Let’s face it, there are stains that just won’t go away no matter how hard you try to clean them. You might have used tons of bathroom cleaning products that claim to be tough on stains, but they falter when it comes to yellow stains on your toilet bowl and debris that cling under the rim. This begs the question, is it time to use a toilet muriatic acid?
What is a Toilet Muriatic Acid?
Muriatic acid is a type of hydrochloric acid that is used for a variety of purposes, from etching stone to cleaning concrete. It’s a strong and corrosive mineral acid that can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Because of its highly corrosive properties, toilet muriatic acid is used to remove stubborn stains from a variety of surfaces, such as concrete, clay, brick, stone, porcelain, and stainless steel. Muriatic acid can be poured directly on the stain or it can be diluted with water.
What’s the Difference between Muriatic Acid and Hydrochloric Acid?
Muriatic acid and hydrochloric acid are both acids but have different properties. Muriatic acid is a diluted form of hydrochloric acid. It is used to clean concrete and masonry, as well as to etch stone. Hydrochloric acid is a more concentrated form of muriatic acid and is used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
Is Toilet Muriatic Acid Safe to Use?
No. Muriatic acid for toilets can be very dangerous if not handled properly. It’s a strong and corrosive chemical that should be handled with caution. When used correctly, muriatic acid can be an effective cleaner.
When it comes to cleaning toilets, there are a number of different chemicals that can be used. Some people opt for bleach, while others may choose to use a form of acid. Muriatic acid is one such type of acid that is often used for toilet cleaning.
If you are thinking about using muriatic acid to clean your toilet bowl, it is important to read the product label and follow all safety instructions. Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with this chemical. Muriatic acid should only be used as a last resort after you’ve exhausted all means.
Can Muriatic Acid Unclog Toilet?
Yes. Muriatic acid can also be used to unclog toilets. When the acid is poured into the toilet, it will eat away at any clogs that are present. This can be a quick and easy way to unclog a toilet without having to call a plumber. However, it is important to be careful when using muriatic acid, as it can be dangerous when you’re not cautious about it.
Do Bathroom Cleaning Products Contain Muriatic Acid?
Yes. Because of its strength and corrosiveness, many brands of cleaning products contain muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid. It’s more likely that brands use a proprietary blend of hydrochloric acid more than muriatic acid because the former is much tougher on stains.
What are the dangers of using muriatic acid for bathroom cleaning?
We cannot overemphasise the fact that muriatic acid is a corrosive and highly acidic liquid. It’s harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. The noxious fumes of muriatic acid can trigger coughing, choking, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, among others.
Muriatic acid can cause severe irritation, skin burns, or even blindness. In severe cases, it can burn the lining of the nose and lungs. If you come into contact with muriatic acid, rinse your skin or eyes immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention immediately.
Is Muriatic Acid Safe on Plumbing?
Muriatic acid can corrode metal over time, so it is not recommended for use on galvanized or copper piping. If you must use muriatic acid to clean your plumbing, be sure to flush the pipes with plenty of water afterwards to remove any residue.
Regular use of muriatic acid or any acid solution to clean the toilet can damage porcelain toilets and iron pipes.
How to Safely Use Muriatic Acid to Clean Toilet Bowl?
Muriatic acid is a diluted form of hydrochloric acid and can be used to clean toilet bowls. It is important to use caution when using this product as it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some tips for safely using muriatic acid to clean a toilet bow
1. Make sure that your bathroom is well-ventilated. It’s not recommended to use muriatic acid in a closed-in space
2. Wear acid-protectant gloves, eye protection (goggles), a face mask, and a respirator.
3. Dilute the acid with water according to the instructions on the bottle. Use a glass or acid-resistant container. A rule of thumb is 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water.
IMPORTANT: When diluting the muriatic acid, pour the acid slowly into the water and not the other way around. If you pour water into the acid, there will be an exothermic reaction, which will propel the acid out of the container and will likely splash all over you.
4. It’s important to have a neutralizer ready. Mix half a cup of baking soda to a quart of water in a spray bottle.
5. Pour the diluted acid into the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
6. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and flush thoroughly with water.
7. Repeat if necessary.
8. Rinse all tools and equipment with water after use.
9. Store the acid in a safe place away from children and pets.
How to Safely Dispose Of Muriatic Acid
Since you do not need a lot of muriatic acid to clean your toilet bowl, you’ll have plenty of leftover muriatic acid. Don’t pour full-strength muriatic acid down the drain as it can damage the drainage pipes. Instead, dilute the muriatic acid in water first before disposing of it.
Don’t pour leftover muriatic acid down storm drains or drainage pipes that lead to bodies of water as it can cause harm to the environment and aquatic animals.
The safest way to dispose of muriatic acid is to call a professional who will neutralize the acid properly. Just seal up the container and bring it to your local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal facility.
Alternatives To Muriatic Acid
If toilet bowl cleaning tablets don’t work but you don’t want to use muriatic acid, a great alternative is Zep Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It’s effective at removing tough stains and leaving toilets clean and shiny. It’s also safe for use on all types of toilet surfaces, including enamel, porcelain, plastic, and tiles.
- Cleans and deodorizes toilet bowls. Removes the smell of urine.
- Removes rust, lime, and scale
- Concentrated liquid formula
- Packaged in an easy-to-use spray bottle
Another great alternative is 3M Heavy Duty Acid Bowl Cleaner. Its convenient, ready-to-use formula is effective in getting rid of hard water scale, soap scum, rust stains, and other residues. It’s safe for use on most surfaces.
If you want a heavy-duty toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant, CREW Toilet Bowl Cleaner fits the bill. Keep in mind that it’s 23% hydrochloric acid, so it should only be sued periodically. Its disinfecting power gets rid of harmful bacteria and viruses, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella choleraesuis.
CREW Heavy-Duty Toilet Bowl Cleaner works on different surfaces and materials including ceramics, enamel, and porcelain. It uniformly coats the bowl surface for even sanitizing and disinfecting coverage.
