Pure sodium hydroxide is a whitish solid, sold in pellets, flakes, and granular form, as well as in solution. It is highly soluble in water, with a lower solubility in ethanol and methanol, but is insoluble in ether and other non-polar solvents.

Pure and free from others metal impurities this can be used as an industrial cleaner. It can dissolve oily greasy, fats and protein based deposits. It is also used for cleaning waste discharge pipes under sinks and drains in domestic properties. Addition of surfactant rust inhibitors and defoamers enhance cleaning property of sodium hydroxide and can be used as a powerful degreaser.