Is Muriatic Acid the Same As Hydrochloric Acid?
Masonry installation often dictates an acid cleaning. Some applications require either a muriatic acid treatment or a hydrochloric acid treatment. You may wonder how these acids differ. The short answer is, not much. Hydrochloric Acid Hydrochloric Acid, HCl, is available at chemical supply stores, but it is mostly sold in concentrated form–about 38 percent. Most is very pure and “water white,” although a “technical grade” is available. It is less pure but more economical. Muriatic Acid Muriatic acid is the historic name for hydrochloric acid. Its yellow color is due to traces of iron. The impurities don’t matter for the purposes for which it is intended. Many stores carry a 20-degree Baume solution, which translates to about 32 percent. Some stores carry weaker concentrations. How to Use Since hydrochloric acid attacks metals, plastic utensils should be used. When dilution is called for, add acid to water, rather than water to acid. Uses In addition to cleaning of masonry surfaces, hy
