What Breaks Down Meth? Solutions & Ideas

  • Thread starter Thread starter walran
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for effectively breaking down and cleaning surfaces contaminated with methamphetamine, particularly in rental properties. Participants explore various cleaning solutions and techniques, sharing personal experiences and suggestions while addressing the challenges of ensuring thorough remediation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports success using bleach and 409 but questions the effectiveness of bleach alone in hard-to-reach areas like ductwork.
  • Another suggests piranha solution, a mixture of peroxide and sulfuric acid, as a potential method for removing organic residues, while cautioning about its corrosive nature.
  • Some participants humorously propose burning the contaminated area as an extreme solution, acknowledging it is not practical.
  • Acetone is recommended by several participants as a versatile cleaning solvent, with warnings about its potential to damage painted surfaces.
  • Hexane is mentioned as a non-polar solvent that could dissolve meth smoke, but concerns are raised about its volatility, suggesting naphtha as a more suitable alternative.
  • Participants discuss the effectiveness of various solvents on different materials, noting that while some may work well on metals, they could damage plastics or painted surfaces.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of safety when handling corrosive chemicals, sharing personal experiences with piranha solution.
  • Ventilation is highlighted as crucial when using strong solvents like naphtha and acetone due to their fumes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness of different cleaning methods and solvents, with no consensus reached on a single best solution. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple competing views on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their knowledge of chemistry and the effectiveness of various cleaning methods, indicating that some solutions may not be suitable for all surfaces. There are also concerns about the safety and practicality of using certain chemicals.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to property managers, landlords, or individuals dealing with meth contamination in residential properties, as well as those interested in chemical cleaning methods.

  • #31
Is there anyone in Australia who has paid to have their home cleaned professionally and not been happy with the results? Is there a method that everyone knows works or is it just guessing?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #32
DSello said:
What gets meth esidue off of my clothes, shoes, etc...my whole apt has been vandalized with chemicals and I took a test and it was positive for meth. Also, I think some chemical was put either in my shampoo or conditioner and my hair fell out and I was burning really bad but my skin was not red. I need to send samples to a lab to be analyzed I think. I've been poisoned. I have nothing left. My car got vandalized too. I've been washing my clothes in Vinegar and laundry detergent. I had to move all my contents from my apt or get sued for leaving everything. Why is it how to make method is all over the internet and easy to find but not how to save my property? Can someone please help me? Its really hot and all my stuff is in plastic bags in my storage and I can't stand the fumes and I won't drive my car and I am horrified. I need some help if possible. Thanks DSello
Any and all fabric needs to be thrown away.. clothing, carpet , drapes etc. Hard surfaces clean with bleach then formula 409 scrubbed on the walls, counters and floors. TWICE.
 
  • #33
I heard that mixing bleach with the meth creates another toxic compound, but changes the compound of the meth enough that it's no longer detectible- do you think that means there's still harmful chemicals around but just not the exact meth substance? How many years cleaning do you have?
 
  • #34
Sorry, I'm not a chemist nor in the sciences. I flip homes for a profit so I only speak from experience and nothing else. I have cleaned 9 meth homes. Its an average cost of $7000 to pay a professional company to do it. I can usually get it done for about $200 including new overalls, masks, goggles, and cleaning supplies. Usually takes me 2 days for an average home. Paying the third party inspector is the single largest expense at $120 per visit. Regarding toxic compounds... I highly suggest respirator masks while doing this work.
 
  • #35
Cleaner said:
Sorry, I'm not a chemist nor in the sciences. I flip homes for a profit so I only speak from experience and nothing else. I have cleaned 9 meth homes. Its an average cost of $7000 to pay a professional company to do it. I can usually get it done for about $200 including new overalls, masks, goggles, and cleaning supplies. Usually takes me 2 days for an average home. Paying the third party inspector is the single largest expense at $120 per visit. Regarding toxic compounds... I highly suggest respirator masks while doing this work.

Have you heard about the research that shows bleach actually creates another more toxic compound when combined with the meth? So the meth will appear to be gone, however there remains a different but just as bad chemical residue?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
15K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
9K
Replies
8
Views
10K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
845
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
Replies
32
Views
7K