DIYbanter - View Single Post

wrote:

Heres the latest version. Any more input welcome.

NT

Cleaners and Detergents FAQ v5
------------------------------

Contents:
---------

Detergents and soaps
Solvents
Oils
Abrasives
bleaches
spray and wipe cleaners
Limescale removers
specialist cleaners
alkalis
Water cleaners
Stains
Less likely candidates
Untested claims
More information
Safety data sheets
Need a section title for

Drain cleaners?
--------------

acid-type based on sulphuric
- thick liquid

alkali based on caustic soda
- available as thick liquid or powder

don't mix them :-|

danger if chemical fails to clear drain and mechanical clearing e.g.
rodding, plunging then attempted

also biological type, works slowly (days/weeks rather than minutes/hours) so
more for keeping prob drains clear or slowly clearing partly blocked drain.

....

Solvents
--------
....
Nitromors: Methylene chloride, paint and varnish stripper. Produces
fumes

attacks some plastics etc (friend of sprog's tried to remove unsuccessful
paint job from model boat with it, ended up destroying plastic of boat)

Limescale removers:
-------------------

Sulphamic acid: the most popular acid in limescale removing toilet
cleaners.

Sulphuric acid: stronger than sulphamic but costs more.

And is more harmful, especially in high concentrations.

Removes drain
blockages, including grease, fat, teabags, cardboard, faeces and
vegetable matter.

Hydrochloric acid: powerful and fast. Stomach acid is 0.2-0.3%
hydrochloric acid, and can digest a range of substances. Avoid contact
with skin, eyes, metal, mortars, lime paints, and tile grout. A high
toxicity cleaner, follow instructions with care.
Effective at removing scale / watermarks from glass, but care must be
taken to keep it off the metal or wood frame. This can be done by using
toilet cleaner, which is thickened, and wiping it on the glass very
thinly, as just a smear, and washing off well afterwards.

Could be more specific about metal(s). Brick cleaner concentration takes a
very long time (c weeks) to dissolve copper, and probably does nothing to
iron. I expect it reacts more vigorously with light alloys (not sure if
Ali's natural AlO2 skin protects it). Definitely tarnishes Chrome (and may
attack vitreous enamel on baths?) so don't use for limescale in bathrooms
etc.

Remaining Questions:
--------------------

is caustic soda usful for paint removal?

yes, either au naturel as a liquid for dipping or in gel/paste formulation
e.g. Ronstrip which can cling to vertical surfaces while the caustic soda
takes effect