Materials for combining lye and water?

[pigasus]

I've done a lot of watching and reading and thinking and I've got soap info coming out of my ears! I could have sworn one of my favorite videos had my answer, but it doesn't!
Can I use food service grade plastics for mixing my lye and water? And then for mixing my lye and fats to trace? Are there any types of plastics I can use, or does it all have to be stainless or pyrex?

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[Obsidian]

Yes, you can use food grade plastic. I use large measuring cups from the dollar store for mixing lye and I got a 1.5 gallon plastic bucket from the local bakery that is perfect for mixing smaller batches.

 

[eyeroll]

I use the same as Obsidian.


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[PinkCupcake]

I use plastic paint mixing cups/buckets from the home improvement store. They come in a bunch of different sizes, and they are super-cheap.

 

[pigasus]

Thats some good gouge! I make my own laundry detergent and use a 5 gallon paint bucket with the plastic pour spout in the lid to fill a gallon milk jug so my wife can lift it. That'll beat the heck out of a much more exspensive SS or pyrex bowl with low sides...

 

[dagmar88]

I prefer stainless for my lye solution.
With any kind of plastic, I'd put it in a sink just to be sure.

 

[shunt2011]

I use ziploc containers for my lye mixture. I also keep the in the sink just in case but haven't ever had a problem with them. Stainless steel for everything else though.

 

[rjalex]

I've read about using white/clear plastic if you can for some colours mights bleed in the lye solution but do not have direct experience to back this claim up.

 

[BrambleNBumble]

I use a plastic drink pitcher to mix my lye water it. It's nice and tall so if it starts or have a volcano effect, which has happened when I made a beer soap, it doesn't spill over. I also label it lye only so no one mistakes it for regular use.

 

[Soapsense]

BNB I use the same pitcher!! I use cheap freezer containers I got at Walmart to measure out my oils, and I use a cheap 4 quart batter bowl with a spout for mixing everything together.

 

[evilnurse]

I'm jealous because BNB's counter is so clean.


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[BrambleNBumble]

My DH is a neat freak so the counters stay fairly clean, plus we have two cats that like to get on the counters and lick plates clean if we leave them out.

 

[evilnurse]

Lol BNB. That's just the preseason cycle.


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[evilnurse]

The prewash cycle not preseason!


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[BrambleNBumble]

Lol! The only downside is they also like to knock dishes off the counter, like one of my Fiestaware chowder bowls

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[Second Impression]

I cut the top half off of a milk jug, left the handle intact. Been using the same jug for over 6 months now and can't see any signs of etching or wear. I always mix my lye water in the sink and it stays in the sink until ready to pour. I have a tendency to spill things

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[savonierre]

My pitcher looks just like the picture too.. I have had it for years with no evidence of wear or breakdown..