Lye is an alkali metal hydroxide that is highly soluble in water and produces caustic basic solutions. The most common type of lye is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is commercially manufactured using a membrane cell chloralkali process and supplied in various forms such as flakes, pellets, microbeads, coarse powder, or a solution. Lye has been traditionally used as a major ingredient in soapmaking, and it is also used in the nixtamalization process of hominy corn by the tribes of the Eastern Woodlands in North America.
Below are some details, positive and negative aspects, and ingredients or materials related to lye:
Details:
- Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Opener is a product that contains lye sodium hydroxide and is used to unclog bathroom and kitchen sinks, drains, and shower pipes.
- Crafters Choice Sodium Hydroxide Flakes is a food-grade lye that is commonly used to make high-quality handmade soap.
- Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener are 100% lye products that are still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowes, respectively.
Positive:
- Lye is valued for its cleaning effects and is commonly used in commercial and industrial oven cleaners and clogged drain openers due to its grease-dissolving abilities.
- Lye is a naturally occurring substance leached from wood ashes and has been used for centuries in the making of soap.
Negative:
- Lower grades of lye that are unsuitable for use in food preparation are commonly used as drain de-cloggers and oven cleaners.
- Some brands of lye have been pulled from the market due to their use in illegal drug labs.
- Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline, and can be toxic if ingested.
Ingredients or Materials:
- Lye is an alkali metal hydroxide that is highly soluble in water and produces caustic basic solutions.
- Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Opener contains lye sodium hydroxide.
- Crafters Choice Sodium Hydroxide Flakes is a food-grade lye.
- Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener are 100% lye products.
