What is the proper ratio of muriatic acid and water for cleaning a nasty bathroom tile floor without killing a mophead? I know it is kinda weird question, but any advice would be much appreciated. Have a good one y'all!!

 

be super...super...super careful with this acid...it can burn lungs, skin you name it..only use it as a last resort..wear protective equipment..gloves, mask, goggles..ventilate!!!

mixture should be around 20:1 20 parts water:1 part acid

(approximately 1/2 pint acid per gallon of water).

when applied to the surface it should bubble and fume a bit..if not gradually increase mixture until you get that reaction..test in a corner or hidden area first...this stuff can etch masonary so if you dont want to take that risk..dont use it..

solution should be applied in small areas...only for 2-3 minutes at a time..use baking soda to neutralize the acid...then rinse area with a neutral cleaner...using water to rinse will only dilute the acid..it will not neutralize it

only neutralizers are use bicarbonate of soda, baking soda, soda ash, or lime

the acid will not remove grease, oil and paint..but does well in mineral build ups and general soil..use a stiff deck brush to work in

 

Just to be safe:

Remember to always add the acid to the water, not the other way around. That way, if you splash, you will be splashing mostly water, not mostly acid.

 

Do NOT use muriatic acid indoors or on ceramic tile. The fumes can be overwhelming to humans and the acid will definitely damage ceramic tile glaze and grout.

Sulfamic acid is used for cleaning tiles and ONLY as a last resort. Not all tile glazes can survive acid cleaning. Test sulfamic acid first in inconspicuous place first on both grout and tile. Read and follow directions carefully. Acid solution should be allowed to dwell on tile just momentarily and immediately neutralized with plain water. To spread acid with mop is a recipe for diaster.

Before bringing out the big guns like sulfamic acid, it is best to begin with a scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner/degreaser. The new hand-held steam cleaning devices also do a good job of cleaning tile.

 

I was wondering because a plumber I know told me that muriatic acid is great for cleaning out buildup in urinal drains. He used a gallon for 5 urinals straight, let it go down the drains for 15 minutes and then flush and supposedly it was a night and day difference.

 

Muriatic acid and its vapors are highly corrosive and should be handled with care and used only in well-ventilated areas, preferably outdoors. It can cause severe irritation and burns to skin and eyes. Vapors can irritate respiratory tract. They will also cause metal to rust. Again, there are safer products to use.