What was recalled
In the world of home crafting and household maintenance, certain chemicals are indispensable for getting the job done, but they require careful handling. On March 18, 2020, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a significant recall involving six specific brands of sodium and potassium hydroxide products manufactured by Boyer Corporation. These items were not sold under a single storefront name but were distributed under various labels commonly found in DIY supply chains. The core issue with these products is that they contain strong alkaline substances—sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide—which are highly corrosive. While the chemical composition itself is standard for its intended uses, the packaging failed to meet federal safety standards because it lacked child-resistant features.
The recall specifically targets two-pound clear plastic bottles equipped with a continuous thread closure cap. These containers were marketed primarily for two popular home projects: soapmaking and clearing stubborn drains. Because these activities often involve multiple ingredients and tools, consumers might have purchased these lye products alongside other supplies from different vendors. The brands affected in this recall are distinct but share the same physical packaging defect. They include Soap Supply Co. Lye with a yellow label, BigTProducts Soap Makers Lye with a green label, California Soap Supply with a dark blue label, Combo Pure Solutions with a light blue label, Red Crown High Test Lye with a red label, and Boyer Potassium Hydroxide Flakes with a white label. The first four brands were distributed by third-party entities like BigTProducts and NG Inc., while the final two were distributed directly by Boyer Corporation.
If you are looking to identify whether your bottle is part of this recall, you need to check two specific locations on the container. First, look at the bottom of the jar for a lot number ranging from 4001 to 9288. Second, verify that the same lot number appears on the side of the product’s box if it is still available. The presence of this specific range of lot numbers confirms the item was part of the affected batch. It is important to note that while the recall notice details these specific brands and packaging types, it does not provide a total count of the units sold in the United States. Therefore, we cannot state exactly how many bottles are currently in circulation, only that any bottle matching the brand descriptions and lot number range is subject to this safety alert.
The decision to recall these items stems from a violation of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). This federal law requires that certain hazardous household substances be packaged in containers that are significantly difficult for young children to open or access, while still being reasonable for adults to use. The clear plastic bottles with standard continuous thread caps used by Boyer Corporation did not meet this requirement. Because the packaging was not child-resistant, there was a substantial risk that a child could gain access to the corrosive contents. This gap in safety design is the primary reason the CPSC mandated the recall, ensuring that consumers have a way to mitigate the danger posed by these otherwise useful household chemicals.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so urgent, we need to look at what is actually inside those clear plastic bottles and why the packaging failure changes everything. The products in question contain sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. In everyday language, these are powerful alkalies, often referred to as caustic soda or lye. While they are incredibly useful for consumers making soap at home or clearing stubborn clogs in drains, they are chemically aggressive substances that do not distinguish between a pipe and human tissue.
The core of the danger lies in a process called saponification. When sodium or potassium hydroxide comes into contact with moisture—such as the water naturally present on your skin, in your eyes, or in the lining of your mouth—it triggers an exothermic reaction. This means it releases heat rapidly while simultaneously breaking down fats and proteins. In practical terms, this is not just a surface-level irritation like a paper cut might be. Instead, it causes liquefactive necrosis, a type of tissue destruction where the chemical turns solid fat into a soapy liquid that allows the chemical to penetrate deeper into the body. This deep penetration is what makes these injuries particularly severe and difficult to treat.
The specific hazard here is not the chemical itself, but the lack of child-resistant packaging required by law. Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), consumer products containing significant amounts of sodium or potassium hydroxide must be sold in containers that are difficult for children under five years old to open or access within a reasonable time. The recalled Boyer-branded products, as well as the six other brands distributed by BigTProducts and NG Inc., failed this requirement because they used standard continuous thread closure caps on clear plastic bottles. These are the same types of caps found on many common household items that young, curious hands can easily twist off.
When a child gains access to this unprotected product, the risk is immediate and multi-layered. If the powder or flakes are ingested, they begin burning the mouth, throat, and esophagus from the inside out, causing severe pain and potentially blocking airways due to swelling. If the substance gets into the eyes, it can cause rapid corneal damage and permanent vision loss because the eye’s natural moisture accelerates the chemical reaction. Even skin contact with the flakes or the concentrated solution they create when mixed with water can result in deep chemical burns that may require extensive medical care. The CPSC has already documented two injuries involving the California Soap Supply variant, including a case where a child suffered chemical burns to their mouth after accessing the product, underscoring how quickly this hazard can manifest in a real-world scenario.
