Baking soda as an acid neutralizer?

[a.k.a. Patrick]

I have been reading quite a few threads, here and elsewhere about the do's and dont's of ash removal on your vehicle. someone asked me about baking soda mixed with your water to help neutralize the acids in the fire ash. Any thoughts? Seems like a great OTC remedy!

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Someone mentioned in another thread (I think it was phamkl) that the ash residue is actually basic (alkaline), so the baking soda would only make things worse.

 

[jesselyons2002]

I know you use baking soda mix with water to neutralize the corrosion around the battery post

 

[chml17l]

Someone mentioned in another thread (I think it was phamkl) that the ash residue is actually basic (alkaline), so the baking soda would only make things worse.

Setec is correct. Baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) is basic. If the ash residue is indeed basic, you would want to use something like a diluted vinegar solution (slightly acidic) to neutralize the ash residue. I would follow this with a pH neutral shampoo wash.

 

[salty]

Wood ash is alkaline, so the vinegar-acid should help.