Frequently Asked Questions

How do I safely handle and use Safe-HCL?

To safely handle Safe-HCL:

As far as your personal safety is concerned, the only item recommended when handling Safe-HCL is safety glasses. This product can be safely handled without chemical resistant gloves

To Use Safe-HCL:

Find a work area or work bench that has plenty of ventilation. Cover the work bench with a towel or disposable dog pad.

You can use a 1:1 or even a 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of water to acid and still get excellent results. Always add acid to water. The different ratios determine how fast you want the acid to remove the contaminants on the item being cleaned. I personally like a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. It makes the product last longer and when diluted, you really can't do any damage to an item being cleaned if left in the solution too long.

Place whatever amount of acid solution you need to clean your item or seashells in a glass or HPDE (high density polyethylene) plastic container. You'll see the letters "HDPE" embossed on the bottom or side of the plastic container. Have a second container of glass or HDPE plastic to neutralize the acid. Some people use water but I like to add a little baking soda to the water. You can use 1/2 small box of baking soda to 64 oz (2 quarts of water) to neutralize the acid and stop it from cleaning your item.

Some people like a 3-5 second dunk in the acid to clean items or calcium deposits on seashells at full strength. When the acid is diluted, I like a longer dunk and check the results and re-dunk if necessary. Once you're happy with the reconditioning, dunk your item in the water and baking soda solution to neutralize.

For Rust removal, you can brush Safe-HCL on the metal surface  and leave the acid for several minutes up to several hours depending on how rusty the item is. You can use a Scotch-Brite pad to help with the rust removal process.

If you spill any acid solution on an unintended area, pour some neutralizing baking soda and water on the spill and clean up with a towel.

Can I Re-Use Safe-HCL?

Safe-HCL can be reused several times depending on your application. Wait until the acid is spent before disposal. You’ll know Safe-HCL is spent when it stops foaming and does not clean as well as previously.

How do I store Safe-HCL after it’s been used or diluted?

You can store used or diluted Safe-HCL in an HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic or glass containers with a plastic lid. DO NOT use metal lids or lids with rubber gaskets. It’s a best practice to keep your used or diluted Safe-HCL separate from the fresh Safe-HCL.

How do I dispose of Safe-HCL?

We recommend that you follow local regulations. If connected to a sanitary sewer and not a septic field, you can normally neutralize the acid with baking soda until it stops foaming, then dispose of it down your drain and flush with a minimum of 20 parts water.

What Color is Safe-HCL?

Safe-HCL is a pale yellow to brownish-green color. IT IS NOT CLEAR like regular Muriatic or hydrochloric acid because our product contains corrosion inhibitors which help make the product safe.

My quart bottle does not appear to be full, why is that?

The quart container that we use for Safe-HCL holds nearly 35 ounces when filled to the top. When filled with a full 32 ounces, our Safe-HCL quart container is filled to about an inch below the rim. This gap helps you pour the product without spilling.

Why do my hands feel slippery or greasy after touching Safe-HCL?

Safe-HCL, like many acids and bases, reacts with the fatty acids and oils that naturally occur on the surface of your skin. The product of the reaction (which is known as saponification) is effectively a soap, which is why it feels slippery.

Can I buy Safe-HCL locally from a retailer?

Currently, we’re selling Safe-HCL Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) through our website, our Facebook store, Google Shopping, and select YouTube stores. We are in discussions with several retailers who may carry the product in the near future.

Can you ship Safe-HCL outside the Mainland US?

We currently offer free shipping of Safe-HCL within the lower 48 states of the US. We ship to Hawaii and Alaska for an additional fee of $2.95. Shipping outside the US is prohibitively expensive and in many cases exceeds the price of the products we sell.