Lye

Introduction

Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), is a strong base that is commonly used in the soapmaking process. It can be purchased from chemical suppliers or made from scratch using hardwood ash. Due to its highly alkaline nature, lye can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes, so it is essential to wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling it.

Making Lye from Wood Ash

Step 1: Gathering the Ashes

Wood Selection

When making lye from wood ash, it is important to choose ashes from hardwoods like oak, maple, or beech. These woods contain higher levels of potassium carbonate, which is the key ingredient in lye. Softwoods like pine should be avoided, as they may produce harsh resins in the lye. Burn the wood until only ash remains.

Step 2: Building the Leaching System

Leaching Barrel

To build a leaching system, you will need a container with a drainage hole in the bottom. A wooden barrel, clay crock, or even a large plastic bucket can work for this purpose.

Leaching Bed

Place straw or twigs on the bottom of the barrel to create a filter for the ashes.

Drip Tray

Position a container under the drainage hole to collect the lye solution.

Step 3: Leaching the Lye

Ash Placement

Fill the barrel with ashes, leaving some space at the top.

Water Addition

Slowly pour hot water over the ashes, ensuring it drips evenly through the filter bed. Be careful not to flood the ashes.

Lye Collection

The water will dissolve the potassium carbonate from the ashes, creating a weak lye solution that drips into the tray below.

Step 4: Concentrating the Lye

Evaporation

The collected lye solution is still quite weak. You can concentrate it by boiling it over a fire or in a pot on a stovetop. Remember to wear gloves and eye protection during this step, as lye is caustic.

Testing

As the solution boils, water evaporates, and the lye concentration increases. To test the strength, dip a potato or egg into the solution. If it floats, the lye is strong enough for soap making.

Step 5: Safety Precautions

• Lye is a strong alkali and can cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling lye at all stages of the process.
• Lye fumes can be harmful if inhaled. Work in a well-ventilated area.
• Store lye in a safe container, out of reach of children and pets.

Additional Notes

• The amount of lye you can obtain from a given amount of wood ash varies depending on the wood type and burning conditions.
• The traditional lye-making process takes time and patience. Be prepared for several hours of leaching and concentrating the solution.