Is one of the common names for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which is also known as lye. It is used to manufacture soaps and a variety of detergents used in homes and commercial applications. Municipal water treatment facilities use sodium hydroxide to control water acidity and to help remove heavy metals from water. Sodium hydroxide is also used to produce sodium hypochlorite, a water disinfectant. Several multinational companies used sodium chloride in their plant manufacturing processes as a cleaning agent.