Caustic soda granules can be dissolved in cold or warm water to use as a drain unblocker and surface cleaner. Caustic Soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is frequently used as an industrial cleaning agent as well as in the home. Added to water and heated, it can then be used to clean equipment. It easily dissolves grease, oils, fats and protein-based deposits. It is also used for cleaning waste discharge pipes under sinks and drains in domestic situations. A sodium hydroxide soak solution has a powerful degreaser action on stainless steel and glass bakeware and in oven cleaners.