Sulphamic acid might not be a household name, but if you've ever dealt with stubborn limescale in your kettle, rust on metal parts, or the build-up in heating systems, this versatile cleaner could be your new best friend. It's used by professionals across many industries, but it's also safe and effective enough for home use when handled properly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sulphamic acid 99.5%: what it is, how it works, and most importantly, how you can use it effectively for cleaning and descaling around your home or workplace.
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What Is Sulphamic Acid?
Sulphamic acid is a white, odourless crystalline powder. It's a type of acid, but don't worry — it's far safer to handle than strong liquid acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. This makes it a popular choice for descaling and cleaning jobs where a powerful but controllable acid is needed.
Here are some of its key characteristics:
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Purity: 99.5%
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Appearance: White, solid crystals
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Solubility: Easily dissolves in water
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Smell: Odourless
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Reactivity: Works by reacting with mineral build-up like calcium and magnesium scale
Why Choose Sulphamic Acid?
If you’ve ever tried to clean out limescale from your kettle or remove rust from tools, you know how tough these jobs can be. Sulphamic acid makes them much easier. Here’s why it stands out:
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Safe to store: Solid and non-fuming
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Efficient cleaner: Removes scale, rust, and mineral deposits
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Less corrosive: Gentler on metals than stronger acids
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Low odour: Won't stink up your home or workshop
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Easy to use: Just dissolve in water and go
How to Use Sulphamic Acid: Real-World Examples
1. Descaling Your Kettle or Coffee Machine
What you need:
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1 litre of warm water
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50 grams of sulphamic acid (for a 5% solution)
Steps:
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Dissolve 50g of sulphamic acid into 1 litre of warm water.
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Pour into the kettle or water chamber.
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Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly at least 2-3 times with clean water.
This simple method can keep your appliances running longer and tasting better.
2. Cleaning Bathroom Tiles and Grout
What you need:
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150g of sulphamic acid
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5 litres of water (for a 3% cleaning solution)
Steps:
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Mix the sulphamic acid into warm water in a bucket.
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Apply with a mop or brush to tile surfaces.
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Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub.
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Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Great for removing soap scum, hard water marks, and stubborn grout haze.
3. Industrial Descaling: Heat Exchangers and Pipes
What you need:
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40 kg of sulphamic acid
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2,000 litres of water (for a 2% industrial solution)
Steps:
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Dissolve the acid in water using appropriate safety equipment.
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Circulate the solution through the system.
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Monitor pH and cleaning progress.
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Neutralise and flush thoroughly after cleaning.
This is a common method in factories, HVAC systems, and water treatment setups.
4. Rust Removal on Metal Tools
What you need:
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100g of sulphamic acid
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2 litres of warm water (for a 5% solution)
Steps:
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Submerge rusty tools in the solution.
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Leave them for 1-2 hours, depending on severity.
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Scrub lightly with a wire brush.
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Rinse and dry immediately to prevent re-rusting.
Works great for garden tools, automotive parts, or workshop equipment.
Safety First: Handling and Storage Tips
Even though sulphamic acid is relatively safe, you should always take precautions:
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Wear gloves and goggles when handling
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Avoid breathing in the powder
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Store in a dry, cool place in a sealed container
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Keep out of reach of children and pets
To dispose of it, neutralise with baking soda or dilute alkali and rinse with plenty of water.
Where to Buy Sulphamic Acid 99.5% in the UK
Looking to get started with your own cleaning or descaling project? We offer high-quality sulphamic acid 99.5% in convenient packaging sizes, delivered straight to your door.
Buy sulphamic acid 99.5% UK online now
FAQs About Sulphamic Acid
1. Is sulphamic acid safe for home use? Yes, when handled properly. Always wear gloves and follow the dilution instructions.
2. Can I use it on stainless steel? Yes, it is generally safe for stainless steel in diluted form. Rinse thoroughly after use.
3. Does it have a strong smell? No, it's odourless, making it more pleasant to use than vinegar or hydrochloric acid.
4. Is it better than vinegar for descaling? Yes, it’s more powerful and effective, especially for heavier scale.
5. Can I use it in a dishwasher? Yes, but only by following the appliance manufacturer’s guidelines and using appropriate dilution.
6. How long should I soak items in it? Anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the scale or rust.
7. Is it biodegradable? Yes, after neutralisation it can be safely rinsed away.
8. What should I NOT mix it with? Never mix with bleach or other strong oxidisers.
9. Can I store the mixed solution? It's best used fresh, as it can lose strength over time.
10. What sizes do you sell? We offer sulphamic acid in various sizes to suit both home and industrial users.