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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. This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from MSU Extension bulletin Money Saving Tips on Household Cleaners. MSU 2003 |
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