1974, Rod O’Connor; Charles Mickey, Solving Problems in Chemistry: With Emphasis on Stoichiometry and Equilibrium, A number of the commercial drain-cleaners contain either solid or aqueous NaOH or KOH because of the effectiveness of these in solubilizing the animal greases often responsible for clogged drains. Partly as a result of "high pressure" advertising techniques urging the regular use of some of these drain-cleaners, waste effluent from many high-density housing areas is strongly alkaline.
1976, w:Bill Pronzini, Snowbound Games: Two Mysteries by Bill Pronzini Chapter Games, He bent to the cabinet on the left, and inside were an assortment of plumbing supplies, cans of touch-up paint and pipe dope and all-purpose oil, a plastic quart bottle of liquid drain-cleaner— Drain-cleaner. ... Carrying the wire and the bottle of drain-cleaner, he returned to the kitchen and looked out again through the window at the main house.
1984, Harold M. Silverman, The Consumer’s Guide to Poison Protection, Remember to take the bottle of drain-cleaner or other corrosive with you.
1993, M. J. Saxby, Food Taints and Off-Flavours Chapter A survey of chemicals causing taints and off-flavours in foods, It should be emphasised that when these drain-cleaners are used strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, no taint occurs in the meat; it is only when misused that any problem arises.
1993, w:Stephen King, w:Nightmares & Dreamscapes Chapter w, Howard tiptoed across the room with the bottle of drain-cleaner clutched tightly in his right hand.
