In this blog post, we will take a closer look at acids. First, we will look at what acids actually are and what properties they have. Finally, we will explain the connection between acids and cleaning and everyday life.
Acids and their Properties
Simply put, acids are solutions that have a pH value of less than seven . In contrast, all solutions with a pH value of greater than seven are bases, and a solution with a pH value of exactly seven is neutral. A base is the counterpart to an acid and can therefore neutralize it.
The most well-known property of acids is that they can be very corrosive depending on their concentration . Acids should therefore be handled with great caution . Suitable protective clothing and safety goggles should therefore always be worn. It is also important to note that when diluting an acid, care must be taken to ensure that the acid is added to the water and not the other way round. If it is accidentally done the other way round, the sudden release of hydration energy can cause the acid to evaporate and splash.
Furthermore, acids can dissolve base metals such as iron, zinc or aluminum and organic materials such as plastic, wood or natural fibers. Acids can also be gaseous, liquid or solid and are electrically conductive.
Examples of acids
There are many different acids that we encounter in everyday life , each of which has varying degrees of corrosiveness. Formic acid, for example, is an acid that occurs naturally. As the name suggests, it is found in the defensive secretion of ants or in the small hairs of stinging nettles. Then there is hydrogen cyanide, which is found in the seeds of many stone fruits and is also highly toxic.
Citric acid can also be obtained from fruit and is also a component of many cleaning products. Acetic acid is found in the kitchen; it has a pungent smell and is used as an acidifier. We get carbonated water by adding carbon dioxide. This is also a type of acid that is even drinkable. There is also nitric acid, which is used to dissolve gold from other metals. There is also sulphuric acid, which is part of battery acid and, last but not least, hydrochloric acid, which is found in our stomach acid.
Importance of acids for cleaning
As mentioned above, some acids are used in everyday life and can be very useful . Acidic cleaners are excellent at removing inorganic and mineral dirt. Examples of inorganic and mineral dirt include limescale, urine scale and rust. Acidic cleaners are therefore particularly effective for sanitary facilities, but they are also well suited for descaling in the kitchen.
Bathroom cleaners and sanitary cleaners almost always contain acid . However, these are "gentle" acids such as citric acid and amidosulfonic acid. In the kitchen, on the other hand, vinegar, acetic acids and vinegar essences are used. Extreme caution is required when using acetic acids, as they can produce irritating fumes.
In general, when using acidic cleaners, you have to be careful about which materials you are cleaning with them. The corrosive properties can damage the surface. For example, vinegar cleaners can attack alloys such as brass. For example, acetic acid should never be used to clean fittings. As already mentioned, acids dissolve lime and base metals. This also means that natural stones such as marble cannot be cleaned with acidic cleaners. Since marble contains lime, the acidic cleaner can damage the marble. Cork floors, for example, also dissolve when acids are used. All in all, cleaning gloves should be worn when cleaning, as the acid can also attack the skin!
At a glance
- Acids are solutions with a pH value less than 7
- Bases are the counterpart and can neutralize acids
- Depending on the concentration, very corrosive
- When diluting, be careful: add acid to the water!
- Acids attack base metals and organic materials
- Acids can be gaseous, solid and liquid
- Examples: formic acid, citric acid, hydrocyanic acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid
- Acids for cleaning: citric acid and acetic acid, excellent at removing limescale
- Caution: do not use on base metals and mineral materials such as marble or cork floors!
- When using acids, wear suitable protective clothing, protective gloves and safety goggles. Gloves are particularly recommended for cleaning, as acids also attack the skin.
