It's the 'caustic, chemical reaction' that has kept me from trying to make soap...

It's the 'caustic, chemical reaction' that has kept me from trying to make soap. Would it be possible to do this in the kitchen of my one bedroom apartment?

Here is the answer to your next soap making question:

As long as you take care, space isn't really an issue. Here are some further useful precautions:

Cover the immediate area with a few layers of newspaper, buy some cheap latex gloves or washing up gloves and if you are worried about splashes, a pair of safety glasses.

I frequently use a heatproof plastic measuring jug containing the water, the water should be cooled in the fridge to limit the amount of heat buildup when mixing.

Put the lye flakes or pearls into another small jug with a spout to help with pouring and while stirring the water with a stainless spoon slowly add the lye. Ensure the room has adequate ventilation. Stop when you want to and if the mixture heats up too much it will start to give off steam, if this happens, stop for a few minutes before continuing.

The key is slow and deliberate, it also helps if you keep children and pets away while you are mixing.

The lye flakes draw moisture from the air, so if you do spill any on the newspaper, after 20 minutes or so you will be able to see where they are because they will appear as little damp spots on the paper, which should be carefully folded in on itself and put in the trash when you are finished.

I believe that the very fact you are so concerned makes you less liable to have an accident than other people who are more complacent and remember, once you have done it a couple of times, the process will be demystified for you and hopefully it will no longer be a problem.

I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.

More soon.