You will be diluting this cleaning product with water before cleaning any masonry surfaces.
Cleaning stone fireplace with muriatic acid.
Rinse well with clean water.
Dip a second brush into the masonry cleaner mixture then gently apply the brush to the brick.
Acid is able to penetrate and clean stone and cement.
Use caution when working with acid.
However make sure the mortar between the stones has cured before you clean the stones.
This is the concentration you are going to find in your local hardware store.
Use a plastic bucket to mix it in and always add the water to the bucket first and then slowly pour in the muriatic acid afterward.
Never use muriatic acid on stone or masonry.
Let the brick absorb the cleaner for 3 5 minutes then use the water brush to scrub any residue off the brick.
Mix one pint of muriatic acid with a gallon of water in.
Prepare a diluted solution of your acid based cleaner.
Fill a 5 gallon bucket with 10 parts cool water and 1 part.
Protect nearby plants and vegetation by covering them with a plastic tarp.
Tips for cleaning stone with muriatic acid.
It s best to clean the stone as soon as possible after the mortar or other cement based material has sufficiently cured.
Dunk a clean soft sponge in the remaining tsp solution then apply it to the entire fireplace surround making sure to wet both the stone and the grout.
Using a pump up sprayer spray a small area no larger than 3 x 3.
Begin at the top of the stone fireplace.
It s important to pour the masonry cleaner into the water instead of the other way around to prevent any burns from the acid.
How to clean stones with muriatic acid step 1.
Let the solution dwell for five minutes.
Cement becomes more difficult to remove over time.
Avoid uneven or prolonged contact because etching uneven cleaning or streaking can result.
Brush the surface dirt and debris off.
It the chemical of choice for some types of masonry cleaning.
How to brighten and lighten a stone fireplace step 1.
Always pour acid into water never water into acid.
Immediately lightly agitate the area.
Muriatic acid is sold in a standardized concentration of 31 45 acid and 68 55 inert ingredients primarily water.