HELP!!! W/Sodium Hydroxide Stains.

[Paul R. Valenta]

I use sodium hydroxide to clean concrete at commercial stores. The problem is that during the cleaning process it splashes up onto the aluminum doors and leaves heavy white spots that I can't remove. Is there a specific aluminum cleaner or polish that will remove these stains. I told the customer that I am looking into finding something that will do the job. This is a major account for me and I want to act fast.

Any suggestions???

Thank You.

 

[MR ALAN]

We use sodium hydroxide to strip vinyl tile floor and had the same white build up. It is the alkaline in the SH. We now rinse with a citric acid neutralizer and no longer have a problem.
You will have to use this while it is still wet and how you apply
it will depend on the size of your area. Rinse the splash up off fairly well, then apply the acid.

 

[David Huff]

You are not supposed to get that stuff on aluminum,iwould wet it before ,during and after.My guess is call Delco,they will know how to help you ,if it can be helped at all
David

 

[Paul R. Valenta]

Those are great suggestions for future reference, but I was really concerned about removing it after the fact. I am planning on just using a general purpose detergent around the doorways in the future to avoid this mess. If anyone else knows anything please let me know. I will try and contact Delco in the mean time.

Thanks much.

 

[MR ALAN]

Paul,
Using the same dilution that you use for washing, put the chem on a towel and wipe it off. This will reactivate the old stuff and then you can neutralize it right after. This will take care of the problem, if it can be corrected.
Alan

 

[Paul R. Valenta]

Mr. Allen,

What should I use to neutralize it?

 

[MR ALAN]

Paul,
We use a citric acid based neutralizer made by Genlabs. In a pinch we have used the white distilled vinegar with favorable results. The acid of the vinegar is about 5%. Check your Sodium Hydroxide for the alkaline level and dilute the vinegar if needed.
Alan

 

[Paul R. Valenta]

Thank You very much! You have been quite helpful. I will look into it.

 

[David Saulque]

I agree with Mr. Allen and I use caustic with citric acid as a neutralizer. It works fine, we have used vinegar and we found that the citric acid is full strength and it has cut our cost vs vinegar.

 

[RJTravel]

Paul,
Your question indicates you need an immediate REMEDY, not just prevention. To remove streaking and discoloration you probably need an aluminum brightener. Go to Delco's board, access Kitchen Exhaust Cleaners, and look at the 'damaged aluminum' post dated Jan 11, 02. Worked for me.
Richard

 

[Paul R. Valenta]

Richard,

I truley appreciate the reply. Sounds to me like I am in the same boat you were. I read the post on Delco's board. It was kind of vague to me and my very limited knowledge of chemicals. It mentioned to apply Hydrofloric Acid to the aluminum. Can you tell me specifically what you did to fix the problem? What to use, how much, where to purchase, procedure, etc. I am real hesitant to just dive in blindly.

Thank You.

Paul
630-452-0029

 

[RJTravel]

Paul,
Obtain an aluminum brightener from a chemical supplier - I don't think any longer available from Delco - ask about chem concentration and dwell time. We apply chems with a diaphram pump, but I suppose you could use a pump-up. Be careful with this stuff - goggles, respirator, eyewash handy, etc. Let dwell 5 - 10 min or so, hose off, apply restorer ( like Sheila Shine). Call David Olson in Illinois (can find him on all boards) for addl info. He give me info and was a big help - I owe him a debt.
Richard

 

[jschessler]

hmmmm

Hey is the surface bare aluminum or painted with a dark brown or black surface?. Becareful with aluminum brightners you will be edging the surface this way. Try some stainless steel polish, and polish the whole door frame it will make it go away or up to 90%, if not then edge the door but only as a last resort. Next time wet door before you spray sh then when rinsing surface also rinse again the door. This will avoid the stains on all doors.

 

[Rick - Pro Wash]

We have had this problem in the past also. Most of the aluminum frames are anodized not painted. We found that wiping down the affected area with a towel moistened with motor oil will take care of the problem nicely.

See ya
Rick