How to Treat a Lye Burn or Spill

I've been making soap for many years and there's one thing most of us soap makers have had to learn, and that is that lye is extremely caustic. But if you want fabulous, handmade soaps, you simply have to use it at some point or another. You'll feel more confidant handling lye once you understand a little more about precautions to take, and what to do if an accident should occur. Because, no matter how careful you are while using lye, there could be an accidental spill or other issue, anytime. For myself, I took an informative class on how to handle lye.

First and foremost, read the instructions on the lye label to handle it. Cover counters and other surfaces where the lye might come in contact. Put on a mask like those worn by painters, as well as goggles. Wear rubber gloves but not big, bulky ones, where you have clumsy control when holding things. Always hold the lye down close to the container or area where you want to pour it.

When you've received a splatter or splash of lye, and you don't realize it, you might begin to itch in that area. If you feel yourself itching while making soap, or otherwise using lye, immediately stop what you're doing and rinse the area generously with vinegar to neutralize the lye. Without going into a complete science lesson, the vinegar will turn the lye into salt water and, therefore, safe to handle.

It's not only important to pay attention to any itching that might occur while making soap but also to where the lye might splash. Surfaces should be covered, sure, but walls, or other areas could receive a tiny splash. Should you become aware of this, don't use an ordinary sponge, mop, or other item; the lye could do damage to it. Treat the area first by spraying or splashing vinegar onto the surface. Allow the vinegar to sit on skin, floors, or other areas, for a couple of minutes, to neutralize. If you've applied the vinegar to hair or skin, rinse well with warm water, then towel dry.

Making your own soaps can be so much fun but, as with many craft projects, you have to take certain precautions. Worse than a glue gun burn, a lye splash can do severe damage to skin, muscle, and other tissue. Take extreme caution while using it and never, ever, work with lye unless you have an open bottle of vinegar - apple cider or white - sitting nearby.