What is Safe-HCL?

What is Safe-HCL?

Safe-HCL is a modified acid made to replace muriatic (hydrochloric) acid for everyday cleaning jobs: calcium crust on seashells, rust on steel tools and parts, motorcycle and car exhaust headers, and concrete or masonry haze.

How it compares with muriatic acid

  • Non-corrosive to skin, unlike muriatic acid. It is still an acid and may irritate skin, so always wear gloves and eye protection.
  • Similar cleaning power: at full strength it dissolves calcium carbonate deposits about as well as 15% hydrochloric acid (manufacturer lab data).
  • Low-fuming: less hydrogen chloride vapor at room temperature than straight muriatic acid, per manufacturer data. Vapors are still harmful if inhaled, so work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Readily biodegradable (OECD 301E), per manufacturer data.
  • Still strongly acidic: pH below 1, and it may be corrosive to metals. Do not use on aluminum, zinc, galvanized or magnesium parts: they react and give off flammable hydrogen gas.

Diluting Safe-HCL

Use it full strength or dilute 1 part Safe-HCL to 1-4 parts water. Always add acid to water, in glass or HDPE plastic. See the Applications page for dilutions by job.

Hazard information (from the Safety Data Sheet)

  • Signal word: Warning
  • Hazard statements: May be corrosive to metals. Harmful if inhaled. Causes serious eye irritation.
  • Classification: Corrosive to metals, Category 1. Acute toxicity (inhalation), Category 4. Eye irritation, Category 2A.
  • Protective equipment: wear eye and face protection, protective gloves and protective clothing. Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet specifies chemical safety goggles and a full face shield. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Skin: may cause skin irritation. If it gets on skin, wash with plenty of water.
  • Eyes: if it gets in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, and keep rinsing. Get medical advice if eye irritation persists.

Product facts (Safety Data Sheet, Section 9)

  • Appearance: yellow to brown liquid with a slight odor
  • pH: less than 1
  • Relative density: 1.100 (water = 1)
  • Soluble in water

What is muriatic acid?

Muriatic acid is the common name for hydrochloric acid (HCl), a strong mineral acid used for cleaning and etching. It is corrosive to skin and eyes and gives off irritating fumes, so it calls for careful handling. Safe-HCL is made to do many of the same cleaning jobs with a milder handling profile. It is not a no-PPE product: follow the Warning below every time.

WARNING (SDS): May be corrosive to metals. Harmful if inhaled. Causes serious eye irritation. Wear eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves; use outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing mist, vapours, or spray. Keep only in original / HDPE packaging. See Safety Data Sheet before use. Always add acid to water. Neutralize spent solution per SDS / local rules.