SOAP INGREDIENTS: SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA/LYE)

Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
  • Lye is corrosive – it will burn skin, stain fabric, strip wood surfaces, can cause blindness and can be fatal if swallowed
  • MIX LYE INTO WATER (not water into lye, which creates a caustic volcano)
  • Use a Soap Lye Calculator: http://soapcalc.net/calc/SoapCalcWP.asp
  • Lye water splashed on fabric will eat through clothing and burn skin, creating painful sores
  • Spilled lye water on yourself: remove clothing, wash under cold running water for 15mins+
  • Wipe benches down with vinegar to remove lye dust when cleaning up
  • ALWAYS wear safety goggles!!! Face shield is even better
  • ALWAYS wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeved clothing, pants and enclosed shoes
  • ALWAYS mix lye into water in a VENTILATED area and don’t breathe in fumes
  • ALWAYS cover your bench with lots of newspaper and/or cardboard
  • UNSURE about a lye burn? GO TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY

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Acknowledgement 
Kaya Wanjoo. Food Preserving kaditj kalyakoorl moondang-ak kaaradj midi boodjar-ak nyininy, yakka wer waabiny, Noongar moort. Ngala kaditj baalap kalyakoorl nidja boodjar wer kep kaaradjiny, baalap moorditj nidja yaakiny-ak wer moorditj moort wer kaditj Birdiya wer yeyi.
Hello and Welcome. Food Preserving acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and play, the Nyoongar people. We recognise their connection to the land and local waterways, their resilience and commitment to community and pay our respect to Elders past and present.