What Is Muriatic Acid And Is It Safe For Home Cleaning?
So, you can consider it for your household cleaning. However, you need to be very careful while using it.
If you are moving out of the rental property at the end of lease period and planning to clean it, avoid using such products or DIY methods. Instead, you should hire professionals who offer reliable end of lease cleaning Melbourne. They can help you clear the final inspection.
However, if you generally want to clean your home using muriatic acid, first you must know about it.
Read on to know about what is muriatic acid and is it safe for home cleaning.
What is Muriatic Acid?
Muriatic acid is a less toxic version of hydrochloric acid. The pH level of hydrochloric acid is 1.5 to 3.5, while the pH level of Muriatic acid is around 1 to 2. This acid is diluted with water (around 31.5 per cent HCl) and contains contaminants like iron.
If you compare it to clear and odourless hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid has a yellowish colour and distinct scent due to the impurities.
Uses for Muriatic Acid
You can use the acid to clean those particular household surfaces that require vigorous cleaning.
Clean and Concrete Surface
Muriatic acid is an excellent cleaner for concrete walls and floors. It is particularly good at getting rid of stubborn efflorescence, a white powdery residue that accumulates on surfaces. Mix one part muriatic acid with ten parts water to clean the concrete.
After brushing the acid solution on the concrete, wait for around ten minutes. Then neutralise the acid by spraying the surface with a mixture of one cup of ammonia and one gallon of water.
Kill Mould
Muriatic acid can be used to eliminate stubborn mould and mildew on brick, tile, concrete, and stone. Prepare a solution of one part muriatic acid and eight parts water before applying it over the mouldy region. Wait for a few minutes, and then scrub thoroughly using a nylon brush. Finally, rinse the area using clean water.
Remove Rust
It can also be used to remove rust off heavy-duty chains, iron fences and vintage outdoor metal furniture. Always remember that the acid is only recommended for stainless steel and not cast iron.
Dilute your muriatic acid solution with ten parts water, always putting acid into water and not the other way around. You just need to scrub the rust with an acid and a scrub brush until the rust disappears.
Cleaning Bathrooms
This acid should not be your first choice for cleaning bathrooms. There are several genius cleaning tricks for your bathroom, and you must use them all. However, you can use the acid to clean extremely dirty surfaces after you have tried all other options. For cleaning grout joints, glazed tile and porcelain fittings that include tubs, toilets and sinks, dilute one part of the acid with ten parts of water.
After cleaning with the diluted solution, wash the area with water. If you want to thoroughly clean your bathroom without facing any stress or hassles, then hire certified end of lease cleaners in Melbourne, Victoria.
Safety Guidelines to Follow When Using Muriatic Acid
It is true that muriatic acid is not as powerful as hydrochloric acid, but you should not develop any misconception. It is still quite corrosive, and if used inappropriately, it can burn skin and clothing as well as damage some metal surfaces.
Moreover, inhaling the acidic vapours can also irritate your eyes, nose and throat. That’s why muriatic acid is often used as a last option when all other cleaning chemicals and methods fail.
However, by following the safety recommendations and ideas stated below, anyone can safely use muriatic acid.
The Bottom Line
There is no denying that muriatic acid is useful for household cleaning. However, it is an acid, so you need to be very careful. Whenever you use it to clean your household surfaces, follow the safety guidelines mentioned above.
If you want every nook and corner of your home to look sparkling clean, hire professionals who offer the best end of lease cleaning in Melbourne.