1. Remove Rust Stains from Clothes & Surfaces

Intro: Rust stains ruining your fabrics or sinks? Oxalic acid is your hero!
Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon oxalic acid crystals with 1 litre warm water.
Steps:

1. Soak stained fabric for 20 minutes (test a small area first!).

2. For surfaces, scrub with a cloth dipped in the solution.
   Tip: Rinse thoroughly after use.
   Safety: Wear gloves and goggles!

2. Restore Faded or Stained Wooden Furniture

Intro: Sun-bleached or water-damaged wood? Bring it back to life!
Mix: 100g oxalic acid + 1 litre warm water.
Steps:

1. Brush onto wood, leave for 10 minutes.

2. Neutralise with water + baking soda (2 tbsp per litre).
   Note: Sand lightly after drying for a smooth finish.

3. Clean Garden Decking & Outdoor Timber

Intro: Mouldy deck? Brighten it in minutes.
Method: Dissolve 150g oxalic acid in 5 litres water.
Steps:

1. Scrub deck with a stiff brush.

2. Rinse with a hose.
   Bonus: Repeat yearly to maintain timber.

4. Brighten Yellowing White Clothes

Intro: Whites lost their sparkle? Try this laundry hack!
Recipe: Add 1 teaspoon oxalic acid to your washing machine’s rinse cycle.
Why It Works: Breaks down stubborn dirt and mineral deposits.
Caution: Don’t use on coloured fabrics!

5. Clean Metal Garden Furniture

Intro: Rusty patio chairs? Make them shine again.
Mix: 2 tbsp oxalic acid + 1 litre hot water.
Steps:

1. Scrub metal surfaces with a steel wool pad.

2. Rinse and dry to prevent new rust.

6. Prep Timber for Staining or Painting

Intro: Prepping wood? Oxalic acid ensures a smooth base.
Steps:

1. Clean wood with oxalic acid solution (see Blog 2).

2. Let dry completely before sanding or staining.
   Tip: Perfect for DIY carpentry projects!

7. Revive Old Bricks or Stone Pathways

Intro: Dirty bricks? Remove moss and stains naturally.
Method: Mix 100g oxalic acid + 5 litres water.
Steps:

1. Spray on bricks/paving.

2. Scrub and rinse after 15 minutes.
   Warning: Keep plants covered – acid can harm them!

8. Remove Ink Stains from Carpentry Tools

Intro: Ink stains on tools or workbenches? Easy fix!
Mix: 1 tsp oxalic acid + 250ml warm water.
Steps:

1. Dab solution onto stains.

2. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

9. Clean Algae from Garden Pots & Paths

Intro: Slippery green algae? Bust it safely.
Recipe: 50g oxalic acid + 2 litres water.
Steps:

1. Spray on affected areas.

2. Scrub with a brush and rinse.
   Tip: Works on concrete, tiles, and plastic!

10. Refresh Vintage Carpentry Projects

Intro: Restoring old wooden doors or frames?
Steps:

1. Strip old paint/varnish.

2. Apply oxalic acid to remove deep stains.

3. Sand and refinish.
   Pro Tip: Use a mask to avoid inhaling dust!

General Safety Notes for All Posts:

• Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask.

• Keep oxalic acid away from children/pets – it’s toxic if swallowed.

• Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.

• Neutralise spills with baking soda + water.

Where to Buy in SA:
Find oxalic acid powder online at Takealot.com in 100g and 900g containers.