Posted by: Jimmy on April 29, 2000 at 16:20:10:

In Reply to: Efflorescence removal before damp-proofing Posted by: cam on April 25, 2000 at 22:18:02:

: I'm hoping to use a product called dri-lock to dry one basement wall that gets damp from time to time and has (what I think) efforescence on it. The Dri-lock says it must be removed..I've looked at muriatic acid and am a bit frightened to use it..are there any options? Does the efflorescence really have to come off or is it just a "recommendation" to get maximum protection. Also, if I have to use muriatic acid where can I find out how to use it. Thanks

Actually the worst thing you can do for effloresence is to add more liquid. Effloresence is caused by moisture in the first place. The best thing to do is simply brush it off. You can also taste the white substance and if it has a salty taste then it is effloresence if not it is probably white scum. That is a whole new set of problems.

Followups::

: : I'm hoping to use a product called dri-lock to dry one basement wall that gets damp from time to time and has (what I think) efforescence on it. The Dri-lock says it must be removed..I've looked at muriatic acid and am a bit frightened to use it..are there any options? Does the efflorescence really have to come off or is it just a "recommendation" to get maximum protection. Also, if I have to use muriatic acid where can I find out how to use it. Thanks : Actually the worst thing you can do for effloresence is to add more liquid. Effloresence is caused by moisture in the first place. The best thing to do is simply brush it off. You can also taste the white substance and if it has a salty taste then it is effloresence if not it is probably white scum. That is a whole new set of problems.

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