Lye Compatible
Lye Compatible
A material that safely resists sodium hydroxide (NaOH/lye) without degradation, critical for soap making.
Lye compatible means a container material can safely hold sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions without chemical degradation, leaching, or structural failure. HDPE has excellent compatibility with lye at concentrations up to 50% at room temperature, making HDPE pails the standard mixing vessel for cold process soap makers. Lye solutions reach temperatures of 180-200°F during mixing, which HDPE can withstand. Never use aluminum, glass (with lye), or low-quality plastics for lye mixing, as they can react dangerously. Always use HDPE containers specifically rated for chemical use.