Mixing Lye and Water Question

[shawneelynn]

If I go outdoors to mix my lye and water, what would be the best kind of container to do so in, to prevent accidental spillage as I walk back inside? What kinds of material bowl should I have? And lastly, could I cover the bowl with something just to get from outside to inside?

 

[lionprincess00]

I have, in the past, walked out, mixed, and carefully walked back in. I use stainless steel. The truth is, I find this more dangerous than staying in one place. Sure there's fumes, but I don't inhale directly, and it's far safer imo than walking around with scalding lye water. If you were to pop a lid of sorts on, the fumes would build up and you'd get a puff in your face when you removed it (not to mention potential splashes). Seeing as I've done both, I find remaining put and turning my face as it dissolves works best for me.
Maybe someone else goes out and in smoother and swifter, and they may have better techniques for it, however.

 

[dixiedragon]

I use a plastic pitcher. You need one with a 2 or a 5 on the bottom inside the recycling symbol. You can get a pitcher with a lid, but unless you are making very large batches, the pitcher should be more than deep enough to keep any lye water from splashing out.

 

[Chefmom]

If you have concerns about transporting you can always have an old bucket outside. Mix your lye water in its container and allow to cool, then place into a bucket with some newspaper to keep it from rattling and carry it inside that way.

Then if there is that stumble or such you don't splash on you, but the bucket keeps everything contained.

I used to work at a bakery and have a small collection of various buckets. They come in handy for so many things outside and in!!

 

[HorseCreek]

I use the Oval gallon pitcher with the snap on lid that you can get at wally mart or dollar general etc.
I mix inside the house, but I wear an n95 mask.

 

[snappyllama]

I use a plastic pitcher (#5 on bottom of container). I mix outside and leave off the lid until it the temperature I want. When I move it inside, I put the lid on to make sure nothing splashes out and the lye water will stay inside if I trip (I'm a bit clumsy). Once inside, I immediately remove the the lid - being careful to keep my face back so I don't inhale any fumes.

 

[Stacy]

I agree with lionprincess00, I like to keep the lye as immobile as possible. I pour in one place (by a window) then work in another if I'm letting it cool or whatever. The more I carry it around, the more I'm likely to spazz out with it

Just make sure your vinegar is accessible from wherever you're mixing in case you have an accident and need to neutralize it. Running back to your work area may seem fast but if you have burning lye on your skin I imagine it will seem a lot longer!

 

[shunt2011]

I too use a plastic pitcher and mix in my kitchen sink. I open a window but just don't breath in the fumes.

 

[cmzaha]

I agree with lionprincess00, I like to keep the lye as immobile as possible. I pour in one place (by a window) then work in another if I'm letting it cool or whatever. The more I carry it around, the more I'm likely to spazz out with it

Just make sure your vinegar is accessible from wherever you're mixing in case you have an accident and need to neutralize it. Running back to your work area may seem fast but if you have burning lye on your skin I imagine it will seem a lot longer!

Copious amounts of water for cleanup of spills Not Vinegar. Anytime you carry around lye it is subject to spills and the further you transport it the more risk. This is why I put my bucket in the sink when making up my solutions. If it spill it goes down the drain and cleans the pipes. I learned my lesson several yrs ago when I would mix my lye in a pitcher on the deck. Well I tripped coming back in, fortunely it hit the deck not me, but the hubby was not to happy with the big boo boo on the deck

 

[shawneelynn]

I definitely don't need to do it in the house, poor ventilation and I have a small child, therefore I'll probably mix it outside and probably leave it somewhere safe outside until it cools. I'm thinking the back of my pickup truck, where no animals can get to it.