Lye Surprise

SoapPoopette · Oct 3, 2008

Hello Everyone,

I decided to make a 100% Castile and use Coconut Milk instead of water. I needed 12.31 oz of liquid so I measured a little over 2 oz of water to dissolve the lye. It had a temperature of 150 degrees but 15 minutes later, I had Lye Jelly. I was able to blend/liquify the solution by quickly stirring then I immediately added to the oil then decided to add the coconut milk. It traced very well (custard-like). It looks okay so far but I was wondering if this has ever happened to any of you or am I just an isolated case?

Should I have dissolved the lye in more water first?

TIA for your responses.
SoapPoopette

yafa · Oct 3, 2008

just curious how much lye did you dissolve in the 2 oz water?[/list]

IrishLass · Oct 3, 2008

Hi there!

In order for lye to dissolve properly, it needs to have at least the same amount of liquid in weight as there is lye. In other words, if you have 5 ounces of lye, you'll need to mix it with at least 5 oz of water (or liquid). You can always add more water than your lye amount, but not less water than the lye amount. HTH!

IrishLass

SoapPoopette · Oct 3, 2008

Hi,

My lye/water mixture was 2.29 oz of water/4.16 oz of lye. It looks like I did not add nearly as much water as I should have. I did check my soap, however, and it is hardening up okay, so far. I just hope I did not mess this up too badly.

Thanks to all for your help

SoapPoopette

yafa · Oct 3, 2008

The exact number for the solubility of lye is 111 grams per 100 grams of water, any extra amount will not dissolve (will percipetate). Please keep us posted....

SoapPoopette · Oct 11, 2008

I am happy to report that the soap came out beautifully. I breathed a huge sigh of relief!!!! Thanks for all of the advice because now I know how not to make this same mistake again.

SoapPoopette