When making soap one of the most important things to think about is Soap Making Safety
Everything Soapmaking Book
When making soap and using lye (sodium hydroxide) safety is a very important part of the soap-making process.
LYE is a caustic soda and it can be very dangerous if not used properly. Be sure to follow the soap-making instructions and understand the use of lye when making soap. If lye water was to splash up on your skin it will burn. It will keep burning until you flush the skin completely and thoroughly with water.
What to do if you get lye on your skin
Having the right safety gear is very important when making soap, this gear would include safety glasses or goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and a good apron.
To prepare for soap making:
- place your safety glasses or goggles over your eyes
- goggles are better as they form a seal around the eye area
- put on your apron – a good rubber apron is best
- make sure to wear a long sleeve garment
- place the gloves on, making sure they go over the sleeves of your shirt
- make sure the area in which you are making soap is also protected from lye spill
- cover your soap-making area with old towels or newspapers – an old shower curtain would also work well
A very important fact to remember when making soap is the lye is added to the measured water never the other way around! If you add water to the lye the lye will expand and erupt right out of the container you are using.
Below you will find some ideal safety gear to use when making soap. I would recommend purchasing all your safety supplies before starting- when it comes to your eyes and skin you need to make sure you are safe.
Some people may wear cheap safety glasses and regular rubber gloves, my choice when making soap is to use chemical-resistant goggles that form a seal around the eye area keeping it safe and gloves because after all, we are dealing with chemicals and the chemicals we are using can cause terrible burns if left untreated.
These Safety Googles are chemical-resistant goggles, making them my #1 choice for eye safety. they fit well and form a good seal which will keep any splash from getting into your eyes.
Chemical Resistant Goggles
Chemical Resistant Gloves
These chemical-resistant gloves are nice and long and come in both cotton-lined and unlined. The choice would be yours. I like the lined ones myself which is just my preference mostly because I tend to get a rash from the rubber. Yup….that’s my sensitive skin.
Showa 727 Nitrile Unlined Chemical Resistant Safety Glove, Medium (Pack of 12 Pairs)
As well as safety glasses and gloves, make sure to wear a long sleeve shirt and an apron. I recommend using chemical resistant goggles, gloves and apron. Wearing a cheap pair of gloves may seem okay but if you get a splash of lye on those gloves and it burns through the next pair you will be wearing will be chemical resistant for sure.
You don’t want any open skin because a lye splash can really burn. To learn more about that read What to do if you get Lye on your skin?
Chemical Resistant Apron
Surblue Waterproof Apron Chemical Resistant Work Safe Clothes (Black)
Those are my top three picks and these are the items I wear when making soap. I don’t cheap out on the Safety gear in my soap room.
Below you will find some other links to safety gear that I believe will also work in the soap room.
Have fun making soap and be safe.
Where to buy safety glasses
I buy safety glasses, rubber aprons, and gloves online thru Amazon. I find they have a great selection and the prices are very reasonable. Plus we live in a small town where my supplies are very limited, and the drive into town is 60 km where as the mailbox is just 9 km down the road.
I am finding ordering supplies online is becoming more convenient for me.
Disposable Safety Glasses
Industrial Rubber Apron
I have used these Aprons before and they work very well. Once you get a good apron you like you will find they do last for quite some time. The one I have now I have had for a few years.
Be sure to use your safety gear when making soap, and keep your children and pets away when using lye and making soap. My soap room has a pocket door that is closed when I am making soap just to make sure the dog or cat doesn’t come bouncing in and knock me or something else over.
Make Natural Soap at Home -Step by Step instructions with pictures
Soap Making Books and DVD’s – guides to making soap
Soap Making Books – These books will get you started
Making your own soap is a great hobby and people always enjoy handmade soap as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or just because. I just want to be sure you are safe when making soap.
I have had just a couple of lye burns over the years and they are very nasty, but if you are careful and wear the proper protective clothing soap making is a great hobby. You can experiment with scents and colors and create some beautiful bars.
I am always interested in hearing what you have to say, so if you want to add your personal experience with lye safety or just have a question please feel free to comment below or send me an email at teresa@makingsoapnaturally.com
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Ah, I have always wanted to make soap by myself because if the possibility that I could have to sell it to other people who can buy them from me as well and I can make gains for them for myself too. Really happy to know that there might be some dangers in making soap and how to do iy safely.
Hi Suz it sounds like you want to make and wholesale your soap. I have a few stores I do this for, your may be interested in reading this article as well Wholesale Handmade Soap or Sell it yourself? Enjoy soap making and be safe.
Hello there, thanks for sharing your thought on this really nice article and I have to say I’m pleased to be able to see it. Many people looking at this business of soap making may see it as really small but its not. I really like this article and how you have shared this knowledge. My wife would be glad to see it
Hi Justin, thanks for sharing and if a soap making business interests you have a look at this post as well Wholesale Handmade Soap or Sell it yourself?
Well thank you for the safety check
You are very welcome
I am very interested in soap-making but have always stepped back due to the safety concerns. With this guide, I feel confident to go ahead and try it myself.
The tip on adding lye to measured water is very useful. I never thought about it. this is going to help me immensely.
I also feel that defining the area to experiment is very important. What is your thoughts on trying it out at home?
Thanks for sharing such a well researched article.
Regards,
Rohit
When I first started out making soap I did it in my kitchen. I covered the counters where I would be mixing and pouring the soap with butcher paper. I would put the lye water in the sink – just in case anything spilled.
Later I had my own soap room built in our laundry room. With a big sink and large countertops. So it certainly can be made at home.