Lye water

Lye water (sometimes called ‘Lime Water’) is a strong (caustic) liquid that is safe to use in very small amounts in cooking, but it can be dangerous if lye water is swallowed undiluted straight from the bottle. It can cause severe corrosive burns to the throat, oesophagus and stomach with permanent damage if swallowed. Children who have accidentally swallowed lye water have needed urgent medical attention in hospital.

By law, lye water must meet strict safety requirements if it is sold for household use.

Lye water sold in Australia might be stronger than the cooking ingredient used in Africa and other countries.

Uses

Lye water is an ingredient used in Asian and African cooking for cooking meat, rice or noodles and vegetables like corn, beans, maize or okra to soften or add flavour or keep vegetables colour. It is usually added as part of the recipe in small amounts (spoonfuls).

Lye water can also be used in soap making and as a cleaning agent.

Health concerns

An image of a baby drinking lye water with a circle and a line through itLye water is a strongly alkaline (caustic) solution which can cause severe injury in the form of corrosive burns, especially to the throat, oesophagus and stomach if swallowed. These injuries can result in hospitalisation and permanent damage in severe cases.

Lye water can be dangerous if: 

  • accidentally swallowed straight from the bottle, which can burn your mouth, throat and stomach
  • splashed on skin, which can burn your eyes and skin.

Alternatives to use

Salt crystals or powders that do the same job as lye water include:

  • bicarbonate soda (bicarb)
  • sodium carbonate
  • sodium bicarbonate
  • lye salt
  • uvusaaru
  • combo
  • soda ash
  • magadi soda

Ways to minimise harm

  • An image of a baby reaching for a container of liquid on the bench. The image has a circle and a line through itdo not store lye water where children can reach the bottle, for example in the fridge
  • do not forget that children can climb up to reach cupboards
  • do not measure lye water into a cup or spoon and then leave it on the bench where children could accidentally swallow it – add it to your cooking straight away
  • do not pour lye water into another container for storage
  • make sure you put the lid on tightly
  • put the bottle away straight after you have finished using it
  • if swallowed undiluted, phone 000 immediately for SA Ambulance Service (or 112 from mobile phones)

Translated fact sheets for parents

Translated fact sheets detailing some of this information is available in the following languages:

Further information

For further information on lye water, contact SA Health's Scientific Services on

Phone: (08) 8226 7100
Email: Health.ScientificServices@sa.gov.au