It is important to note that these chemicals are odorless and colorless when dissolved in water, making them particularly deceptive. A child might touch a bottle, pick up the residue on their hands, and then rub their eyes or mouth, transferring the chemical without ever opening the container directly. This indirect route of exposure is why proper packaging is critical; it acts as the primary barrier against accidental contact for those who are least able to recognize the danger.
By understanding that the issue is a failure of physical security rather than the chemical's inherent nature, we can see why the remedy focuses on immediate containment. The chemicals themselves are not "bad," but without the mandatory child-resistant cap, they become an unguarded threat in any home with young children. This recall highlights the importance of trusting that safety regulations are there for a reason, and acting on them promptly is the best way to prevent a routine household item from becoming a medical emergency.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger in this recall consists of young children, particularly those under the age of five. The core issue here is not just the presence of a hazardous chemical, but the complete absence of child-resistant packaging on these specific bottles. Under normal circumstances, sodium and potassium hydroxide products are required by law to be stored in containers that are difficult for small hands to open. Because Boyer Corporation’s recalled items lack this critical safety feature, any child who can reach the bottle or manipulate a standard screw-top cap can access the contents. The incident reports highlight a terrifying reality: one reported injury involved a child gaining access to California Soap Supply product and suffering chemical burns to their mouth. This underscores that the risk is not theoretical; it is an active, present threat in homes where these items are stored alongside toys or food.
Beyond toddlers, individuals who engage in home soapmaking or plumbing maintenance are also at significant risk, especially if they are working without adequate protective gear or supervision. These products are commonly marketed for DIY projects, which often attract hobbyists who may not be aware of the severe chemical hazards involved. Sodium hydroxide (lye) and potassium hydroxide are highly caustic substances that cause immediate damage upon contact with skin or eyes. The risk is compounded by the fact that these chemicals can cause burns that appear minor at first but can deepen rapidly, leading to serious long-term tissue damage. For those using these products in a home setting, the lack of industrial-grade safety protocols increases the likelihood of accidental splashes or spills.
Elderly individuals and those with limited dexterity may also be inadvertently placed in harm’s way, not because they are more susceptible to the chemical itself, but because they might struggle with the non-child-resistant caps. While the cap is designed for adults to open easily, it fails to provide the necessary barrier against curious children. Furthermore, anyone living in a household with multiple generations or visiting friends who have young children is at risk due to cross-contamination or accidental access by others who may not be aware of the specific danger posed by these unlabeled or insufficiently labeled containers.
It is crucial to understand that the vulnerability extends to pets as well. Animals, particularly dogs and cats, are curious and may investigate bottles left on counters or in cabinets. If a pet knocks over a bottle or chews through the plastic, the resulting chemical exposure can be fatal. Therefore, the risk profile includes any member of the household, regardless of age or ability, who might come into contact with an improperly secured container.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Because this recall covers six different brand names that are often sold under various labels, it is crucial to inspect every bottle of lye or potassium hydroxide in your home carefully. The products involved in this Boyer Corporation recall share specific physical characteristics that make them easy to identify if you know what to look for. First, check the container itself. You should be looking for a two-pound clear plastic bottle. These bottles typically feature a continuous thread closure cap, which is the standard screw-top style found on many hardware and chemical products. If your product comes in a different size, a glass jar, or a bag, it is likely not part of this specific recall, but you should still handle any caustic chemicals with extreme care.
The most definitive way to confirm whether your item is included is to examine the labeling and the lot numbers. The recalled products are commonly marketed for home soapmaking projects or for clearing clogged drains. You need to look at the label color to determine which of the six brands you may have purchased. The specific brands and their corresponding label colors included in this recall are: Soap Supply Co. Lye with a yellow label; Soap Makers Lye with a green label; California Soap Supply with a dark blue label; Combo Pure Solutions with a light blue label; Red Crown High Test Lye with a red label; and Boyer Potassium Hydroxide Flakes with a white label. Note that these products were distributed by either BigTProducts, NG Inc., or Boyer Corporation.
Once you have identified the brand and label color, you must verify the lot number to be absolutely certain. The lot numbers for this recall range from 4001 to 9288. You will find this number printed on the bottom of the plastic jar and also on the side of the product box if you still have the original packaging. It is vital to check both locations, as labels can sometimes wear off or become obscured over time. If your lot number falls within the 4001 to 9288 range, you have one of the recalled items. Do not attempt to open the bottle to check the contents directly, as the hazard lies in the chemical itself. Instead, rely on the external markings. If you are unsure about any aspect of the product’s identity, it is safer to assume it is part of the recall and follow the remedy instructions immediately.
