Are there safer chemical alternatives to muriatic acid?
Muriatic acid is not the first choice for masonry cleaning but the last resort. Do not use this dangerous chemical unless you are sure you have no other choice. For example, the most popular concrete and grout cleaners on the market contain phosphoric acid. This acid will, under most circumstances, do as good a job as muriatic acid… but with less danger. Phosphoric acid cleaners also contain chemicals which emulsify oils to help the acid work more effectively and safely increase its cleaning properties. TSP (trisodium phosphate) is another formidable heavy-duty cleaning product and can be used to clean masonry surfaces that are going to be left uncoated. TSP does not etch or neutralize the surface alkalinity, so surface testing for pH should be done before coating TSP-cleaned masonry. Due to environmental concerns of phosphate pollution, TSP cannot be legally used in some areas. DO NOT MIX TSP WITH ANY ACID!! A violent reaction can occur and the release of noxious gas. You can use bo
