Caustic Soda Flakes

Also known as lye and sodium hydroxide, caustic soda flakes are a very common chemical used for heavy duty cleaning and industrial use. They are available over the counter in certain hardware stores (the exception being the big chain stores like Home Depot and Lowes) at a very reasonable price. The most common OTC brand is Red Devil Lye. If you choose to use them just be aware they can be very dangerous. Other uses for caustic soda flakes include use in the manufacture of paper, drinking water, detergents and textiles just to name a few. This is a solid white chemical and that is sold in the form of flakes, pellets and granules. You can also find it in in a solution mixed fifty-fifty with water. This is usually when you order it from a supplier for industrial uses though. The biggest safety danger that comes with working with caustic soda flakes is that it can cause severe chemical butns. If you are working unprotected with caustic soda flakes you run the risk of being scarred permanently or even having an injury that last for the rest of your life. Make sure you use caution and check the MSDS for the way it reacts with other acids, metals and how it reacts to heat. It's always better to be safe than sorry.