If you cannot find a lot number or if the label has faded entirely, treat the item with caution. The lack of child-resistant packaging is the primary issue here, meaning any clear plastic bottle of lye or potassium hydroxide that lacks specialized safety caps should be considered potentially hazardous. Given that injuries have already been reported from these products, particularly to children who accessed them easily, erring on the side of caution is the best approach. Contact Boyer Corporation using the information provided in our remedy section if you need assistance identifying your specific product or if you have lost the packaging details.
What to do — step by step
If you have any of the recalled Boyer-branded sodium or potassium hydroxide products in your home, the most important thing you can do right now is to stop using them immediately. These chemicals are highly caustic and can cause severe chemical burns to your skin and eyes if they come into contact with your body. Because the packaging involved in this recall does not meet the child-resistant requirements set by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, it poses a significant risk, particularly for households with young children who might accidentally access the product. Your first priority is to secure these items away from anyone who could harm themselves by touching or ingesting them.
Once you have identified the recalled bottles—checking for the specific lot numbers between 4001 and 9288 located on the bottom of the jar and the side of the box—you need to move them to a safe location. This means storing them in a high place, a locked cabinet, or anywhere else that is completely out of reach of children and pets. Do not leave them on countertops, in open sheds, or in any accessible storage area. By physically removing the hazard from your daily environment, you eliminate the immediate danger while you arrange for the proper remedy.
After securing the product, contact Boyer Corporation to request a free replacement child-resistant cap. This is the official remedy provided by the company to address the safety defect. You can reach them by calling 800-323-4030 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to boyer9600@gmail.com or visit their website at www.boyercorporation.com and click on the “Recall” tab for further instructions. When you contact them, have your product details ready so they can verify that your specific item is part of this recall.
It is crucial to understand why you are receiving a cap rather than a full refund or replacement bottle. The recall notice specifies that Boyer will provide free child-resistant caps to remedy the packaging defect. This solution allows you to continue using the sodium and potassium hydroxide for your projects, such as soapmaking or clearing drains, provided you install the new safety cap correctly. However, if you are uncomfortable handling these chemicals at all, or if you prefer not to use the product again, you should discuss your options directly with Boyer Corporation during your contact. They will be able to guide you through any additional steps necessary for your specific situation.
Please do not attempt to dispose of the chemical in your regular household trash or pour it down the drain without proper precautions, as this can be dangerous to sanitation workers and the environment. While Boyer is providing the safety caps, you should follow local hazardous waste disposal guidelines if you choose to discard the product entirely. For now, focus on securing the item and contacting the manufacturer to get your free safety cap. This step-by-step approach ensures that you protect your family from injury while following the official recall procedure.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you realize you have one of the recalled Boyer sodium and potassium hydroxide products in your home, the good news is that the remedy provided by the recall is straightforward and designed to be as convenient as possible for you. According to the official information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Boyer Corporation is not requiring you to return the hazardous product itself. Instead, they are offering a free replacement child-resistant cap. This approach makes sense because the danger lies specifically in the packaging’s failure to prevent children from accessing the corrosive chemicals inside, rather than the contents being inherently defective for their intended use. By simply swapping out the standard continuous thread closure cap for one that meets the safety standards of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), you can safely continue using the product if you wish, or dispose of it responsibly.
To get your free replacement cap, you need to contact Boyer Corporation directly. You have a few different ways to reach them, so you can choose the method that feels most comfortable for you. You can call their dedicated recall line at 800-323-4030. It is important to note their hours of operation: they are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to communicate in writing or need more detailed instructions than a quick phone call might provide, you can send an email to boyer9600@gmail.com. Alternatively, if you are online, you can visit their website at www.boyercorporation.com. Once there, look for the “Recall” tab on the page. This section of their site likely contains specific forms or further details about how to request your cap and arrange for its delivery.
While waiting for your replacement cap to arrive, it is crucial that you do not leave the recalled bottles in an accessible location. The recall notice explicitly instructs consumers to immediately store these products in a safe place out of the reach of children. This means moving them to a high shelf, a locked cabinet, or another secure area where young hands cannot get to them. Do not attempt to open the bottle yourself to inspect the contents or try to modify the existing cap with tape or other materials; the official replacement cap is designed to meet specific regulatory standards that DIY solutions cannot guarantee. By contacting Boyer and securing the product in the meantime, you are taking the necessary steps to protect your household from the risk of chemical burns and irritation to the skin and eyes.
