subject: Lye Soap Making! All About Lye [print this page] Creating lye soap is all about the lyeCreating lye soap is all about the lye. As a soap maker it is important to know all about the ingredients you are working with. Lye is the most important ingredient that you will use and is a dangerous product. You can make your soap nicer and ensure you are safe when making your soap just by learning more about lye.
Chemical Make Up and Safety
Lye is a chemical compound. It is sodium hydroxide and can dissolve sticky substances. Lye comes in flakes, granules or liquid. It can cause damage to surfaces and can cause injury if it comes in contact with the skin. Lye is not only used in soap, but also in laundry detergent, paper, fabric and household cleaners.
It is crucial to be safe with lye. It should be kept out of the reach of children and in a safe place, like you would keep any other chemical product in your home. Do not combine lye with other ingredients unless you are sure it is safe. When in contact with some ingredients and materials, lye can be combustible and can eat away or corrode things like metals. Always read every precaution, warning and danger when working with lye so you can be sure you are keeping yourself safe.
History of Lye
Lye used to be made with ashes. Hardwoods were burnt to ash and then the ashes were mixed with baking soda and water. The ashes were strained out and all that was left behind was the lye. In history , lye was used to clean and tan animal hides and to make soap. It has always been a useful product throughout history.
Lye in Home Made Soap
It is common to be a bit nervous when working with lye to make home made soap, but as long as you be careful and follow the safety precautions then you will be fine. Keep in mind that lye makes beautiful soap. It creates some of the smoothest and best soap possible.
When used in the process, the fat and lye mix together and there is a chemical reaction, producing the product, soap. It becomes a harmless product that can be molded to any shape, with added fragrances and different creations to make beautiful products.
When using lye remember to keep it stored in a cool, dry place so it doesn't absorb moisture and carbon dioxide. When mixing lye with water be very careful. Always wear protective goggles, gloves and an apron when dissolving lye in water. Since lye can corrode or eat away at certain materials, you should only use stainless steel, plastic, ceramic or glass for the containers and utensils that you use to make your soap.
Lye is an essential ingredient in making soap. Although Lye is a dangerous chemical, through the amazement of science, lye becomes a beautiful soap that is fantastic to use and wonderful to look at. Do not be afraid to use lye in your soap making. Just remember to be safe, aware and have lots of fun.
