Other common names for sodium hydroxide are caustic soda or lye. Sodium hydroxide is the main ingredient in household products such as liquid drain cleaners. At room temperature, pure sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a white, odorless solid. Sodium hydroxide is an alkaline corrosive.
It is major ingredient in drain and oven cleaners. It is used in chemical manufacturing, oil refining, hydraulic fracturing, water treatment and metal processing. It is used in the manufacture of fabric, plastic wrap, paper and soap.