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Today’s Woman
Judy Burtncr
Extension Agent,
Rome Economics
Acids in Cleaning Last week, a group of chemicals called alkalis was discussed. Some of these were baking soda, ammonia, borax, trisodium phosphate (TSP), washing soda (sal soda) and lye. This article will deal with acids in cleaning products. Probably the two best known acids for cleaning jobs at home are vinegar and lemon juice. Other acids that are useful are oxalic, hydrochloric and sulfuric. Two dry substances that form acids after they are dissolved in liquid are cream of tartar, familiar to cooks, and sodium bisulphate, also known as sodium acid sulphate. You can use cream of tartar for several cleaning jobs such as sweetening coffee-makers and brightening aluminumware. Sodium bisulphate is the main ingredient in many toilet bowl cleaners.
The question is often asked: “Why are acids important in cleaning products;” Some acidsi
help to „remqye Jkjarj^. jfcatirj deposits. Some aid in removing discoloration from aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper. Other acids remove iron rust stains without a lot of rubbing.
Acids can be harmful. When they are too strong, they eat away clothing, leather, and some metals. Strong acids can also irritate and injure the skin and lips. Check product labels for potential hazards and follow directions for use.
There are differences among the common acids. Vinegar, a weak acid, is about 5% acetic] acid. It will remove hard water deposits from glassware, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from brass and copper. It will also counteract alkaline oven cleaners.
Lemon juice contains citric acid, also a weak acid, and can be used in much the same way as vinegar.
Oxalic acid is especially effective as a rust remover. It is also very poisonous.
Hydrochloric and sulfuric are strong acids even though they are used in dilute concentrations. They are used in some toilet bowl cleaners.
The acids that are toxic come under the regulations of both the Federal and Virginia Hazardous Substances Acts. They will be marked with the signal word, “Caution” or “Warning”. An example is sodium blsulphate.
Some acids are highly toxic. Examples are hydrochloric acid, oxalic acid, and sulfuric acid (all in concentrations of 10 percent or more). These products will be marked with the signal word “Poison”. The skull and crossbones and the word “Danger” may also appear on the label.
Metal cleaners and rust removers that do not list ingredients usually contain weak acids and do not come under the
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