Shelf life of lye?

[Kleine Teufel]

I've been looking at reducing costs, and wondering what the shelf life of lye is... I've had it last for a year for me, but wondering if it lasts longer than that. I don't really go through a lot, but would like to buy larger amounts to drop the price. So... what is the shelf life of lye?

 

[Genny]

I don't know that it goes bad, it's more likely to get moisture in it and end up being unuseable that way.

 

[majstor]

If stored in dry place in good water-air/tight container i think it can last very very long.

 

[Deb6205]

I bought 100 lb 2 years ago and it is fine. I store it in food grade 6 gal pail with Gamma Seal Lid purchased at http://www.breadbeckers.com/store/pc/Containers-c136.htm.

Debra

 

[lemontongue]

I have some Red Devil Lye containers from 2003 still and I only use it as drain opener because it clobbed into little balls, it works fine but I wouldn't use it for soap if it's like this. I keep my lids tight and make sure 100% that my lye in a cool and dry place now.

 

[Ruthie]

I stopped soaping for 12 years and when I began again the lye I had saved was still good.