Yes, muriatic acid is safe to use on porcelain
Yes, muriatic acid can damage porcelain tiles. Muriatic acid is a strong acid that can etch or corrode the surface of porcelain, leading to discoloration, dullness, or even surface damage.
Safety: Muriatic acid can be dangerous; it can cause burns and release harmful fumes. Always wear gloves, goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. Not for Regular Use: It's not advisable to use muriatic acid regularly for toilet cleaning. Regular use can damage the porcelain and the plumbing over time.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
Resistant to stains, chemicals, and acids
The perfect sintering and the very low level of absorption makes the porcelain tiles' surface impermeable to any type of liquid.
There are many types of ceramics. Porcelain, one of the stronger ceramics won't really react with any acid except HF(Hydrofluoric acid) as you see in Breaking Bad. Stronger acids such as Fluoroantimonic acid might be able to dissolve it althought I have to admit that my knowledge is lacking in this area.
In a bucket, mix 1 part muriatic acid with 10 parts water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto discolored or stained surfaces. Let the solution sit on the affected areas for about 30 minutes.
Do not use concentrated hydrochloric acid and/or caustic soda, or any cleaning agent containing hydrofluoric acid and/or its derivatives, under any circumstances.
Some household members will use vinegar to clean porcelain tiles. However, experts suggest this is not a good idea because vinegar has a high acidic content which can damage the quality of the porcelain.
For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide) is a good alternative. It may take longer to work, but is less caustic and more environmentally friendly.
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid or spirits of salt, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl). It is a colorless solution with a distinctive pungent smell. It is classified as a strong acid. It is a component of the gastric acid in the digestive systems of most animal species, including humans.
It's a powerful acid that can be used to clean stubborn surface stains, but it shouldn't be used for tile and grout. Muriatic acid is extremely powerful, and using on tile and grout surfaces can permanently damage the areas you're trying to clean.
First, take care to make sure the area is well-ventilated because of fume risks. Also, be sure to wear eye protection, rubber gloves and clothes that cover your skin completely. Then, pour 5 gallons or so of water in the bowl, followed by the slow, careful addition of 12 ounces of muriatic acid.
Muriatic acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Do NOT inhale fumes.
Etching is a process of creating micro-porosities or a roughened surface on the porcelain. It involves using an etching agent, typically an acid or abrasive material, to remove the glossy finish and create a textured surface. This textured surface provides increased surface area for the primer or coating to bond to.
For the best clean, you can use either a specialized tile cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar. Generously spray the solution on walls, floor and fixtures, focusing on areas with soap scum, mildew or hard water stains. For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water.
Do not use cleaning products that contain acids or ammonia (and other harsh chemicals) as these can damage grout and glazed surfaces of the tile. Choose products that are compatible with your grout to avoid damage or discoloration of the grout. Always dry your porcelain thoroughly after cleaning.
Though popular for being gentler alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners, baking soda, Borax, and even salt can harm the finish of your porcelain fixtures. As gentle as they are, these compounds are still abrasive and will scratch your finish, especially with regular use.
Muriatic acid is a powerful cleaning agent that can effectively remove stains, mildew, and mineral buildup from porcelain surfaces.
Removing hard water spots: It's so annoying when your hard water leaves unsightly spots on your shower door or dishes, or porcelain, tile and metal surfaces. But spritz a little WD-40 on those spots, and you'll be able to easily wipe them away.
Porcelain veneers are also resistant to stomach acid. They won't be damaged by GERD or vomiting. The only acid regularly found in food that's a potential problem is phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid can attack porcelain veneers and other ceramic restorations, and it's also found in coke.
Some surfaces can be permanently damaged because of the presence of hydrochloric acid within the solution, which strips away the top surface layer of the tile. It may also cause some discolouration; therefore, it's definitely best to do a test patch.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): This is the safest and most common method for neutralizing small spills of muriatic acid. Baking soda is a mild base readily available in most households.
Please note that both muriatic acid and ammonia can erode your tiles and damage the grout if you use them too often.