Clothes and chemicals don't mix

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of chemical spills, particularly sulfuric acid from Zimmermann-Reinhardt reagent, on clothing, specifically jeans. Users report that repeated washing exacerbates existing holes and creates new ones, likely due to the weakening of the fabric after exposure to acids such as nitric, phosphoric, and hydrochloric. The conversation emphasizes the importance of wearing protective clothing, such as lab aprons and synthetic fibers like polyester, to prevent damage during laboratory work.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical properties of acids, particularly sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
  • Knowledge of fabric composition, especially the differences between cotton and synthetic fibers
  • Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and protective gear
  • Awareness of the effects of detergents on damaged fabrics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical resistance of various fabric types, focusing on polyester and vinyl
  • Learn about proper laboratory safety measures to protect clothing
  • Investigate the effects of common detergents on chemically damaged fabrics
  • Explore alternatives to cotton for lab work attire
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for laboratory technicians, chemists, and anyone involved in chemical handling who seeks to protect their clothing from damage caused by hazardous substances.

~christina~
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[SOLVED] Clothes and chemicals don't mix

After taking analytical this summer I notice I have many holes in my jeans...

I spilled some Zimmermann-Reinhardt reagent on my jeans and I spilled it on my pocket of my jeans. I do know that it contains H2SO4 but I notice that everytime I was the jeans I have holes popping up...(darn it) I also worked with nitric, phosphoric, and of course hydrochloric acid this summer as well.

Not only that, I also have other jeans which have holes popping up but I know I didn't spill any acid on them or base...

Why is it that washing causes the holes to be bigger and holes to appear where there was none? Is there a reaction with the detergent or is it the fabric is weak after the chemical spill or splatter?
 
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The fabric is damaged after the chemical spill and the holes grow in size after each washing. Unless you wear a lab apron, you are destined to ruin your chlothes, even if you are not working with acid. Sulfuric acid lingers and the edge of the lab bench is not often cleaned well. When you lean against a lab bench anywhere in the lab, you can damage your chlothes, especially 100% cotton.
 
Oh..interesting to know...gosh dang it..I guess I'll just have holes pop up again and again and...again.
 
wear plastic, synthetic fibers like polyester,vinyl, and other acid resistant materials
I hate wearing anything other than cotton though.
 
I guess I'll have to look at the label before I wear something on lab day.
 

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