Oxalic Acid & Iron Stains
Iron stains are a common problem caused when iron corrodes and comes in contact with other materials. To remove the stains, many recommend using oxalic acid. Does this Spark an idea?
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Oxalic Acid
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Oxalic acid is a natural substance that is found in low concentrations in green, leafy vegetables as well as coffee, tea and chocolate. Rhubarb leaves and the leaves of the dieffenbachia, a houseplant, have enough oxalic acid to kill animals that eat too much of them.
Warnings
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Oxalic acid can irritate the stomach and cause kidney problems when enough is swallowed. It can also cause the body’s calcium level to fall dangerously low. Oxalic acid can burn the eyes and skin when it comes into contact with your body. And its fumes can cause breathing difficulties.
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Iron Stain Surfaces
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Common surfaces that are stained when they come into contact with corroded iron include wood, bone or ivory, chrome, porcelain, cotton and linen.
Porcelain and Chrome
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The Michigan State University website recommends using Zud or a similar cleaning compound that contains oxalic acid to clean iron stains on porcelain or chrome fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens.
Wood
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture website recommends using a fully saturated solution to clean wood surfaces. To produce a fully saturated solution, add oxalic acid crystals to water until they won’t dissolve anymore.
Cotton and Linen
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The Smithsonian Institute website warns against using oxalic acid to remove iron stains on cotton and linen because the fibers can be damaged. A weak solution can be used, but it will take a long time to clean. Using a dry cleaner is more effective.
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