Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Revainrating 4 out of 5
3.8

How to Safely Handle, Mix, Clean With, Dispose of & Store 99.6% Pure Oxalic Acid - 2 lbs

How to Safely Handle, Mix, Clean With, Dispose of & Store 99.6% Pure Oxalic Acid - 2 lbs

How to Safely Handle Oxalic Acid?

Oxalic acid can be hazardous if not handled properly. Here are some tips for safe handling of oxalic acid:

Use Protective Equipment

When working with oxalic acid, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including:

  • Goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes
  • Rubber gloves to prevent skin contact
  • A lab coat or apron to keep your clothes from being contaminated
  • A face mask or respirator if working with oxalic acid powder

Work in a Well-Ventilated Area

Oxalic acid vapors can irritate your nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Always use oxalic acid in an area with good ventilation to prevent buildup of vapors.

Avoid Ingestion

Never eat, drink, or smoke when working with oxalic acid. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.

Clean Up Spills Properly

If oxalic acid spills, wear PPE while cleaning it up. Use an absorbent material like vermiculite, sand, or baking soda to absorb liquids. Collect contaminated absorbents and dispose of properly. Rinse area with water.

Store Safely

Keep oxalic acid tightly sealed in clearly labeled containers. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and ignition sources.

Following basic safety precautions will help prevent accidents when working with oxalic acid in a laboratory setting.

How to Mix Oxalic Acid Solutions?

When making oxalic acid solutions, proper mixing technique is important for safety and achieving the desired concentration.

Calculate the Amount Needed

First, determine the desired concentration and total volume of solution needed. Then calculate the necessary mass of oxalic acid dihydrate crystals using the formula:

Mass of oxalic acid dihydrate = Desired concentration x Total solution volume x Molecular weight of oxalic acid dihydrate (126.07 g/mol)

Add Oxalic Acid to Water Slowly

Always add oxalic acid crystals to water slowly. Never add water to solid oxalic acid as it can violently splatter. Here are the steps:

  1. Measure calculated amount of oxalic acid dihydrate crystals
  2. Place crystals in an appropriate glass beaker
  3. Slowly add water while stirring with a glass rod
  4. Stir until all oxalic acid dissolves completely

Use Proper Glassware

Only use glass beakers and stir rods when mixing oxalic acid solutions. Metal containers can corrode and plastic can degrade from the acid.

Label Container

After mixing solution, transfer to a clearly labeled glass bottle with the name, concentration, date, and appropriate hazard warnings.

Store Properly

Keep oxalic acid solutions tightly sealed and stored away from incompatible materials. Solutions can be refrigerated to increase shelf life.

Following the proper technique helps create stable oxalic acid solutions for use in various laboratory applications.

How to Use Oxalic Acid for Cleaning?

Oxalic acid is an effective cleaning agent for removing certain types of stains and discoloration. Here are some tips on using oxalic acid solutions for cleaning purposes:

Rust Removal

Oxalic acid works well to dissolve rust on iron and steel surfaces. Make a 10% solution by mixing 100g oxalic acid crystals per 1 liter of warm water. Apply it directly to rusted areas with a brush or sponge. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

Cleaning Cookware

To remove cooked-on stains from pots and pans, boil a dilute oxalic acid solution in the cookware for 5-10 minutes. Try a 2% solution (20g per 1 liter) for stainless steel and a 5% solution (50g per 1 liter) for enameled cookware. Rinse thoroughly.

Removing Mineral Deposits

Mineral deposits from hard water can build up on glass, tile, and plumbing fixtures. Wipe them with a cloth dipped in a 5-10% oxalic acid solution to dissolve the deposits. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Bleaching Wood

Oxalic acid can bleach and remove graying from weathered wood. Make a 2% solution and apply it evenly to the wood with a brush. Let it sit briefly before rinsing. Repeat if needed.

Safety Tips

Always wear gloves when handling oxalic acid solutions. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing vapors. Rinse surfaces thoroughly after use. Never mix oxalic acid with bleach or alkali cleaners.

