Clean up question

[MKL]

I just started making soap this year. We have a septic system that I would like to avoid destroying if possible. Does anyone know if I left the soap making materials untouched for the 4-6 week period, if it would then be safe to wash in the sink?

I would rinse out the lye containers, it is just the bowl and blender I'd like to leave.

 

[Genny]

We have a septic system as well and I've talked to our tank pumper about it before. He told me that as long as the lye's not active any longer, it will be fine.
So, I just wait 48 hours after I've soaped & then i just wash my equipment out. There's usually not any active lye left in the soap at 48 hours.

 

[MKL]

Thanks Genny. It has been a bit stressful trying to figure out how to simplify the task of clean up. Figured I'd only be doing soap during the warmer months :cry:

 

[SueSoap]

I also have a septic system, but am unable to wait 48 hours before washing everything. First, I neutralize anything that has come into contact with lye by submerging them in a water/vinegar solution. Then, I wash everything up thoroughly using Dawn dishwashing soap.

 

[MKL]

Sue, how does the vinegar neutralize the lye?
Mary Kay

 

[Genny]

Here's an interesting thread on how much vinegar it takes to completely neutralize lye
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7632

 

[SueSoap]

Well, I've not tested whether my method completely neutralizes the lye. I fill up the sink with water and vinegar and plunge the utensils and bowls in. I let them sit until I'm ready to wash everything, then drain the sink and wash up. I've had the septic guy out to inspect the system, and he says everything looks okay. Now, I don't make large amounts of soap every day, so I think things are fine. Vinegar is cheap, so I'd say I use about 1/3 gallon each time I clean up.

 

[MKL]

Thanks for the info. I had always been nervous about making soap and still am a bit. I try hard to be cautious so all the info. Is appreciated.

 

[ToniD]

I was kinda wondering what might be happening to our septic system when I started soaping two yrs ago, but we had it pumped out in the spring and our drain field lines checked. The guy said that we had a pristine system (somewhat odd adjective for a septic system). It was reassuring to know that.