How much lye to use in a 5 gallon / 19L bucket

[Mary Kennedy]

Good day folks!

I have a 5 gallon bucket filled with water less about 2.5 inches.  How much of the 6.6 lb 3kg container of 100% lye crystals should I add to the water?

Many thanks!

Mary

[Cheryl Watson]

Mary, some folks use 1 lb. (16oz.) of lye per 5 gallons of water...

I use a double strength mix, 2 lbs per 5 gallon.  (Safety, safety, safety.... chem gloves and face shield... ) 

[Mary Kennedy]

Hi Cheryl,

Thanks very much for the reminders. It has been years since I used a lye bath!

[Cheryl Watson]

Hi Cheryl,

Thanks very much for the reminders. It has been years since I used a lye bath!

Yep, I am still a safety freak!   

[Will Person]

I use rubbermaid roughneck 18 gallon storage containers for my lye tanks. I have them about 2/3 full of solution and i have 3,  16oz containers and it is doing well. Have cleaned 10+ waffle irons, about 6 dutch ovens, and 15+ skillets. Right now i got a Wagner skillet oven soaking! Can't wait to season that baby! Good luck!

[Mary Kennedy]

Thanks Will. I appreciate you sharing that.

[Valerie Johnson]

I use rubbermaid roughneck 18 gallon storage containers for my lye tanks. I have them about 2/3 full of solution

I use them also but find they do have a tendency to spread at the top if you put too much solution in them, I keep mine 1/2 full and for larger items I use the Rubbermaid Brute 32 gallon garbage can

[Duke Gilleland]

I don't use lye but I have had great luck with the BRUTE products as far as my electro rig goes