Muriatic Acid On Concrete Driveway

These solutions are for etching the concrete.

Muriatic acid on concrete driveway.

It is excellent for cleaning away rust stains and efflorescence but must be used with extreme caution. If the acid comes in contact with skin wash it away with large amounts of water. Muriatic acid is the strongest acid available to the public. With proper use it removes stains when other cleaners fail.

Rust stain on concrete. Using acid is dangerous. Washing brick concrete or stone with muriatic acid can neutralize alkalinity allowing paint finishes to last for years. Muriatic acid is a strong acid cleaner used on masonry surfaces to clean stains.

Muriatic acid is highly corrosive and must be used with caution. Concrete paths and driveways are both sleek and sturdy but not indestructible. If you re just removing mineral deposits efflorescence use a much weaker mix 10 1 or 16 1 for muriatic acid. Mix 3 to 4 parts water with 1 part acid or follow label instructions for a 10 concentration 15 for hard smooth concrete.

Despite its effectiveness muriatic acid should be used on concrete stains only if you ve tried gentler alternatives to no avail. Always wear a carbon activated mask. The center for disease control recommends that you use a respirator specifically designed for hydrochloric acid a chemical resistant suit gloves face shield and goggles. Wet your driveway with water then start at the highest part of the driveway and sprinkle acid over the full driveway surface.

Safer alternatives include trisodium phosphate which still poses risks but is not as strong as muriatic acid and sandblasting which is a manual rather than chemical process. Muriatic acid should never be used indoors and has to be thoroughly neutralized before disposal. Brush or spray on a 1 10 diluted mix of acid in water onto the surface. Muriatic acid creates and acidic vapor that can suffocate you quickly.