Used as a reducing agent in textile dyeing processes, particularly in vat dyeing and sulfur dyeing, where it helps make dyes soluble so they can bond to fibers. Commonly applied in the bleaching of wood pulp, paper, and kaolin clays due to its strong reducing properties. Employed in water treatment to remove chlorine and dissolved oxygen, helping prevent corrosion in industrial systems. Also used in photography as a toning agent and in analytical chemistry for oxygen removal in solutions. Additionally, it finds use in the food industry for de-colorizing and as a preservative in some cases, and in environmental applications to reduce heavy metals to less soluble forms for easier removal from contaminated water.