"Gordon Richmond" wrote in message
...
2)Rinse the contaminated areas with a mild bleach solution to neutralize
what may be left of the acid. Rinse and allow to dry for a day or two

Nelson:

Bleach won't neutralize acid; it's an oxidzing agent just as sulfuric acid
is. What could
happen is that residual acid could react with the bleach and release
chlorine gas. Not to
be recommended!

I'd suggest using baking soda solution to neutralize the acid. Safe, and
won't harm the
wood.

Doh! I was thinking acid vs base, and forgot about the chlorine. Good
catch!
Now that I think about it, Rona (and maybe Home Depot) carry a wood
hardener that might even eliminate the need to remove the soft wood (after
it's
neutralized.
Nelson