Restoring Rusty Tools with Washing Soda
A simple, safe method using sodium carbonate to remove rust from hand tools and garden equipment.
Lye
| Technical name | Sodium Hydroxide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | caustic soda, soda lye, sodium hydrate |
| Chemical formula | NaOH |
| CAS number | 1310-73-2 |
| Category | Substances |
| Subcategory | Chemicals |
About This Material
Traditional soap-making ingredient used by homesteaders for generations. When mixed with fats, creates pure soap through saponification. Also used in food processing and cleaning applications.Traditional Homesteading Uses
Soap making has been a homestead essential for centuries. Lye was traditionally made from wood ash, but modern food-grade sodium hydroxide provides consistent, reliable results. Used for making lye soap, hominy, and pretzels.Modern Applications
Cold process soap making, hot process soap making, liquid soap production, drain cleaning, pH adjustment in food processing, and traditional nixtamalization of corn.⚠️ Safety Information
CAUTION: Highly caustic material. Can cause severe chemical burns. Always wear safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Add lye to water - NEVER add water to lye (causes violent reaction). Work in ventilated area. Keep away from children and pets. Store in clearly labeled, sealed container.Storage Instructions
Store in airtight container in cool, dry location. Keep away from moisture, acids, and aluminum. Label clearly with contents and hazard warnings. Keep in original container or food-grade HDPE plastic.Print-Friendly: This material reference is optimized for printing. Use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P) for a clean, black-and-white copy.