's get started!

Cold Process Soapmaking
Equipment

• A scale (fractions of an ounce)
• Stainless steel or enamel pot. Get one in a size that matches your batches of soap.
• Food thermometers
• Glass measuring cup
• Plastic spoon
• Plastic pitchers and lids (Rubbermaid is fine)
• Rubber gloves
• Protective goggles (or glasses)
• Apron
• Blender
• Soap cutter

Ingredients

• Lye
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Lard
• Essential oil

Rebatching
Equipment

• Scale (ounces)
• Stainless steel or enamel pot or crock pot
• Plastic spoon
• Apron
• Mold

Ingredients

• Soap base
• Water
• Additives (optional) oils, coloring, exfoliators, embeds
• Mold
• Essential oils/fragrance

Melt and Pour
Equipment

• A scale like the one used in rebatch
• Crock pot or microwave
• If using a microwave, you will need a glass bowl
• Plastic spoon
• Apron

Ingredients

• Glycerin base
• Additives (optional), oils, exfoliators, embeds
• Mold
• Essential oils

Safety Note: The equipment used for soapmaking should never be used for any other purpose. Make sure to properly mark them.

Pre Soap-Making Safety

• Open windows or turn on fans/air purifiers to ensure you are working in a well ventilated area.
• Never attempt to make soap unless you are confident about the process. Take time before you start to review the process.
• Set up your workstation and ingredients.
• Only use equipment designated for soap making. If they are not labeled as such, label them now.
• Remember, only use stainless steel or enamel pots. Never use tin or aluminum.
• Read the warming label on the lye container. Now read it again. If anyone else is present, inform them about precautions. NEVER let your pets or children near you when you are making lye. Remember, this is a serious chemical which can be fatal if mishandled.

During the Soap Making Process

• Are your safety goggles and gloves on? Put them on! Make sure you have no exposed areas incase you spill lye.
• Do not inhale lye or come in contact with it.
• Know what you're dealing with. Read the instructions on the lye container. As soon as you have added lye to your recipe, seal and put away the container.
• Use precise measuring with your recipe.
• Remember with all soap making methods that you are dealing with a hot liquid.
• Know what herbs and additives are harmful if combined.
• Never touch your eyes, nose or mouth during the process.

After the Soap Making Process

• Seal and put away lye.
• Immediately clean the area and soap making equipment.
• Put soap molds where pets and kids can not get them.

Intro to Processes - Safety and Materials - Herbal Soaps

© Doityourself.com 2006