# This "safe HCl" is a scam, right? \[Update - Not scam. See responses from manufacturer at posts 88 and 93\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 18, 2023, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723 "2023-06-18T14:01:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/1 "2023-06-18T14:01:35Z")
I saw someone asking about using it for “cleaning” seashells in a Facebook group. This sounds like scam gibberish to me. > Safe-HCL is a patented, chemically modified acid formula that performs comparably to hydrochloric acid, while being far safer for humans and the environment. Safe-HCL is a synthetic (man-made) product that has similar solubilizing properties of Hydrochloric Acid (which is **GOOD** ) without the extremely high rates of corrosion and reactivity (which is **BAD** ). > Safe-HCL is a hybrid solution that falls between how a high strength mineral acid and a low strength organic acid would react. Safe-HCL is basically a super-concentrated solution of Hydrogen (H+). It has a stronger bond to the H+ ion than what a HCl molecule does, and therefore creates a more controlled reaction rate. Not allowing the H+ ion to easily react in the presence of Carbonates (CaCO3) or Iron (Fe) is what generates the slower spend and extremely low corrosion properties. Safe-HCL has minimal fumes, is noncorrosive to the skin and tissue, and biodegrades more quickly than hydrochloric acid. You can dilute Safe-HCL with water on a 1:1 to 1:100 ratio depending on your application. > **[What is Safe-HCL and what are the differences to Hydrochloric / Muriat](https://safe-hcl.com/pages/what-is-safe-hcl)** > > What is Safe-HCL? Safe-HCL is a patented, chemically modified acid formula that performs comparably to hydrochloric acid, while being far safer for humans and the environment. Safe-HCL is a synthetic (man-made) product that has similar... ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/2 "2023-06-18T14:04:33Z")
IANAChemist, but isn’t reactivity part of the point of acids? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/3 "2023-06-18T14:23:11Z")
The blurb is incredibly scammy in style. Notionally just because they want to keep their super secret secret patented secret chemical… Ummm… Secret. But surely they can’t do that if they’re going to sell it. It will have to have safety data developed for it. Chemists who might use it will probably need to know what’s in it, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/4 "2023-06-18T14:34:52Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > “…a super-concentrated solution of Hydrogen (H+)…Safe-HCL has minimal fumes, is noncorrosive to the skin and tissue” I’d _really_ like to see published, peer-reviewed research to back this claim, or at minimum a video overseen by independent testers which shows company officials pouring “safe HCl” on their skin to demonstrate its lack of “corrosion” of human tissue. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/5 "2023-06-18T14:52:17Z")
The “before” and “after” seashell photos on the applications page are two different shells. > **[Applications](https://safe-hcl.com/pages/applications)** > > Safe-HCl can be used in the following ways: To clean seashells by removing calcified deposits. To remove rust from metals. It's especially useful in cleaning headers on motorcycles and automobiles.   ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/6 "2023-06-18T15:04:59Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > The “before” and “after” seashell photos on the applications page are two different shells. - Look what I found. From May 2021 > **[Bring Out the Hidden Beauty of Seashells](https://www.beachcombingmagazine.com/blogs/news/bring-out-the-hidden-beauty-of-seashells)** > > By Amanda Collett Make your shells shine Sometimes a quick rinse in soapy water is enough to get your shells ready to display. When they need a little more help, here are some steps to deep clean and polish up your shells. Supplies Some items... ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/7 "2023-06-18T15:06:44Z")
Their web site is completely devoid of any technical details whatsoever. I suspect that what they are selling is just a mild acid. Dousing seashells in a cheap 2 liter bottle of soda will probably be just as effective as their cleaning product. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/8 "2023-06-18T15:11:03Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Look what I found. From May 2021 So Amanda Collett was the original liar. But definitely two different shells. Look at the deep cuts on the left of the before shell that aren’t on the after. And the “tab” of shell on the far right of the before, missing in the after. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/9 "2023-06-18T15:13:37Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > I suspect that what they are selling is just a mild acid. For $75 a gallon. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/10 "2023-06-18T15:15:02Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > > [@running\_coach](#): > > > > Look what I found. From May 2021 > > So Amanda Collett was the original liar. But definitely two different shells. Look at the deep cuts on the left of the before shell that aren’t on the after. And the “tab” of shell on the far right of the before, missing in the after. Right. But it proves that Safe-HCL didn’t do any cleaning, just stole photos. I’ve found photos of the same motorcycle(background bricks) but I haven’t found the exact shots that Safe-HCL stole. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/11 "2023-06-18T15:38:38Z")
