Overview

Hydrochloric Acid, also known as muriatic acid or spirits of salts, is a strong acidic solution used across construction for cleaning and surface preparation. It dissolves cement smears, mortar residue, efflorescence and scale, and it etches smooth concrete so coatings and overlays bond properly.

This is a 15 litre container of technical grade hydrochloric acid, the size most trade and site jobs need. It is the same type of product as the Spirits of Salts listing, supplied here in a dedicated 15 litre drum.

Key Features

• Strong technical grade hydrochloric acid solution
• Removes cement smears, mortar residue and efflorescence
• Etches smooth concrete before painting, sealing or overlaying
• Cleans rust and scale from metal surfaces
• Used to lower pH in pools and water systems
• Practical 15L container for trade and site use

Specifications

• Pack size: 15L
• Concentration: approximately 15 percent technical grade
• Chemical: hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• Appearance: clear to slightly yellow liquid, pungent odour
• Use: masonry cleaning, concrete etching, descaling, pH control

Applications

• Cleaning cement smears off brick, block and stone
• Etching concrete before sealing or coating
• Removing efflorescence and scale from masonry
• Cleaning rust and oxide from metal before finishing
• Lowering pH in pools, ponds and water systems

What You Need to Complete the Job

Always add acid to water, never the reverse, and wear acid-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing. Apply the dilute solution to the prepared surface, let it react, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. For concrete prep, etch the surface, rinse well, then seal with a concrete sealer from the Concrete Sealers range, such as the AuSeal 20L Clear EC25. Smaller quantities are available as Spirits of Salts in 5L and 20L. More concreting supplies are in the Concreting range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What concentration is this hydrochloric acid?

It is a technical grade solution of around 15 percent concentration, which is the standard strength for masonry cleaning and concrete etching. It is strong enough for heavy cleaning jobs but is diluted further with water for most applications.

How do I use it safely?

Wear acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing, and work in a ventilated area. Always add the acid to water slowly, never the reverse, to avoid a violent reaction. Rinse spills with plenty of water and neutralise with sodium bicarbonate where needed.

Can I use it on concrete before sealing?

Yes. Etching smooth or power-trowelled concrete with a dilute acid solution opens the surface so a sealer or coating can grip. Rinse the surface thoroughly after etching and let it dry completely before applying the sealer, because acid residue left on the surface can affect the coating.

How do I store leftover acid?

Store it upright in the original sealed container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Keep it away from metals and incompatible chemicals. Small leftover amounts can be diluted and neutralised with sodium bicarbonate before disposal, following local regulations.