Can I use nitric acid as a floor cleaner instead phosphoric acid?

Question

I need to change my original formulation in which phosphoric acid is included, but since this component has significantly increased its cost, I would like to change it for another cheaper. But I still don t know what s the best choice. Thank s in advance for your help.

Answer 1

Phosphoric acid is not very aggressive, which makes it a good cleaner, because it will not damage the surface it is used on. Nitric acid, on the other hand, is a very aggressive acid, and will almost certainly attack any surface.

I'm not sure what you could use, but nitric acid is a bad choice.

Answer 2

Stick with the phosphoric, nitric acid vapor is noxious and when it reacts with metals and some other substances it makes a brown poisonous gas, hydrochloric acid, while often used to etch and clean concrete, also vaporizes into noxious fumes.    

Answer 3

why not just use hydrochloric acid instead? it is the most effective of all. by the way, nitric acid is also a good option, as long as the acid you are using are considered strong.