Drain Cleaner Spill Cleanup in Baltimore

Liquid drain cleaners as you may already know are filled with tons of harmful chemicals. If not handled properly, you may be endangering you, your family, or even the home surfaces around you. This is especially true if you happen to spill some. In order to make sure you know how to clean up drain cleaner if it does spill, here at Baltimore Plumbers we want to give you a few tips on how to clean it up and what you may need.

First, let us go over the types of things you should have handy in the case of a drain cleaner spill. Whenever handling chemicals you should always wear rubber gloves. This is to ensure that no chemicals get onto your skin. If a spill does occur you will want to grab a towel, some water, paper towels, a garbage bag, possibly a vacuum, and some ammonia, baking soda, and club soda. Of course, many people do not have all of these things just lying around their home. Let us explain to you what all of these things are for so you understand why you may want to purchase them or what you can use as a substitute.

If you happen to spill drain cleaner on yourself, you will want to immediately rinse the affected area with some cool water. You will also want to remove any clothing the chemicals may have gotten on. You will most likely have to throw these clothes away because the chemicals will either cause holes or bleach the fabric. If the chemicals are splashed into your eyes you will want to immediately rinse your eyes with cool water for twenty minutes. If the burning has not gone away after this then you should seek medical help.

If a spill does occur that does not involve your skin or clothing you will want to grab gather all of the supplies you will need to clean the area. You will also want to make sure you open up a door or window so that the area is properly ventilated from the toxic fumes. You will then want to mix the baking soda and water. This will create a type of paste which you should spread over the infected area. Let the paste sit for a few minutes and then wipe it up and repeat the process. This paste will neutralize the area and absorb many of the chemicals.

Once you have cleaned up the paste you will want to clean up that residue. Yes, the paste will neutralize the chemicals from the drain cleaner but baking soda is also damaging. You will want to use either a household cleaner or mix one part ammonia with ten parts of water. You will want to apply this liberally to the area and then wipe this up and dispose of the paper towels. After this, you should rinse the entire area with some cold water to ensure that all chemicals are gone. If the spill is on carpet you should wait until the spill is dried and then vacuum the area of all cleaner residues. If you need professional plumbing services then be sure to contact your local residential plumber.

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Drain Cleaner Spill Cleanup in Baltimore