Acids & bases

• 'Acid into water' rule

  Pour concentrated acid in a THIN stream into water, never the reverse; the exotherm splashes concentrate.

• Household acids

  70% vinegar essence → 9%: 1:7 water; citric — safe; muriatic for cleaning — only with gloves and ventilation.

• Bases

  Caustic soda burns worse than acid (not felt immediately); dissolve in cold water, in portions.

• Neutralization

  Acid on skin → soda solution; base → weak boric/vinegar; always — 15+ min water and a doctor for burns.

Never mix bases and acids 'for cleaning' — thermal shock and splashing. Never mix bleach with acids — that's a chlorine generator.