Why Lye?

Lye is a very nasty and caustic chemical. I spent some time searching for some alternative to lye but the sad truth is that you simply cannot make soap without lye.

Some of the experts I have read suggest that you make the lye out-of-doors because of the fumes that are produced when you add the lye to water. I agree that if you can do this, that's probably the best idea.

If you cannot make the lye solution outside, make sure you prepare it in a well ventilated place. For example, if you have a fan over your stove which vents to the outside, this would be an excellent place to make your lye solution.

No matter where you make the lye solution, you will need a heavy rubber or Tyvek apron, rubber gloves and goggles. You will also need to pour the lye into the water and not vice-versa, as this can cause what's known as a volcano effect and, trust me; this is not a good thing.

It is important that you follow your soap recipe exactly, when making your lye solution. To do this you will need an accurate scale that can weigh down to 1/10th of an ounce.

Other equipment that you will need in your soap making are:

A stainless steel pot or eat enamel painted pot, a plastic or stainless steel spoon, and a thermometer which reads as low as 90° and higher than 200°.

If you will be using the hot method to make your soap you will also need a stick blender (like you would use to make a milk shake in a glass) and a professional-quality stand mixer. Finally, you will need your molds.

On the other hand, if you will be using the cold method for making your soap, you can forget the stick blender and the stand mixer.