Acid Cleaners
Uses
Remove tarnish, alkaline discolorations and corrosion
from metals; remove hard water deposits from many
surfaces; will neutralize alkalis; may have bleaching
effects.
Cautions- Can injure eyes, skin, and fabrics;
stronger acids are highly toxic and can eat through
metal. Can etch surface or porcelain enamel.
Mild Acid Cleaners
Lemon Juice (or Citric Acid)
Vinegar (or Acetic Acid)
Uses
Dissolve hard water deposits, mild rust stains and
soap film; remove tarnish from brass and copper.
Bleaches some stains. Simmer a solution (2 tablespoons
per quart of water) in aluminum pans to remove
discoloration from alkali.
Cautions- Slight bleaching effect.
Cream of Tartar (or Tartaric Acid)
Uses
Simmer a solution (1 teaspoon per quart water) in
aluminum pans to remove discoloration.
Strong Acid Cleaners
Oxalic Acid
Uses
Used in commercial rust removers to remove iron rust;
use a weak solution to remove rust stains from tubs and
sinks.
Cautions- Highly toxic; follow label instructions
exactly. Has a bleaching effect. Do not get on skin or in
eyes, or on other materials
Dilute hydrochloric acid
Dilute sulfuric acid
Sodium bisulfate
Uses
Used in toilet bowl cleaners. Remove hard water and
iron deposits and organic matter.
Cautions- Never mix with any other cleaner! Very
toxic! Follow label instructions exactly. Do not get on
skin, in eyes, or on other materials.