What is household lye?

In: Shopping, Chemistry [Recategorize]

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Lye can refer to two different chemicals. There is soda lye, which is sodium hydroxide, or NaOH, or potash lye, which is potassium hydroxide, or KOH.

It the VERY CAUSTIC OR BASIC (ALKALINE) - Meaning it can burn your skin, blind you, etc - Stuff found in Oven Cleaners, Draino, and other toilet bowl type stain removers. It used to be a minor ingredient in homemade soaps, way back when.
TREAT WITH CARE. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. USE EYE AND SKIN PROTECTION, AND DON'T BREATHE THE VAPORS.

First answer by JEK. Last edit by JEK. Contributor trust: 1825 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 18 [recommend question]

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What is lye? How lye is made? Where is lye used? How do you make lye? What is the use of lye? What is lye made out of? What are the uses of lye? What elements are in lye? What is lye classified as? What is lye water made of? What is the formula for lye? What can you use besides lye? What is the chemcial formula for lye?