How to Neutralize an Acid

Use personal protective equipments while neutralizing strong acids.
••• Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Things You'll Need

  • Safety goggles
  • Acid-resistant apron
  • Rubber gloves
  • Fresh water
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Baking soda/lime
  • Sand/dirt

Acids generally have a sour taste and a pH less than seven.These molecules react with bases to form salts. Two types of acids exist: inorganic acids (such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid) and organic acids (such as formic acid and acetic acid). By neutralization, the acidic and basic property of both the acid and the base are destroyed. Lime and baking soda are two affordable and readily available chemicals that neutralize acids.

    Put on safety goggles, an acid-resistant apron and rubber gloves. Keep a source of fresh water nearby to use in case of any accidental splashes or spills.

    Dissolve 4 to 5 cups of baking soda in a 5-gallon bucket filled with approximately 1/4 water. Pour the acid slowly into the bucket until the fizzing stops, and dispose the solution. For spills, neutralize the acid by pouring raw baking soda or lime over the spills until the fizzing stops.

    Absorb the neutralized acid with dry sand or dirt, and collect it in an appropriate chemical waste container for disposal.

Related Articles

How to Dissolve EDTA in Water
Hydrochloric Acid Safety Precautions
How to Store Acids & Bases
The Properties of Acidic Substances
List of Acidic Liquids
How to Find the PKA of a Weak Acid
The Common Uses for Tartaric Acid
How to Use Log on a TI-83
How to Mix Calcium Chloride and Water
Disposal of Boric Acid
How to Neutralize Muriatic Acid
How to Test for Acidity With Litmus Paper
Where Does Hyaluronic Acid Come From?
How to Separate Benzoic Acid & Sodium Chloride
Uses of Acids & Bases
How to Make an EDTA Solution
How to Put Base Log on Graphing Calculator
How to Convert Pounds Per Square Foot to PSI
How do I Calculate the Amount of Acid to Reduce Water...
Water pH & Pollution

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!