How to Use Lye Water for Cleaning

Update

Lye can be dangerously corrosive when mixed with water: But the two make an effective cleaning agent when carefully combined. The many uses of lye water include cleaning cast-iron cookware and bleaching wood for refinishing. Lye water is also sold premixed and concentrated.

Use stainless steel equipment when working with lye.

This makes it easier to create a gentler cleanser for objects made from natural materials, such as wooden bowls and bamboo utensils.

Things You Will Need

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  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Safety mask
  • Waterproof apron
  • Water
  • Jar of lye crystals, 2 lb.
  • Heavy-duty plastic container, at least 10 gallons
  • Stainless steel spoon
  • Steel wire
  • Steel coat hangers
  • Garden hose
  • Stainless steel scouring pads or brushes
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Oven
  • Mineral oil
  • Soft cloth
  • Stainless steel pot, at least 4 quarts
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Vinegar
  • Wooden ladle or stainless steel potato masher
  • 1 tbsp. commercial concentrated lye water

Cleaning Cast-Iron Utensils

  • Add 1 can of lye to 4 or 5 gallons of water in a plastic container. Mix with a stainless steel spoon.

  • Tie the utensils to steel coat hangers with wire.

  • Slowly immerse the utensils in the lye water. Keep them suspended in the water by hooking each hanger around the edge of the plastic container.

  • Let the utensils soak for several days, up to a week. This is enough time to properly clean them, but the utensils will not be damaged if you leave them in longer.

  • Carefully lift up each coat hanger and untie the utensils.

  • Rinse each utensil in vinegar, then in water. The vinegar neutralizes any remaining lye.

  • Wipe away any remaining grease with a steel scouring pad or brush. Soak the utensils again if necessary.

  • Wash each utensil with dish soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.

  • Dry the utensils in an oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Let them cool completely.

  • Apply mineral oil to the utensils with a cloth. Let them stand overnight.

  • Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.

    • Bleaching Wood Furniture

  • Mix 1 oz. lye with 1 quart of water. Let it sit until the crystals dissolve.

  • Use paper towels to apply an even coat of lye water to the wood. Let it absorb for about 15 minutes.

  • Apply an even coat of hydrogen peroxide over the treated wood. Let it sit for another 15 minutes.

  • Add another coat of lye water to the wood. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then coat with hydrogen peroxide. Apply 5 coats of each, letting the wood dry for 15 minutes between applications.

  • Wipe the wood with vinegar to remove excess lye and neutralize any residue.

  • Wipe the wood with water. The addition of water is what will cause the wood to lighten. Dry with paper towels.

    • Cleaning Objects Made From Natural Materials

  • Add 1 tbsp. commercial lye water to 4 cups hot water in a stainless steel pot. Bring the solution to a boil.

  • Add the object to be cleaned. Hold it under the water with a ladle or potato masher.

  • Remove the object and rinse it twice in hot water.

  • Mix 2 tbsp vinegar with 4 cups warm water. Rinse the object with the solution and follow with a plain water rinse.

    • Warning

    Always wear gloves, goggles, a safety mask and a waterproof apron when handling lye. Gradually add the lye to the water. Never pour water onto lye. Use lye in a well-ventilated area. Do not use lye water to clean porcelain- or aluminum-coated cast-iron cookware.

    The Drip Cap

    • Lye can be dangerously corrosive when mixed with water: But the two make an effective cleaning agent when carefully combined.
    • The many uses of lye water include cleaning cast-iron cookware and bleaching wood for refinishing.
    • Rinse each utensil in vinegar, then in water.
    • Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.
    • Use paper towels to apply an even coat of lye water to the wood.
    • Let it absorb for about 15 minutes.
    • Add the object to be cleaned.
    • Remove the object and rinse it twice in hot water.

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