Much less likely to burn is agricultural vinegar, 20% rather than the regular 5 or 6% acetic acid.  It will burn you, but is not as nasty as HCl.  Wear eye protection even if you use this weaker acid, but it is less noxious to work with than the stronger stuff.  This "high test" vinegar can be bought at agricultural supply stores and organic gardening supply outlets.

You are right that bleach sanitizes but does not clean.

DMc

---- Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> For those who do not have access to a lab stockroom, we might mention
> that HCl is also available at hardware stores, etc, as muriatic acid.
> Do not use full strength.  I would dilute with water about 3:1.  Wear
> eye protection and if it gets on your skin, wash it off promptly.
>   Better living thru chemistry.
>
> Larry A.
>
>
> On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 9:12 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> > Another scintillating post :)
> >
> > I cleaned out the water tank with a solution of HCl, before and after
> > pics here:
> >
> > http://shufti.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/westy-water-tank-cleaning/
> >
> >
> > alistair
> >

--
David McNeely