Lye question

[Big J]

can i pre make my water/lye solution and let that sit for some time? Or does it need to be used right away? How long could it sit before I have to use it?

 

[Relle]

The simple answer is yes, it' s called masterbatching.
Here are the links, all in the forum, the search engine is on the top right hand side. Good luck.
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/lye-solution-master-batch.18098/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/master-batching-lye.62511/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/lye-master-batching-advice-wanted.60822/
https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/first-time-using-masterbatch-lye-help-needed.71926/

 

[IrishLass]

Yes to your first question; no to your second question; and indefinitely to your third question.

Like Relle said- it's called master-batching. I do it all the time. Stored properly, pre-made lye solution will last for years.


IrishLass

 

[Carly B]

What do you store it in? I just had a glass jar break from lye solution, which made me realize what I thought was a good idea wasn't.

Hubby is nervous about the idea of lye solution hanging around, but if I could show him it was safe and secure, he might come around.

 

[Ashleigh]

What do you store it in? I just had a glass jar break from lye solution, which made me realize what I thought was a good idea wasn't.

Hubby is nervous about the idea of lye solution hanging around, but if I could show him it was safe and secure, he might come around.

The links that Relle posted above will likely have more info on how to store, but in short most people seem to use a plastic container. You'll want something with a #2 or #5 recycling code on the bottom which are safe for lye solution. Use something that will have a secure lid and won't splash on you when you open it. Most importantly, make sure you label it very distinctly, you don't want someone to accidentally hurt thinking its something different. I believe some repurpose laundry detergent jugs or similar. I've just started masterbatching and absolutely love it for the time it saves. I started doing it for my oils too.

 

[DeeAnna]

I also store my masterbatch lye container (and also my containers of solid NaOH and KOH) in covered 5 gallon plastic buckets. I got a screw on lid (sometimes called "gamma" lids) to go on each bucket. You can also use the original lids that snap on, but I hate bending fingernails to unsnap them.

Anyway, the 5 gallon bucket gives me 2-layers of protection so if something leaks or spills, it's going to be totally contained in a sturdy bucket, not dribbling down the shelf or on the floor.

These buckets could also be kid proofed with a little ingenuity and some zip ties or padlocks. I have cats, dogs, and a spouse who is trained to stay out of my lye buckets, so I don't need the kid proofing. But just sayin'.

 

[Marilyn Norgart]

I have a question on masterbatching lye and I may just be reaching.
I have read here that lye can go bad if it collects moisture at all. and I am assuming that since it is mixed it isn't going to collect moisture but with opening the pail wouldn't that still be possible that might happen (condensation)

 

[240CRS]

I believe DeeAnna is saying she uses the bucket as a secondary storage container. She isn't actually storing the batch of fluid in the bucket. She puts the master batch into a safe bottle and then stores the bottles in the covered bucket.

 

[DeeAnna]

"...she uses the bucket as a secondary storage container..."

Yes, that's exactly what I meant -- thanks @240CRS.

Here's a short video about this "dry bucket" storage method --

I hope it clears up any misunderstandings about what I'm saying. A former forum member KCHaystack was the person who shared this storage method here on SMF and encouraged me to try it.