Message

Oxalic acid is an organic acid found in many households and workshops. It has a variety of useful applications, from removing rust stains to cleaning wood surfaces. In this blog post, you will learn more about the properties, uses, and safety aspects of oxalic acid.

What is Oxalic Acid?

Oxalic acid, also called ethanedioic acid, is a divalent organic acid with the chemical formula C₂H₂O₄. It naturally occurs in many plants, especially sorrel, rhubarb, and spinach. Oxalic acid is industrially synthesized and used in numerous products.

Oxalic acid is a strong acid with a pH of about 1.5. It is colorless, crystalline, and highly soluble in water. Due to its corrosive effect, oxalic acid must be used with caution.

Household Applications of Oxalic Acid

Removing Rust Stains

One of the best-known uses of oxalic acid is removing rust stains. The acid reacts with iron and dissolves rust deposits. For this, an oxalic acid solution can be applied to the affected areas, allowed to act, and then rinsed off.

Cleaning Wood Surfaces

Oxalic acid is excellent for cleaning and brightening wood surfaces. It effectively removes discolorations, stains, and dirt. This works especially well on furniture, floors, or wood paneling. A diluted oxalic acid solution is applied to the wood, left to act briefly, and then thoroughly washed off.

Descaling Coffee and Tea Machines

Stubborn lime scale deposits in coffee and tea machines can be effectively removed with oxalic acid. An oxalic acid solution is flushed through the machine to dissolve and rinse out the lime scale.

Removing Tannin and Tannic Acid Stains

Oxalic acid also helps remove tannin and tannic acid stains from textiles, porcelain, or stone tiles. The acid is applied to the stains, left to act briefly, and then thoroughly washed out.

Bleaching Laundry

Oxalic acid can also be used for bleaching laundry. It is added to washing powders or solutions to remove discolorations and stains and brighten the laundry.

Applications of Oxalic Acid in Craftsmanship

Woodworking

Oxalic acid has many uses in woodworking. It is used to remove discolorations, stains, and dirt from wood surfaces. It is also used to brighten dark or yellowed wood.

Metalworking

Oxalic acid is an important aid in metalworking. It is used to remove rust stains and oxide layers from metals. Additionally, it is used for pickling and passivating metal surfaces.

Textile Finishing

In textile finishing, oxalic acid is used to remove discolorations and stains from fabrics. It is also used for bleaching and brightening textiles.

Ceramics Manufacturing

Oxalic acid plays a role in ceramics manufacturing. It is used to break down clay minerals and improve the plasticity of the clay.

Safety Instructions for Handling Oxalic Acid

Although oxalic acid is versatile, some safety aspects must be observed when handling it:

• Oxalic acid is corrosive and can cause severe injuries upon skin contact or ingestion. Therefore, wearing protective gloves and goggles is recommended.
• Oxalic acid solutions should not get into the eyes, on the skin, or in the mouth. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical help if necessary.
• Oxalic acid is toxic and should be kept away from children and pets.
• Good ventilation is important when handling oxalic acid, as the vapors can irritate the respiratory tract.
• Empty containers with oxalic acid residues must be disposed of properly.

With the right safety measures, oxalic acid can be used safely in households and crafts and offers many useful applications.

Conclusion

Oxalic acid is a versatile organic acid found in many households and workshops. It is excellent for removing rust stains, cleaning wood, descaling devices, and much more. It is also used in woodworking, metalworking, and textile processing. However, precautions must always be taken when handling this corrosive acid. With the right safety measures, oxalic acid can be used without problems and offers many useful applications.