Teach Soap

Hubby is a bit worried about me soaping in our kitchen, in our old house we had lots of air flow into the kitchen but this one is smack bang in the middle of the house. Also, we have 2 babies so I don't want to be playing around with chemicals while they are home.
He suggested we put a shed in the back yard and I can have my set up out there.
So, if we were to build a purpose built (small) shed, would kind of things would I be looking at? I would be worried it would get a bit too hot, so I would like a window or two for ventilation.
Does anyone use a purpose built room just fro soap making, or do you just use the same kitchen space you prepare food in?

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Aussie Soaper

I soap in my kitchen, but I would absolutely love to have a dedicated soaping area like a shed...complete with plumbing and electric.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I have an area in my basement that I am in the process of setting up as a dedicated soap kitchen. I love having the space to keep everything organized and handy. I would love some tips on how to set up a nice looking place to cure my soaps.

Hubby hated the smell so I got moved to the basement. My concern however is any regulations that my be an issue. While I maintain a clean area just the word basement sounds concerning.

I soaped in my kitchen and just got so anxious about making sure I cleaned up REALLY well when I was done. We don't have kids, but I have 2 cats. Always locked in the bedroom while I soaped but I felt like I scrubbed the counters, floors, the whole area "just in case" before letting the cats out. With my husband's wonderful support, we decided we don't get enough visitors to warrant a full time guest room, so we converted that to my soap studio and I am THRILLED to have dedicated space now. We're getting a futon to add to my office for company. Here's a picture of my new space!

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Karie

I live alone but have visitors.....and a couple of larger dogs so the kitchen was out. Mostly because I love to cook also and didn't like having to separate everything. The house I purchased has an "in-law" suite accessible in another portion of the home with a small apartment that's equipped with a dine-in kitchen. Perfect for stowing supplies and privacy. Keep my curing racks in guest bedroom down the hall from master bedroom just because it makes the entire upstairs smell wonderful

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Karie

wow nice set up!

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Aussie Soaper

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Karie

I am so jealous. Posting here so I can have my fill of internet pity!

I soap in a family room off our kitchen. Sitting on a couch - working on a coffee table. This is after I've mixed the lye on the stove (everything is on a tray) with the fan going full blast to carry away fumes. Hard oils melted in the microwave.

I would kill to be able to soap standing up! And to have a dedicated area with water, natural light (don't get me started on the down side of living around 100' Douglas Fir trees and the NEVER ENDING DARKNESS caused by their shade 365 days of the year), more workspace than a dinky coffee table...

Why yes I WILL have some cheese with my whine. I like extra, extra sharp cheddar.

I have a huge garden and greenhouse so...win some lose some.

But I make it work. I read about people crafting in tiny apartments in NYC....on the floor or wherever they can find the space.

I make soap in my laundry, I have a small garden shed at the back door near the laundry that houses all of my supplies, so easy to set up for working. It can get hot and cold, but for the last four years nothing has gone off! It is on the cooler side of my house.

I do walk through the house with my pot of melted oils from kitchen to laundry. I have a small fan to blow away the lye fumes in the laundry.....ideally i'd like a small cooktop for melting my oils in the laundry as well.


My ideal setup would be a nice large stainless steel bench, large sink, and a cooktop with exhaust fan!!! In the same room!
My spare bedroom is my curing soaproom with wire racks, including a bakers cooling rack with wire baskets as shelves.