What is a Lye?
Lye is an alkali metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching wood ashes, or a strong alkali that is highly soluble in water-producing caustic basic solutions. “Lye” most commonly refers to sodium hydroxide, but historically has been used for potassium hydroxide.
Where Can I Buy Lye In South Africa?
What is 100% lye used for?
Lye is a caustic that today is most often used as a drain opener (and is one of the key ingredients in Drano.)
Although it sounds like a horrible addition, it’s a necessary ingredient for making handcrafted soap. It’s used to saponify the oils, or chemically change them from oil into lovely soap.
How to make lye at home?
To make lye in the kitchen, boil the ashes from a hardwood fire (soft woods are too resinous to mix with fat) in a little soft water, rainwater is best, for about half an hour. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top.
How much is lye in South Africa?
Quick Comparison
| Settings | Sodium Hydroxide Lye CP 25L | Sodium Metasilicate CP (25kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| SKU | SOHYD001 | SOMST001 |
| Price | R1,180.00 | R1,095.00 |
| Add to cart | Add to basket | Add to basket |