What Is Muriatic Acid And Is It Safe For Home Cleaning?

Most household surfaces are easy to clean with basic ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, etc. However, some spots require stronger cleaners. That is where muriatic acid can be beneficial. It can be used to get rid of the large moulds on concrete walls and rust on stainless steel.

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.

Muriatic acid should only be blended with water; no other chemical or cleaning agent should be used. There are many more household cleaning products you should never mix, and you should know about them. If you have confusion, then you can allow a professional end of lease cleaning company in Melbourne, VIC, to accomplish the task safely.

Read the label recommendations carefully before using muriatic acid to ensure you’re using it appropriately and safely. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.

Keep your kids and pets out of the work area. Also, make sure there’s enough ventilation. You should never use muriatic acid in an enclosed area.

Always wear safety equipment when handling muriatic acid. Such things include eye goggles, a dual-cartridge respirator, acid-resistant rubber gloves, a face shield, rubber boots, full pants and a full-sleeved shirt or t-shirt.

You should always dilute the Muriatic acid in water before use as it should never be used at full strength. Pour the water into a plastic bucket first, then add the acid gently. Never pour water into acid, as this could cause the acid to splash out.

If you get any muriatic acid on your skin, wash it off immediately with clean, cool water.

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.