What neutralizes spilled Rustmort?

[Kerry Pinkerton]

Had a container of Rustmort...phosphoric acid leak onto my shop floor. Didn't notice it for a couple weeks. It's eaten into the concrete in a couple spots. I've scraped up the loose stuff.

What can I use to neutralize it and stop further damage?

[JimRussell]

I would try sodium bi-carbonate - baking soda. Rub it in good and add some water. let sit for a bit and wash away.

[hot rivet]

Anything alkaline is going to neuralise acid, when i worked in a motor factors we used to have a bag of chalk for dealing with battery spills. Given that the phosphoric is a liquid and absorbed in whatever you try and use needs to be liquid or have some water added to help it get down through the surface.

Ps bleach is usually alkaline but has other chemicals added in so maybe best avoid that to start with

[Phil Minton]

Had a similar experience years ago Kerry when a bottle of acid on a shelf tipped over and dripped onto a set of aluminium ladders beneath which became scrap. If it were me I'd heat up the affected areas with a blow torch, you might get some more spalling so wear goggles and then as Paul said put some chalk powder down. After you're satisfied there's no further reaction clean it up and repair with leveller after priming the dips with SBR (strong PVA).

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by hot rivet

Anything alkaline is going to neuralise acid, when i worked in a motor factors we used to have a bag of chalk for dealing with battery spills. Given that the phosphoric is a liquid and absorbed in whatever you try and use needs to be liquid or have some water added to help it get down through the surface.

Ps bleach is usually alkaline but has other chemicals added in so maybe best avoid that to start with

Little late, but for anyone else's benefit - I would NOT use bleach as a method of neutralizing acid, unless you're a chemist or are willing to bet your life that you will not be creating chlorine gas in the process.

Your lungs, remaining in a non-liquid form, will thank you. 🌈🌟

[memphisrain]

Baking soda as mentioned above.