lyes
Strong drain cleaners
Lyes is the plural of lye, a strongly alkaline solution used in soapmaking, cleaning, and food preparation.
Historically, lyes were made by leaching water through wood ash; today they're typically sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide dissolved in water.
The caustic nature of lyes makes them effective for breaking down organic matter, which is why they appear in drain cleaners and in traditional processes like curing olives or making pretzels.
Alkali-processed dried kernels
- cornCereal grown on cobs
- masaNixtamalized corn dough
- lutefiskLye-preserved dried whitefish
- pretzelsTwisted baked snack food
bagels · curing · peeling · softening · food-grade · olives · browning
Alkaline oxygen-hydrogen compound
- alkalineHaving high pH
- pHMeasure of solution acidity
- basicityDegree of alkaline character
- saponificationFat-alkali reaction making soap
neutralize · reactivity · aqueous · titration · corrosive · concentration · dilution · solution
Chemically burning; bitterly mocking
- corrosiveDestroys by chemical action
- burnDamage by heat
- hazardousLikely to cause injury
- toxicCapable of causing harm
dangerous · reactive · irritant · goggles · gloves · ventilation · neutralize · dilute
Fat-alkali reaction making soap
- traceMinute remnant or pursue
- curingRestoring health or preserving
- fatsOily organic nutrients
- oilsViscous lipid liquids
glycerin · molds · handmade · artisanal · batches · stirring · blending · tallow
Oil-dissolving cleaner
- industrialOf factories and production
- dissolveDisperse into liquid
- unclogRemove an obstruction
- heavy-dutyBuilt for hard use
hominy
Alkali-processed dried kernels
pretzels · bagels · curing · peeling · softening · food-grade · olives · browning
hydroxide
Alkaline oxygen-hydrogen compound
saponification · neutralize · reactivity · aqueous · titration · corrosive · concentration · dilution · solution · water-soluble
caustic
Chemically burning; bitterly mocking
toxic · dangerous · reactive · irritant · goggles · gloves · ventilation · neutralize · dilute · spill
saponification
Fat-alkali reaction making soap
oils · glycerin · molds · handmade · artisanal · batches · stirring · blending · tallow · fragrance
degreaser
Oil-dissolving cleaner
- industrialOf factories and production
- dissolveDisperse into liquid
- unclogRemove an obstruction
potash
Alkaline fertilizer compound
pioneer · homesteading · kettle · hearth · historical · dripping · barrel
lyesacids
Proton-donating compounds
hydrochloric acid · sulfuric acid · nitric acid · vinegar · citric acid
- lye soapAlkali-based cleansing bar