Oxalic acid is the bleach of choice for woodworkers but, if not available to you, then use laundry bleach. And no, it does not contain lye. Lye is a last resort and you might have to go to a farm supply to get it. If you do have to use lye, you will still need to bleach it because the lye will turn the wood grey. Because the water will raise the grain, you will have sand it smooth before finishing.