When used properly, oxalic acid is an economical and effective cleaning agent for specific cleaning challenges.

How to Dispose of Oxalic Acid Properly?

Oxalic acid and solutions containing it must be disposed of carefully. Here are some guidelines for proper disposal:

Neutralization

Before disposal, oxalic acid should be neutralized to a pH between 6-8. Slowly add baking soda or calcium carbonate to the acid while stirring until fizzing stops. Test the pH with indicator paper.

Dilution

After neutralizing, dilute the solution with plenty of water. For small amounts, a dilution of 1:100 (acid solution to water) is recommended.

Absorption

Once neutralized and diluted, the solution can be absorbed onto vermiculite, dry sand, saw dust or other inert absorbent material. Allow it to completely dry.

Waste Containers

Place the dried neutralized waste into sealed containers labeled as hazardous waste. Plastic or steel containers are suitable, not aluminum. Liquid wastes should be solidified with an absorbent.

Disposal Methods

  • Hazardous waste landfills can accept neutralized oxalic acid waste.
  • Some wastewater plants can process diluted liquid wastes meeting pH and concentration limits.
  • Licensed hazardous waste handlers can incinerate neutralized oxalic acid wastes.

Documentation

Keep a written record of all waste disposal including the substance, amount, method, and date. Follow local regulations for waste manifests and permits.

Proper neutralization, dilution, and disposal helps prevent environmental contamination from oxalic acid waste products.

How to Store Oxalic Acid?

Oxalic acid requires proper storage conditions to maintain stability and prevent accidents. Here are some guidelines for safe oxalic acid storage:

Appropriate Containers

Store oxalic acid in clearly labeled, non-metallic containers made of glass, plastic, or ceramic. Avoid metal containers which can corrode. Make sure lids seal tightly.

Ventilation

Store containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area to prevent buildup of vapors. Oxalic acid should not be stored in confined spaces.

Temperature Control

Ideal storage temperature is 55-75°F (13-24°C). Avoid freezing temperatures or excessive heat above 90°F (32°C).

Segregate Incompatibles

Do not store oxalic acid near bases, oxidizers, reducers, or flammable materials as hazardous reactions can occur. Store on shelves away from these substances.

Secondary Containment

Use secondary containment like chemical storage trays to isolate oxalic acid containers and absorb spills. This prevents contamination and accidents.

Access Control

Restrict access to oxalic acid storage areas. Only allow properly trained personnel to handle it.

Inventory Management

Follow FIFO (first in, first out) principles when storing oxalic acid. Periodically inspect containers for deterioration and leaks.

Proper storage conditions maximize shelf life while minimizing risks when handling oxalic acid.

How to Buy 99.6% Pure Oxalic Acid with Amazon Prime

Purchasing lab grade chemicals like oxalic acid is made easier with an Amazon Prime membership. Here are some tips on using Prime to buy 99.6% pure oxalic acid:

Check if You Have a Prime Membership

You can only access Prime benefits if you have an active Prime membership. Existing Amazon customers can sign up for a 30-day free Prime trial. Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually after the trial.

Find the Oxalic Acid Listing

Search for "99.6% pure oxalic acid" on Amazon. Select the 2 lb listing sold by a reputable lab chemical supplier. Make sure the product details match what you need.

Verify Prime Eligibility

Check that the oxalic acid listing shows "Prime Eligible" to confirm it is available for fast, free Prime delivery. Some chemical products may not qualify based on shipping restrictions.

Add to Cart

When you've found the right Prime-eligible 99.6% pure oxalic acid, add it to your cart. Select the quantity you need up to the amount currently in stock.

Select Free Prime Delivery

On the checkout screen, make sure your delivery method is set to free Prime Delivery. Enter your shipping address and select a delivery date within the next 2 days.

Complete Purchase

Finish entering payment and billing details to complete checkout. Your 99.6% pure oxalic acid will arrive on the selected date at no extra shipping cost thanks to Prime!

With an Amazon Prime membership, purchasing lab chemicals is fast and convenient. Follow these tips to easily buy 99.6% pure oxalic acid online.