4 Uses for Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is an essential household chemical used in various ways such as a rust remover, a cleaning agent, on wood working, as stain lifter and as bleaching agent and many more. At high does, Oxalic acid is very dangerous but at moderate doses it is safe for various useful functions. Oxalic acid is a natural component of plants and vegetables such as buckwheat and rhubarb. It is available for purchase in powdered form at your local home improvement depot. The Oxalic powder is then mixed with water to turn into a solution of Oxalic acid. Here are some uses of Oxalic acid.

1. Bleaching

Oxalic acid can be used as a bleaching agent for wood and stone. Wood, when exposed to weather elements turn into gray. When Oxalic acid is applied on an old and graying wood floor, it brings back the wood floor’s natural white color. Oxalic acid is used in preparation for staining old wood floors. It is also used by furniture manufacturers to lighten heavily stained areas of wood furniture as preparation for refinishing.

2. Removing Stains

Oxalic acid effectively removes mustard, ink, various food stains and other types of stains. Oxalic acid is a gentle stain remover that eats the stain but leaves the base surfaces such as wood, intact. You can use Oxalic acid to remove most stains found on stone, brick, linoleum, wood and vinyl surfaces. However, do not use Oxalic acid if your flooring is sealed as Oxalic acid will eat through the finishing.

3. Removing Rusts

Oxalic acid is also used to remove rusts that are commonly found on plumbing pipes and kitchen countertops. Although you can also use Oxalic acid to remove stains from fabrics such as linen and cotton, it will take a lot of time to remove the stains with Oxalic acid that it is better to have your fabrics dry cleaned instead. Oxalic acid is also a major ingredient found in commercial rust removers for sinks, tubs and metal rust stains.

4. Other Uses

Aside from rust removing, stain removing and bleaching, Oxalic acid is also used as a reducing agent in developing photographic film. You can also find Oxalic acid used in wastewater treatment since Oxalic acid can effectively remove calcium from wastewater. Lastly, Oxalic acid is also used as a grinding agent when polishing marble.

Safety Precautions

Oxalic acid in its pure form is very dangerous. It is toxic and corrosive and should be carefully handled. When mixing powdered Oxalic acid with water, always wear latex gloves to protect your skin. You should also use protective glasses and a dust mask to avoid eye irritation and prevent the noxious fumes of Oxalic acid from getting into your lungs. Always mix Oxalic acid in an area that is well-ventilated – preferably outdoors. In case of accidental swallowing of Oxalic acid, never induce vomiting; what you should do instead is drink a lot of milk or water and contact your physician or your local poison control center immediately.