Australia's Science Forum

help...does anyone know of an agent to take silver nitrate stains out of lab benches. thanks :(

Hi Sues,
I am new to all of this myseld but have discovered that ajax powder with a small amount of water removes silver nitrate stains. The more recent the stain, the more effective it is. Hope this helps.

Here are a few more stain removers for you.

What happens is usually the Silver Nitrate becomes light sensitive and Silver begins to drop out of solution leaving the dark coloured stain, so all in all it is the silver you are trying to lift.

Iodine is an excellent removal for Silver nitrate although it creates its own colour stain problem. Alternatively you can use the Iodine to Lift the Silver stain then in turn lift the Iodine stain by using Ethanol or the more cost effective Methylated Spirits.

Other lifting solutions that don't work as effectively, includes bleaches and vinegar.

Iodine is the best option but if you decide to try this only apply this to the area affected. Making sure there is enough Methylated Spirits available.

This should help heaps..

I have found the best thing to use is a product called So-safe graffiti remover for painted surfaces.

May need two application but does remove the stain with out damanging the surface of the table.

thankyou all
esp to r. crosdale...the iodine and ethanol method worked a treat!!!
newer stains easier but eventually all were removed...
i am sooo in the good books out here. thanks again sue

Try a 10% fresh sodium thiosulphate solution and leave it soak on the bench overnight. A light scrub with jiff the next day should do the trick.
Cheers