Lye

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200!!! (some restrictions apply)

Lye

What is lye?

Lye, also known as caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a caustic, alkaline chemical, which means it dissolves sticky substances like fat, and has a high degree of reactivity with other materials. Lye, in a flake, granular, or liquid form, is very dangerous and can cause damage to surfaces and people. Previously, lye was among the many different alkalis leached from hardwood ashes. Apple trees, oak, and seaweed kelp make ideal fuels. Then water, mixed with a bit of baking soda, penetrates the ashes (white, not gray) and removes the lye they contain. When the ashes are filtered out, the water holds enough lye to dissolve fat left on animal furs, or to mix with other ingredients to make strong body soap.

Unfortunately, in present day, you would be hard-pressed to find a "natural" lye. It is created out of a chemical reaction between soda, known as sodium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide, or lime. In raw form, it's made into solid flakes, chips, or grains.

Soap makers use sodium hydroxide to make cold-pressed, hard (bar) soap.

Safety Precautions

Personal protection for the safe handling of lye includes safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and adequate ventilation. When in the close proximity of lye dissolving in an open container of water, a vapor-resistant face mask is recommended.

Storage

Lye is a deliquescent salt and has a strong affinity for moisture. Lye will deliquesce (dissolve or melt) when exposed to open air. It will absorb a relatively large amount of water from the atmosphere (air) if exposed to it. Eventually, it will absorb enough water to form a liquid solution because it will dissolve in the water it absorbs. Lye should be stored in an airtight resealable container.

Where can I buy Lye?

At Creations from Eden we sell lye by the pound for the hobbyist. Unfortunately, due to shipping regulations we cannot ship the product as it falls under hazardous goods. Please make arrangements to pick this product up.

Item Name: Lye 1 pound
Price: $6.95

Note: Lye is also available at Home Hardware in 3 kilogram quantities.

Can I make lye?

I found this article I thought was interesting... thought I'd share it with everyone. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lye

Potassium Hydroxide

Unfortunately, I do not know where to get potassium hydroxide or Potash (for making liquid soap) in Canada. If anyone would like to pass this information to me, I can be reached at randi@creationsfromeden.com.

The information in this website is for educational purposes only!
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or replace the advice of a qualified practitioner.

Owned and operated by Randi Carr