NaOH + CH3COOH (acetic acid or vinegar) = NaCH3CO2 (sodium acetate (a salt) + H2O. Not sure what taste, if any, sodium acetate has. :{ Rich in Va. http://www.erols.com/richstev ICQ 2269905 Photo Trend Enterprises- A Restaurant Service Company > Adding NaOH wasn't such a bad idea, it will 'kill' the acid... don't be afraid of NaOH or any other base.... but dilute it first to 7% just like the vinegar, I have a bottle of 99% vinegar which also worked very well to get my sink running again. By the way we use plenty of NaCL too, and don't forget all the preservatives... And drinking HCL is a very good remedy when you have trouble with stomach acid... but you have to dilute it first... I don't know if we have Chemists in the CH-Group, sorry I'm not just experimental, but if so someone could calculate what will happen and what will be the result if you mix equal parts of CH3COOH (vinegar) with NaOH....Would be interesting to know and than you can see if it's useful to 'sweeten' hot sauce Hot regards