How to remove Acid Stains from Clothes

            If you are a domestic self-proclaimed engineer who likes working around at home fixing batteries and other stuff, then you must have had some acquaintance with these acid stains which are generally incurred by your clothes. These acid stains might be a consequence of working with machines or it is also quite probable that acid from batteries might ooze out and stain your clothes.

          Any acid if allowed to set in your clothes would discolor them and make them unsightly. However, the glad tiding is this that removing such acidic stains is not only possible but it is pretty easy as well. All you have to do is take swift action so that the acid doesn’t have much time to set it. The rest of the work would be done by our extremely effective and inexpensive tips which are given below. Continue reading and learn the secret to bid farewell to these acid stains for good.

Method One (Mild Method)

       The following method deals with neutralizing the effect of the acid so that its consequent negative effects can be minimized.

Things that you will require:

·      2 table spoons of baking soda

·      Water

·      Gloves

·      Laundry detergent

Steps that you need to take:

1.   Technically, in order to neutralize the effect of acid, you need to react it with a base. Therefore in order to carry out this chemical reaction you need to take two table spoons of baking soda and mix it with water to make a paste. The consistency of this paste ought to be a little thick.

2.   Apply this paste onto the stained area carefully; making sure that it is entirely covered. Furthermore, allow this paste to sit on the stain for some time, approximately 2 to 3 hours.

3.  Baking soda would react with the acid resulting into its neutralization and consequently helping you to get rid of the stain.

4.    Finally, launder the garment like you usually do and allow it to air dry.

Method Two (Strong Method)

        The former method was a milder one resulting into the neutralization of the acid. However if this method fails to remove acid stains from your clothes then you can opt to go for the method elaborated below.

Things that you will require:

·      Water

·      2 table spoons of ammonia

·      Soft cloth/sponge

·      Clean rag

·      Laundry/dish detergent

·      ½ cup white vinegar

Steps that you need to take:

1.  Primarily, you need to make a cleaning solution by combining 1 cup of water with 2 table spoons of ammonia. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly so that an effective solution is formed.

2.  Apply this ammonia solution onto the acid stained area with a sponge and allow it to sit there for a few minutes.

3.  Afterwards, blot this stained area with the help of a clean cloth. Keep blotting until no more color transfers to this cloth.

4.  If the stain gets removed with the help of this method then it’s well and good; otherwise take some detergent (either dish or laundry) and mix it in water. Soak the stained garment in this detergent solution and then allow it to air dry.

5.  Once the garment has dried off, check for any stain remnants. If you come across some brownish traces then take ½ cup of vinegar and mix it with 1 cup of water.

6.  Using a clean, soft cloth or a sponge, blot the brown stain remnants with this solution until they disappear.

7.  Finally, launder the garment like you normally do.

Tips and Warnings:

1.  Wear protective gloves before handling the baking soda paste.

2.   Do not place the garment into the dryer until you are positive that all stain traces have entirely gone away.

3.  Always wear protective gloves while handling acidic stains.

4.  Many commercial rust cleaners are also available and can be used in place of vinegar solution.