Jörg> Somebody wrote: (The problem is impregnation of the rubbery film of sealant inside the lid. Simmering several hours in Clorox helped, but insufficiently. Put in into NaOH solution (which is to be treated with due respect). That will help much better. NaOH + grease --> soap And the human nose is pathetic compared to a bloodhound's. Or a gila monster's egg sense.) _______________________________________________ I now demand a problem where I can point out that citric acid is almost always to be preferred over vinegar. Best, jj Can we hope that essence of sauerkraut is an oil? The old standby, Red Devil lye, was put out of business by The War on Meth Labs. http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/coldprocesssoapmaking/a/lyesources.htm But hardware stores in Latino areas still have http://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Devil-Lye-by-Rooto-100-Household-Lye-16oz-/32051..., which Mexicans use to home-make tortillas!! Perhaps even La Rosa brand, "Casi hecha a mano". Almost made by hand. --rwg An eavesdropper wonders how to lose the Clorox smell. Leave it out in the sun? Actually, there is some slight acidity in tea. Leaving used bags in the lid seems to help.