KOH AND NaOH can BE used interchangeably for a number of applications, although IN industry, NaOH is preferred because of its lower cost.

Many potassium salts are prepared by neutralization reactions involving KOH. THE potassium salts of , , , , AND various silicates are prepared by treating either THE oxides or THE acids with KOH. THE high solubility of potassium phosphate is desirable IN .

Although more expensive than using sodium hydroxide, KOH works well IN the manufacture of by of THE fats IN vegetable oil. from potassium hydroxide-processed biodiesel is useful as an inexpensive food supplement for livestock, once THE toxic methanol is removed.

The of with KOH is used TO prepare THE corresponding "potassium ," which are softer than THE more common -derived soaps. Because of their softness AND greater solubility, potassium soaps require less water TO liquefy, AND can thus contain more cleaning agent than liquefied sodium soaps.

Aqueous potassium hydroxide is employed as the IN based on nickel-cadmium AND manganese dioxide-zinc. Potassium hydroxide is preferred over sodium hydroxide because its solutions are more conductive.

KOH attracts numerous specialized applications, which virtually all rely on its basic or degradative properties. KOH is widely used IN the laboratory for THE same purposes.

In chemical synthesis, THE selection of KOH vs. NaOH is guided by THE solubility for THE resulting salt. Its corrosive properties make it useful as an ingredient IN cleaning AND of resistant surfaces AND materials.

It is often THE main active ingredient IN chemical "cuticle removers."

KOH is also widely used as a way TO remove hair from animal hides, leaving THE hides IN a solution of KOH AND water for a few hours. It is used in TO dissolve human remains.

Aggressive bases will damage THE of THE shaft, AND thus is useful for weakening THE hair IN preparation for shaving. Pre-shave products AND shave creams such as Proraso contain Potassium Hydroxide IN order TO force THE cuticle open AND act as a hygroscopic agent TO attract AND force water into THE shaft, causing further damage TO the hair. IN this state, THE hair is more easily cut by razor blade.