Lye is a caustic and dangerous chemical, so it is important to take safety precautions when working with it. Here are some safety precautions to follow when working with lye:
- Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when working with lye to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from potential harm.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Lye can produce harmful fumes, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
- Use heat-safe containers: Lye can react with certain materials, such as aluminum and certain types of plastic. Use heat-safe containers, such as stainless steel, tempered glass, or heat-resistant plastic, to mix your lye solution.
- Add lye to water, not water to lye: When mixing lye, always add it to water, never the other way around. This helps to prevent the mixture from becoming too hot and potentially splashing or boiling over.
- Use caution when handling lye solution: Lye solution can cause burns and skin damage, so it is important to use caution when handling it. Avoid splashing, spilling, or touching the solution with your bare skin.
- Clean up spills immediately: If you spill lye solution, clean it up immediately with plenty of water and a clean-up agent, such as vinegar or citric acid.
By following these safety precautions, you can work with lye safely and effectively in your soap making process.