Before discussing how to use caustic soda we must consider that caustic soda, like many other chemicals, is hazardous to humans and animals. Therefore, it’s essential to observe all safety precautions when using it. Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide or lye, is a white solid ionic compound with the chemical formula NaOH. It dissolves easily in water, methanol, and ethanol, which means you will need one of these solvents to use it. Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, has a wide range of applications across various industries. It is commonly used in the production of hygiene products, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and more, with different dosages and purity levels depending on the specific industry needs. In this article, we will explore the diverse caustic soda uses for household purposes and discuss the best methods for safe and effective application in home settings.
Important Precautions Before Using Caustic Soda
Before anything else, you should familiarize yourself with the hazards of caustic soda. If you store it at home, ensure that the container is sealed correctly and the storage area is well-ventilated. Additionally, make sure it’s kept out of reach of children and pets, as exposure to or inhaling its fumes can be extremely dangerous for both humans and animals.
Although caustic soda is not flammable on its own, it can absorb moisture from the air. If mixed with hot water, it can generate enough heat to ignite flammable materials. For this reason, you should always dissolve it in cold water to prevent excess heat buildup.
When purchasing caustic soda, in addition to considering its price, you should also check factors such as the manufacturer’s name and brand, purity percentage, packaging method, and production standards.
Using Caustic Soda in Industry and Household Applications
Caustic soda has such a wide range of applications that it is used not only in households but also in industries. In this section, we will cover how to use this versatile substance for both domestic and industrial purposes.
Household Uses of Caustic Soda
As you may know, caustic soda has numerous applications in various industries. Interestingly, you can also use this versatile material for household purposes. Here are three of the most common household uses of caustic soda:
Unclogging Drains and Pipes with Caustic Soda
Although unclogging drains is an unpleasant task, every homeowner will likely face this at least once. One effective way to clear blocked drains is by using caustic soda. It is a powerful cleaner that can dissolve fats, hair, and other debris that accumulate in drains.
Before starting, you should follow safety precautions, as caustic soda is a vital alkaline substance that can cause skin and eye burns. Wear gloves, a respiratory mask, and protective goggles when using it, and ensure that the windows are open to avoid inhaling the fumes.
To unclog drains, you will need:
- Caustic soda
- Cold water
- A plastic container or bucket
- A toilet plunger
Note: Caustic soda should not be used for certain types of pipes like PVC, aluminum, or septic systems.
First, pour the caustic soda flakes or pearls into a plastic container. The amount of caustic soda you use depends on your specific needs. For example, less caustic soda is usually required to unclog kitchen drains compared to bathroom drains. The general rule is 1 cup of caustic soda for every 1 gallon of water. If you have a scale, you can dissolve 100 grams of caustic soda in 1 liter of cold water.
After adding the caustic soda to the bucket, slowly pour cold water into the container and stir until the caustic soda dissolves completely. Once the solution is ready, carefully pour it into the clogged drain, avoiding any splashes that could come into contact with your skin or eyes.
After pouring the solution:
- Use the plunger to help dislodge the blockage.
- Cover the drain opening with crumpled plastic and allow the caustic soda to work for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Flush the drain with warm or hot water to remove any remaining debris.
If the clog persists after this, refrain from pouring more solution and consider contacting a professional plumber.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces with Caustic Soda
Caustic soda is one of the best materials for cleaning and disinfecting various surfaces and tools. It is an excellent grease remover and can thoroughly disinfect the environment. You can use it to clean clothes, cabinets, tiles, walls, towels, cleaning cloths, gardening tools, and more. To start cleaning, mix 125 grams of caustic soda with 5 liters of cold water.
Depending on what you’re cleaning and the level of dirtiness, you can add a small amount of caustic soda to your solution, but be cautious. For example, if you’re using caustic soda to clean clothes or tools, you can soak the items in the solution for a few hours to let it work effectively.
If you’ve sprayed the solution on surfaces, wipe them down with a damp cloth after 30 minutes to an hour and allow the surface to air dry.
Cleaning Pathways and Driveways with Caustic Soda
If your paved pathways or driveways have become dirty and you want to clean them thoroughly, using sodium hydroxide can make your job easier. To clean pathways, dissolve 125 grams of caustic soda in 5 liters of cold water and scrub the areas with a stiff brush.
After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the pathway with plenty of cold water to remove any residues.
Industrial Uses of Caustic Soda
Caustic soda is used in various industries, such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, carpet cleaning, and more. Below, we’ll discuss how caustic soda is used in industries like pharmaceutical manufacturing, carpet cleaning, and car washes.
Caustic Soda in Car Washes
Sodium hydroxide can effectively remove the toughest greases and dirt from various surfaces. As a result, it is considered a base cleaning agent in most car washes. However, since vehicles have various surfaces, such as the body, seats, and wheels, the concentration of this chemical should vary for each surface to avoid damaging the car’s finish.
Generally, a 3-5% solution of caustic soda by weight is used for most vehicles.
After applying the solution to the car, gently scrub the surface with a soft tool such as a brush and rinse thoroughly with water.
Caustic Soda in Carpet Cleaning
Caustic soda is also widely used in industrial carpet cleaning. Since incorrect or high concentrations of this substance can damage carpet fibers, carpet cleaning experts adjust the concentration of the caustic soda solution based on factors such as the material, thickness, age, and whether the carpet is hand-made or machine-made.
Once the solution is ready, it can either be applied manually to the carpet and scrubbed with specialized tools or poured into a carpet washing machine to clean the surface. The carpet should then be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove any residual sodium hydroxide.
Caustic Soda in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The alkaline and strong cleaning properties of caustic soda are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, caustic soda plays a role in both the drug manufacturing processes and the sterilization of laboratory environments. The method of using caustic soda in pharmaceutical industries depends on its specific application. The concentration of the substance varies for each drug manufacturing process and should be used precisely under the supervision of a laboratory expert.
Last word
Caustic soda is one of the most commonly used alkaline substances in both industrial and domestic applications. It is used to unclog drains, clean and disinfect surfaces, and even clean pathways. The method for using caustic soda varies depending on the specific application. When using this substance, ensure that all safety precautions are followed and avoid direct contact with the skin or inhaling its fumes. Also, since the quality and concentration of caustic soda are important, purchase it from a reliable manufacturer or seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the rules for using caustic soda?
Never mix caustic soda with other chemicals, and always use it in a well-ventilated area. You should open the container with caution and wear appropriate respiratory masks, impermeable gloves, and eye/face protection when working with it. Always dissolve the granules entirely before use. - How should caustic soda be safely stored?
Caustic soda should be stored away from direct sunlight as it degrades over time. It’s best to keep it in double-layered polypropylene bags sealed with impermeable polyester threads. - How powerful is caustic soda?
Caustic soda is a highly corrosive, alkaline product, and it can cause anything from mild to severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin. The higher the concentration, the more potent its effects.