Wow, a big thank you to Sewnoma! So concise, I so appreciate it. So you worked you soap batch outside! And you used a hose and a hot plate to melt soaps and such? When you mix the lye and water do you simply rinse off the container it was in into the soil? Or down the sink if I work inside...I am trying to get place set up just to make soap etc. I have been getting into making things like laundry soap myself and lovin it...so a little work space outside might be an idea? Since I been reading so much on the soap making about not putting lye in sinks on counter tops and clean up is difficult I have been afraid to start the journey...so far I have done malt and pour but I want to move on. Are you object able to having a private message with questions. I already feel like I owe you a fee! Lol but I truly appreciate your input and I hope Thart750 is reading this too nice to see others on the soap path that is a newbi too!