Caustic Soda

[Helsbells]

I have just bought some Caustic soda (aka sodium hydroxide, aka lye) from B&Q, but the label says that its concentrated caustic soda.

Can anyone tell me is concentrated caustic soda is the same as caustic soda?

I want to make some soap but I dont want it to be to causticy!!

Thanks,
Helen

[Odsox]

As far as I know ALL caustic soda is concentrated, that's what makes it caustic.
But if you are going to use it on your skin I would definitely get a second, third or even tenth opinion as I have only ever used it for photographic developing. .... and cleaning drains.

[Cassiepod]

You can buy caustic soda in many forms and dilutions. eg a 1% solution 15% solution, 45% solution. So I imagine the label is referring to the amount of caustic int he solution. The most concentrated you can get is the solid(pearl) form.

I cant' remember anything about soap making from school but basically you need to make sure the caustic is all reacted away to aoivd any issues with your skin. I'd always patch test anything you've made for the first time, just to make sure you got it right too.

[Odsox]

Yes sorry, I was referring to the solid granular form of caustic soda.
I didn't realise you could easily get it ready diluted.

[Helsbells]

Well I have used B&Q's caustic soda, seems to have worked ok, but I will do a litmus paper test after 4 weeks when it has matured!
To make sure its not too alkaline. Apparently most shop bought soap is alkalie 9 so if its around that or below I should be ok.
Think I will use this one for hand soap though just to be sure. Not convinced I want to use my first attempt for my sensitive bits!

[Green Aura]

Two things Helen

1 Have you seen this http://www.thesage.com/calcs/lyecalc2.php
2 Best test to see if it's cured is put it on your tongue - if it tastes like soap it's OK, if it tingles like licking a battery it's not done. If it takes more than about 6 weeks to cure, it may not - but that doesn't mean you can't melt it and add more oils and re-cook it.

[The Riff-Raff Element]

I would say: always remember that caustic soda = drain cleaner.

Handle with extreme caution (I bear scars) and buy the best quality pH testing kit you can find.

pH 8.5 is a good target.

[alybsc]

Hello, I'm new here and I make soap for a living. I've never owned a PH meter, apparently they don't give accurate reading with soap...I tongue test, always have done. The most important piece of equipment is your scale...cheap kitchen ones are not that great...I use a trade stamped trade scale it cost me £250 and it's been worth its weight in gold...but cheaper catering scales from Nisbets will do OK...bettter to have one that measures 1g increments. I have used caustic soda pearl bought from a hardware shop and it was fine, better to buy it from a soap supplier cos it's cheaper...I buy mine a tonne at a time now tho LOL!
Try http://www.thesoapkitchen.co.ukthey are very good.
Message me if you want any help
Regards,
Allyson
http://www.bellinghamsoapcompany.co.uk

[contadina]

I'd also second choosing good scales over a pH testing kit. Back to the original question - make sure it's at least 99% caustic soda.

I've started washing my hair with my homemade castille soap BTW and it's never looked better.

[alybsc]

OOH Castille...I love it...sounds fab...I also wash my hair with soap but my awful hair needs a good conditioner...one of these days I'll make my own LOL

[contadina]

Living on an olive grove helps . We don't have mains water either so it gets washed in rainwater - the perfect combination. It's the first time in years my frizz has returned to ringlets.

[Helsbells]

Thaks for the tips everyone.
I have now started using the soap I made, didnt do a ph test, and it seems fine, though I am sure if I get very dry hands I will know someting is wrong.
My only complaint is that it smells rather meaty!!

[frozenthunderbolt]

Thaks for the tips everyone.
My only complaint is that it smells rather meaty!!

I assume you refined your own tallow then?


you can reduce the smell by remelting/boiling the tallow in several changes of salt water. I added chopped herbs to mine as well which has helped some.

Have my lye, dieticians scales, gloves, goggles, thermometers, mold, stainless buckets and a book by Nora Coney? but havent yet got as far as making the actual soap!

One Q?

Do you add the powdered lye to the water or visa versa. I have very definite instructions that say only to do it THIS way for BOTH orders

I feel it doesn't matter so long as you are extreamly careful but would like to hear from someone who has actually done this before i go ahead.