Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500297
06/24/03

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.

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

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This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .