Acid can get on clothing while working with machines or simply from cracked batteries in your home. Getting acid stains out of clothing is easier than you might think. Here are a couple of easy ways to remove stains with common household items. Before you start, however, make sure you put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from acid burns.
Neutralize the Acid
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a very small amount of water to form a paste.
With a gloved hand, spread your paste on the clothing and let it set for 2 to 3 hours.
Place the clothing in the washing machine and wash as normal.
Hang the clothing up to dry. This may completely take care of the stain, but if it doesn't, it will neutralize the stain and make it easier to clean.
Tackling Tough Stains
Mix 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of household ammonia. Apply the mixture to the stain with a cloth rag or towel. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
Blot the stain with a dry towel. Continue applying the water-ammonia mixture to the stain and blotting until the stain begins to disappear.
Take a small amount of liquid dish soap (about nickel-size) and place it in a small tub with warm water. Allow your garment to soak in it for 10 minutes.
Wash as directed.
Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar and water in a small tub and let the garment soak for 10 minutes to get out any remaining stains, especially rust-like stains. Wash the garment as normal again, letting it air-dry.