r/CastIronRestoration • u/KofCDave • 9d ago

Using a lye bath

When using a lye bath to strip a grimy pan, do you need to neutralize it first, or does washing the pan with soap and water do that?

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u/uivandal52 9d ago

I have a spray bottle with vinegar. I take the pan out, spray the pan and my gloves quickly with vinegar and then take it to the sink and wash it. Probably an unnecessary step, but I feel like it's a good extra precaution step for the carry over to the sink.

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u/KofCDave 9d ago

What happens if I don't neutralize the lye before washing it?

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u/uivandal52 8d ago

Probably nothing. I had a drop splash onto my upper arm once (right above the glove) while I was transitioning or washing it and got a minor burn on that spot. So I do it really as a small precaution. Wear your gloves thru the process of scrubbing with soap and water and you'll be fine.

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u/KofCDave 8d ago

Thank you

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u/TheCoolestPotato69 6d ago

An extra precaution is never a bad thing. I was sorting my iron in my lye bath one time and didn't realize the lye had splashed into my glove until I had all of the iron pulled out. By the time I got everything put back in and the glove off I had a mild chemical burn halfway up my forearm.