Oxidation removers can do many wonders in restoring the lost beauty of vehicles, from dulled fiberglass, stained gel coat, and other versions of oxidation. Indeed, it is a blessing to camper homeowners.
Since this cleaning compound is helpful, it may have some risks. After all, it is a chemical mixture that may pose harm when not correctly used. It may be harmful not just to one’s vehicle but also to health.
Fortunately, we have this guide that may remind you of the safety instructions when using oxidation removers. Be mindful of what is appropriate from not. Have a safe cleaning.
Keep Children Away
Is it not that when fathers clean their cars at home, children become fascinated and attracted to approach their dad and find out what he is doing.
Of course, children love to play with anything they touch—especially infants and toddlers who would explore things by grabbing any stuff towards their mouth. The same goes when they happen to hold cleaning materials scattered on the floor.
However, cleaning materials, such as an oxidation remover, are not for kids to see. On the other hand, an oxidation remover may be pretty helpful on any stained surfaces but not accidentally ingest or even touch.
Wear Safety Gears
Chemicals like the best oxidation removers are incredibly poisonous and dangerous. Some may even be harmful to the skin when exposed for more extended periods. Worst, it could blind a person if the chemical accidentally lands on someone’s eyes.
Thus, it is a must for users to wear gloves, goggles, and some vests for preventive purposes. It may be uncomfortable at times, but it is better safe than sorry.
Of course, please wash your hands thoroughly after use before eating, as they may have been contaminated.
Avoid Unnecessary Mixtures
Campers may tend to play scientist when washing and cleaning their RV. It means mixing cleaning materials assuming it will be more effective when used.
However, before you do something crazy like that, check first if the chemical compounds of unrelated materials are compatible with each other. Otherwise, you might unknowingly be playing fire if you miss that out.
As constantly repeated in this guide, oxidation removers are highly flammable. One wrong spark may lead to a disastrous hell of fire. But, on the other hand, it may eradicate anything into ashes.
For safety, follow the instructions on the label and know what other compounds may be mixed with it.
Keep Extreme Heat Away
Not only does an oxidation remover poisonous, but it is also highly flammable. So, by common sense, please keep it away from anything that might ignite it.
For example, you should not be smoking when you’re washing and cleaning your camper van. Would you please keep it away from the grilling area and any firewood?
Also, it is not safe to store it in scorching places. Specifically, the room should not exceed 49 degrees celsius because it may also spark ignition.
Likewise, the freezing point temperature may not do well on oxidation removers as this chemical hardened. Hence, if you melt it with fire, of course, it would inflame. Thus, keep it at room temperature with 15 to 40 degrees celsius.
Store it Properly
After use, keep the oxidation removers in proper storage. The storage container must be clean and free from any dust and dirt.
Before storing, clean the lids of the bottle container of the oxidation compound. Make sure that there are no leaks. Also, wash and clean the materials you use, such as the cloth and buffers.
Don’t leave any dried and hardened residue of oxidation removers sticking in those materials. Sometimes extreme chemical reactions may happen inside storage containers when cleaning materials are lousy.
As we all know, chemical reactions may ignite a fire and cause an explosion. Thus, be mindful of what other things you would store along with the oxidation remover.
Furthermore, see that the temperature is neither cold nor blazing hot as temperature may inflict chemical reactions. As much as possible, store it in non-flammable containers such as sand or stone, and there must be water nearby.
Preventive Measures
Here is some advice to follow when accidentally exposed to oxidation removers.
- For Leaks – for liquid compounds, wipe it with an absorbent sponge while sweeping may do okay for solid compounds.
- Contact with skin – when the oxidation compound drop-in touch with your skin, wash it immediately for more or less 15 minutes until the burning sensation subsides. If washing did not alleviate the condition, better consult a medical professional.
- Similarly, contact with your eyes – if the chemical lands on your eyes, wash it immediately until it clears your sight. After washing, open and close your eyelids and look around. If you see clearly for more extended periods with irritation, that’s good. If not, have it checked by a doctor.
- Ingestion – when you accidentally ingest or swallow the chemical, rinse it with water and stimulate vomiting. Vomiting may increase acidic production, which may mix with the chemical compound all the more that you might be poisoned.
Conclusion
Indeed, oxidation removers are hazardous when not handled properly. In addition, it is sensitive to chemical reactions that may spark a fire or worsen one’s health.
With this in mind, campers must keep and store it in safe containers. Avoid negligence and other insane activities when dealing with chemicals like these cleaners.
Good thing we have this guide to remind us of proper usage and storage of RV oxidation removers.