How to Clean Masonry Using Muriatic Acid
When masonry exists in a moist environment, an unsightly build-up of crystals can develop over time. Muriatic acid is effective for cleaning masonry and restoring it to its previous condition. Because muriatic acid is a dangerous chemical, handle it with extreme care and caution. Prepare carefully before you use muriatic acid and perform the cleaning process using the utmost caution. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Eye goggles
- Plastic gloves (acid resistant)
- Rubber boots
- Two plastic buckets
- Muriatic acid
- Water
- Garden hose
- Long-handled masonry brush
- Ammonia
- Garden lime
Instructions
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1
Wear appropriate protective clothing, including long pants and long sleeves. Wear the rubber boots, eye goggles and plastic gloves at all times.
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2
Pour 10 parts cool water into the bucket. Add 1 part muriatic acid slowly and carefully to the water to avoid splashing.
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3
Mix 1 cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of cool water in the second bucket, then set it aside.
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4
Spray the masonry generously with the hose so that it is completely wet.
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5
Dip the masonry brush into the muriatic acid/water mixture and carefully apply it to the masonry.
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6
Allow the muriatic acid to "sit" on the masonry for two to three minutes.
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7
Rinse the muriatic acid off with the garden hose. As you rinse the acid off, use the masonry brush to scrub at the masonry. Repeat until the masonry is clean.
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8
Apply the ammonia mixture to the wall with a clean scrub brush to neutralize any remaining muriatic acid. Rinse the ammonia from the wall with plain water.
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9
Sprinkle garden lime liberally over the ground of the entire work area to neutralize any muriatic acid that remains on the ground. You will hear a "fizz" when the lime neutralizes the muriatic acid. Do not breathe the vapors that rise during the neutralization process.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider wearing a respirator with a filter graded for acids while you work with muriatic acid.
If you spill muriatic acid on your skin, rinse it off immediately with water. Apply baking soda to the affected area to neutralize the acid on your skin.
If you spill muriatic acid on plants, sprinkle the plants immediately with lime and rinse them generously with water to neutralize the acid.
Do not pour muriatic acid into a metal or ceramic bucket. Mix muriatic acid in plastic or glass only.
When you are finished using the acid, dispose of it safely at a city or county hazardous-waste recycling facility. Never discard leftover acid in the trash, pour it down storm sewers or flush it down toilets.
