White spirit is a mineral spirit resulting from the distillation of petroleum and made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons. This transparent liquid, with a strong smell, is a precious ally of your interior thanks to its multiple uses. However, it is toxic to humans and the environment. However, there is an equally effective, safe and odorless ecological substitute on the market. Let’s take stock of the characteristics and uses of this miracle product.
The many uses of white spirit
White spirit is a versatile product with many uses.
Clean brushes after painting
To clean brushes after using glycerol-type paint, simply soak them in white spirit for several hours. No need to dilute it. The paint generally goes away on its own, but an additional rinsing with clean water may be necessary for finishing.
Clean a dirty bathtub or sink
Wear gloves and soak a clean cloth in white spirit. Apply it to the surfaces of the bathtub or dirty sink, then rinse with clear water. The product is ideal for eliminating all stubborn traces and rings. We advise you to finish for cleaning with soapy water for a more optimal rendering and to eliminate bad odors.
Clean brick surfaces
White spirit is ideal for removing dirt from brick surfaces. Just soak it in a rolled up newspaper. Add linseed oil for more efficiency. Remember to wear gloves to protect yourself.
clean the iron
To clean and maintain the tinplate, rub it with a cloth impregnated with white spirit then rinse with clear water.
Clean vehicle rims
Dampen a clean cloth with white spirit and rub the rims of the car or any vehicle to remove the dirt.
Whitewash raw wood
To whiten unfinished wood furniture, dilute white spirit in white glycerol-type paint until you obtain a liquid that looks like milk. Apply it with a brush and let it act until the desired level of whitening.
Remove flocking from a garment
To remove flocking from a garment, pat it with a clean cloth soaked in mineral spirits. Rub until everything is removed, then immediately put the garment in the washing machine.
Detach fabrics and textiles (cotton, leather, imitation leather, suede), wood, linos and carpets
Protect yourself with gloves and impregnate a clean cloth with white spirit. Apply to the aforementioned textiles and surfaces to remove traces of wax, shoe polish, felt, grease, grease, henna, chewing gum, fruit, make-up, excrement, rouge lipstick, varnish, blanco, pen and paint.
What precautions should be taken with white spirit?
If the white spirit is practical and multi-purpose, it is a toxic product for which it is imperative to respect the precautions of use.
- Always protect yourself with gloves when using white spirit. Wash your hands well after use. Avoid the product touching your face, your eyes, but also your arms and legs.
- Do not inhale white spirit. You can put on a protective mask to avoid breathing it in and limit the risk of splashes.
- Always use the product in a ventilated room, with the window open if possible for the duration of use and for a few minutes afterwards.
- As white spirit is flammable, do not smoke nearby and do not approach any source of heat.
- Never place white spirit within reach of children and pets.
- Never mix mineral spirits with any other chemical. You can only mix it with water or oil.
- Store the product in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity.
- Always test white spirit in a place that is not very visible or not visible before use in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Check that the surface does not discolor.
If you opt for the ecological substitute of white spirit, do not leave it within the reach of children. Also keep it cold, as it can freeze below -9°C.