Mixing the Alk Portion of DIY 2 Part

[Horace]

Well last night I mixed up my first batch of DIY 2 part. I must say I had a ROUGH time getting the alk portion mixed properly. I think I made the mistake of just dumping in all the baked baking soda at once and then trying to mix it up. It formed some VERY large (4"-5") solid chunks in the bottom of the container that took me over an hour of chopping up with a long knife to even begin to break down. I tried heating the container up a bit but given it was plastic, I couldnt exactly just let it sit in boiling water, and I wasnt sure if putting it in the microwave was a good idea either. I take it in the future I should add a little at a time and mix it up before adding more? I dont want to have to go through that again!

 

[Froggy]

I usually fill the gallon jug 1/2 full with R.O. water and then add all of the amount of baking soda all at once. I shake the jug a bit and fill the rest of the jug with R.O. water. I shake again and I get quite a bit of clumping at 1st. I just make sure to make the mixture a couple of days before I need to use it. I shake it a couple of times a day for a couple of days and it will disolve on it's own without a need for chopping or skaking until your arms fall off. Just give it time on its own. It will be easier on you and will completely dissolve with little effort in a couple of days.

Luke warm R.O. water also gives me better results at the beginning instead of cold water.

This works for me and I hope it will for you as well. Good luck.

 

[Horace]

I had hoped that was the case. I didnt know if the chunks would dissolve on thier own though and I intended to use the stuff right away. Next time I will keep this in mind and make it in a separate container ahead of time. Thx!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It can take a long time to mix. You can dissolve it in water in a pot (stainless steel), if you need to heat it a lot.