Lye Bath

I discovered a new use for lye, other than soapmaking. You can soak cast iron cookware in lye to remove the seasoning. Since seasoning is polymerized fat and lye converts fat into soap, it makes sense. After submerging two cast iron pieces in the lye bath, the water turned nearly black within minutes. From what I've read, they should soak in it for a few days before all the seasoning is removed. After that, I plan to reseasoning them with flax oil.