lye purchase

[FunFlames]

Hello,

I am getting ready to place my first order of Lye.... my question is how much would be a good amount to start out with.

I want to order both types as I would like to make liquid soap also.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

TIA

Danielle

[Scented]

Well what are your options where you're ordering?

That's one ingredient that I've gone through like crazy. When I first started, the 2 lbs I had to try just wasn't enough and then 10 lbs wasn't enough and well I'm on my last 32 lbs of both lol.

[FunFlames]

I haven't price shopped too much yet. I was on the AAA Chemical site when I saw all the options and figured I'd get an amount first.

I am near Cleveland Oh. I am not sure if there is anyplace local. I think there is a place in the Columbus area, but to start out I don't really want a road trip. Once I get my feet wet I will have a better idea how much I would use (I hope).

Thank You

Danielle

[Scented]

Nothing wrong with AAA. Quick shipping for sure. SInce you're just getting your feet wet, how about 4 lbs of each? Gives you a chance to make a couple of batches. The 2 lbers would too depending on your size of batches. Then if you find you like it, get more. I just know 2 lbs wasn't enough for me. It was enough to get going though.

[sudsnwicks]

Lye lasts indefinitely if you keep it dry. Since the lye from AAA comes in sealed bottles (2 lbs in each bottle), this is not a problem. If you make your soap in small batches of say 2 lbs each, each bottle would make about 6 batches. If you make soap weekly, this would be a 6 week supply. If you can get at least 4 lbs of each (or even 8 lbs of each, since it isn't going to expire) then the price per pound would be lowered.

[FunFlames]

Thank you both for all the info, it was just what I was looking for.

Now I need to check out all the things I have bookmarked and get an order placed!

This is a bit exciting.

Thanks again

Danielle

[FunFlames]

I found this place called Brainerd... if you buy 50lb of lye it is only 1.29lb. That seems like a steal. They have a place in OK and NC.... so I will check on the shipping from NC.

Seems like the place to buy it! The next best place I found is Camden Grey in FL.

Does it matter if it is flake or beads? I have seen both.

Have a great one

Danielle

[sudsnwicks]

It does not matter whether they are flake or bead. But if there is a choice, and if I remember correctly, the flake form is less likely to have static when you are pouring it out.

[FunFlames]

Thank You very much!!

[Amylynn]

If you are ordering from AAA chemicals there is a difference between bead and flake.

The Sodium Hydroxide NAOH is in bead form only and Potassium Hydroxide KAOH is in flake form.

They only have one form for each lye.

[FunFlames]

Thank You Amylynn,

I did check out AAA but the prices where the highest and would have the highest shipping so I scratched them off the list.

I will actually end up ordering both kinds as I would love to try liquid soap also.

Danielle

[FunFlames]

I was at a small town IGA today shopping for a client. I was scanning the isle for something on the list and WALLA.... my eye stopped on the drain cleaner......I found 100% lye for 2.49 lb. I was so excited!! The brand is ROOTO, which I have not heard mentioned before, but it is 100% sodium hydroxide.

I found lye as low as 1.29lb but shipping was going to be 98.00 on the minimum 100lbs. I am just too excited! I am by this store a few times a week so it will be easy to get.

Just had to share

Danielle