Aluminum brighter on houses?

JDhomeservices

JDhomeservices

New member
A couple years back, I asked my local pressure washing supply store if they had anything that would get iron stains from irrigation off of houses. He gave me some stuff called aluminum brighter, and said it would work. It did an awesome job, and I have been using it ever since. Lately though, since I have been studying the BBS, I have found that most aluminum brighter is hydrofluoric acid based, and is very dangerous. I asked the guy at the pressure washer center if he knew what the active ingredient was, and he said he thinks is hydrochloric acid or something, but he's not sure. Should I be using this stuff on stucco and vinyl? Is there something else I should be using to get iron stains off of houses?
 
Yeah, I've been considering getting some of that stuff for serious battery acid stains on driveways and stuff. But the stuff I've been using sells for $8.00 a gallon, and it works like a charm on iron stains from irrigation. So if it's safe to keep using, I would rather use that.

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I think the F9 some good stuff but if what you are using is working and is not causing any damage I would continue using it.

Just my 0.02
 
JDhomeservices said:
What should I neutralize it with? If I hit it with my house wash mix of bleach and simple cherry will that do the trick?

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Never mix bleach with acid. Probably just the simple cherry or any soap will do the trick.
 
Josh, please be careful and make sure you know what chems are before you use them. It's very easy to hurt yourself or someone else.
 
John Doherty said:
Josh, please be careful and make sure you know what chems are before you use them. It's very easy to hurt yourself or someone else.
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Yes indeed, Never mix if your not sure.
 
He is right about not mixing acid and SH!!
 
I would suggest you find a different supplier if your local supplier does not know what is in their product. They should be giving you a MSDS sheet.
 
You're absolutely right Doug. The MSDS for this product MUST be carried in the vehicle that moves it. I also suggest that if you're going to use it, print this out and keep it in your vehicle. Many emergency responders and hospital personnel have no idea how to treat HF exposure. I've got the pdf version of this on my shop computer. It might print sharper. PM me your email address, and I can send you a copy.
HF MEDICAL TREATMENT

Even in gallon quantities, there should be a list of the hazardous materials on the container label. You've probably got a mixture of hydrofluoric and either / and sulfuric or phosphoric acids. HF is monster at removing rust. It can be dangerous, but if you're careful with it, can be your best friend too. A safer alternative may be a citric acid based product, but it won't clean as fast as HF, and you'll have to use more. I'll bet you can remove rust with aluminum brightener at 1:20 or so.
 
JDhomeservices said:
Thanks for the help. Yeah, it doesn't have a label. Just a clear jug with AB written on the side in sharpie.
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That is a huge liability on you. If you ever get stopped. I would suggest finding a new supplier there are many that support the forum. Chances are he is buying from someone else then waters the heck out of it then relabels and sells to you with huge mark up.
 
Russ is right although it probably costed the local sales guy to get it there as well. I know from experience that shipping 4 pails of HF costs around $140-$200 within the US. Same as what it would cost to ship a barrel or two......or three.
 
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Great point guys, we dont ever have to worry about the brightener, if we do need any we are able to get it local. I guess it really depends if he uses a lot on the houses and if he plans on getting into truck washing.
 
I don't know the first thing about truck washing so there are no plans for truck washing in the future as of right now. I only need a very small amount to spot clean houses. My house wash mix can take care of the rest.

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