> **[Whois safe-hcl.com](https://www.whois.com/whois/safe-hcl.com)** > > Whois Lookup for safe-hcl.com > **[Safe-HCL Biologically and Environmentally Safe Hydrochloric Acid](https://safe-hcl.com)** > > Safe-HCL.com is a biologically and environmentally safe hydrochloric acid. Safe-HCl is 100% Biodegradable, Non-Toxic, Non-Fuming, Non-Destructive to Human Skin and Eyes and is Safe for Indoor Use. Safe-HCL can be used in any application that utilizes... > Registrar: > Tucows Domains Inc. > > Registered On: > 2023-03-07 > > Expires On: > 2024-03-07 > > Updated On: > 2023-03-16 Registered three months ago, expires in nine months. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/12 "2023-06-18T16:03:54Z")
There’s a video. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/iSdo31kqLkQ/maxresdefault.jpg "How to safely clean seashells! Use a safe product and get the same results as using muriatic acid!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSdo31kqLkQ) ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/13 "2023-06-18T16:29:08Z")
It sounds like they are describing hydrogen peroxide? ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/14 "2023-06-18T16:31:04Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > basically a super-concentrated solution of Hydrogen (H+). Isn’t that xenomorph blood? ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/15 "2023-06-18T17:09:34Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > I suspect that what they are selling is just a mild acid. This exactly. “Strong bonds to H+ ion” means it’s weak and not many free H+ ions are available for reaction. “Equivalent strength to HCl” probably means the same number of H atoms, just with many of them bound to whatever super secret ion they are using. But who knows; it isn’t a technical description in any way. It probably is a decent solution for cleaning - using a weak acid is the right tool for the job. But any number of cheaper acids (vinegar, citrate) will work just as well. Also worth noting: the label on their cleaner says “manufactured by Spectrum Sterilization, Pittsburgh PA.” I find no record of any such company. > [@TruCelt](#): > > It sounds like they are describing hydrogen peroxide? Who can tell from their description, but hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer as well as a weak acid. It is used more as a sterilizing agent than a pure cleaner. HCl is not typically an oxidizing agent, but again, who knows what they’re putting in there. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/16 "2023-06-18T17:49:09Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Also worth noting: the label on their cleaner says “manufactured by Spectrum Sterilization, Pittsburgh PA.” I find no record of any such company. [https://www.bizapedia.com/pa/spectrum-sterilization-llc.html/](https://www.bizapedia.com/pa/spectrum-sterilization-llc.html/) > | Company Name: | SPECTRUM STERILIZATION LLC | > | --- | --- | > | Entity Type: | PENNSYLVANIA DOMESTIC LIMITED-LIABILITY COMPANY | > | File Number: | 7131768 | > | Filing State: | Pennsylvania ¶ | > | Filing Status: | Active | > | Filing Date: | September 18, 2020 | > | Company Age: | 2 Years, 9 Months | The company address given is in Swickley, PA and is a residential address, roughly 10 miles from Pittsburgh. Given safe-HCL’s current honesty track record, they may have stolen this “identity” as well. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/17 "2023-06-18T18:00:01Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > The company address given is in Swickley, PA and is a residential address, roughly 10 miles from Pittsburgh. It is a small house. [Moderator Note - Map showing possibly unrelated address removed] ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/18 "2023-06-18T18:18:09Z")
It’s fine that you removed it, but I didn’t request it. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/19 "2023-06-18T19:10:46Z")
I’m marketing Homeopathic HCl. As safe as water and with as many uses. Can be applied straight or mixed to any dilution - even 1:1000. High amounts of solubilizing properties. Will clean seashells that she sells at the seashore. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2023, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723/20 "2023-06-18T19:24:01Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > I’m marketing Homeopathic HCl. As safe as water and with as many uses. Can be applied straight or mixed to any dilution - even 1:1000. High amounts of solubilizing properties. Will clean seashells that she sells at the seashore. - Can it be applied to a woodchuck who chucks wood? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-safe-hcl-is-a-scam-right-update-not-scam-see-responses-from-manufacturer-at-posts-88-and-93/985723.md?page=2)