If you have questions about the process or if you encounter any difficulties reaching out to them, keep your records handy. Having the lot numbers (which range from 4001 to 9288) visible on the bottom of the jar or the side of the box may help Boyer verify that your specific product is part of this recall. Remember, this remedy is specifically for the packaging defect. If you have suffered any injuries related to these products, particularly given that two reports of chemical burns have already been documented with the California Soap Supply variety, please seek medical attention and consider reporting the incident to the CPSC.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a clear plastic bottle sitting on a shelf and see nothing more than a harmless household tool for soapmaking or drain cleaning. However, ignoring the recall notice transforms that inert object into a genuine safety hazard. The core issue here is not just that the chemical is dangerous—it is that the packaging fails to provide the critical barrier that protects vulnerable individuals, particularly young children, from accidental exposure. When you continue to use these products without the proper child-resistant cap, you are leaving the contents fully accessible to anyone who can reach them.
The consequences of this oversight can be severe and immediate. Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are strong alkalis, commonly known as lye. These substances are highly corrosive. If a child manages to open the non-compliant bottle, they can easily pour or touch the flakes or solution. As noted in the reported incidents by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this has already led to chemical burns. In one documented case, a child gained access to the California Soap Supply product and suffered chemical burns to their mouth. This is not a minor irritation; chemical burns from alkalis can cause deep tissue damage that heals poorly and may require extensive medical treatment. The pain is intense, and the risk of permanent scarring or functional impairment in sensitive areas like the eyes and mouth is real.
Beyond the immediate physical injury, there is the risk of secondary complications. If the chemical contacts the skin, it can cause severe irritation and burns that may become infected if not treated promptly. If it reaches the eyes, the potential for permanent vision damage or blindness increases significantly with every second of exposure. Even for adults, using these products without the proper safety features increases the likelihood of accidental splashes or spills during handling, which can lead to painful chemical burns on hands and arms.
By ignoring the recall, you are also disregarding a proven remedy. The manufacturer has acknowledged the packaging flaw and offers a free replacement cap that meets federal child-resistant standards. Choosing not to take advantage of this offer means you are actively maintaining a known risk in your home. The hazard does not disappear on its own; it remains until the proper safety mechanism is installed. Given the documented injuries and the high reactivity of lye, the potential cost of ignoring this recall—measured in medical bills, pain, and long-term health effects—far outweighs the simple effort of securing a replacement cap.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical failure in packaging design for chemical products, the broader lesson applies to every household that stores any kind of hazardous material. Sodium and potassium hydroxide are powerful substances, but so are many other common items found under sinks or in garages: bleach, ammonia, antifreeze, pesticides, and even certain cleaning tablets. The key to preventing accidental exposure lies not just in the bottle’s cap, but in your daily habits and home environment. Think of safety as a layered defense system. You cannot rely on a single layer—like a flimsy plastic cap—to keep children safe. Instead, you must combine physical barriers, strategic storage, and consistent routines.
First, always use child-resistant packaging correctly. Many people assume that if a bottle has a "child-resistant" label, it is impossible for a toddler to open, but this is a dangerous misconception. Child-resistant caps are designed to be difficult for young children to open, not impossible. They require a specific combination of push-down-and-twist or squeeze-and-turn motions that most adults can master with practice. If you have replaced an old cap with a generic one from a hardware store, you may have unknowingly removed this essential safety feature. Always verify that any replacement closure meets current Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards for child resistance. If you are unsure, replace the entire container or contact the manufacturer for proper parts.
Secondly, storage location is just as important as the container itself. Even the safest cap can be compromised if it is within easy reach of a determined child. Store all hazardous chemicals in high cabinets, locked boxes, or on shelves that are at least five feet off the ground. Avoid storing these items under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom, which are prime hunting grounds for curious toddlers and climbing children. If you must keep cleaning supplies accessible for quick use, choose a location with a dedicated, latch-secured cabinet that is physically out of reach. Additionally, never store chemicals in food or beverage containers. This is a leading cause of accidental poisonings, as adults may instinctively grab the wrong bottle in a hurry, and children are often drawn to bright colors or familiar shapes.
Finally, establish a routine of regular safety checks. Products change, packaging updates, and regulations evolve. Make it a habit to inspect your home’s hazardous materials every few months. Look for cracked bottles, leaking seals, or faded labels that make it hard to identify the contents. Sign up for recall alerts from the CPSC (via SaferProducts.gov) and local health departments to stay informed about new safety issues before they become emergencies. By treating chemical safety as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time fix, you create a safer environment for your family and peace of mind for yourself.