what is lye

Lye is a general term for two different alkaline compounds known as Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) . It is a very-alkaline product that is highly caustic and has been used to make soap for decades. Lye is commercially manufactured using a membrane cell chloralkali process and is supplied in various forms such as flakes, pellets, microbeads, coarse powder, or a solution. Lye has traditionally been used as a major ingredient in soapmaking. It is also used in the food industry to cure many types of food, including olives, canned mandarin oranges, hominy, lye rolls, century eggs, pretzels, candied pumpkins, and bagels. Lye is used to make commercial and industrial cleaners and clogged drain openers because of its cleaning effects and ability to dissolve grease. It is also used in the tissue digestion process to digest tissues of animal carcasses. Lye is a very caustic substance and can cause chemical burns if it comes into contact with unprotected skin.