Rust Removal

[dynachrome]

I just got an eight reel stainless steel Omega tank. It has some slight rust stains. I'm considering trying Bon Ami powder but might try rubbing with salt or baking soda first. Any other suggestions?

 

[bdial]

I've seen vinegar recommended for removing rust, but I've not tried it. There is a commercial product called "Rust Evaporator" which works well, and is supposedly non-toxic. I have some, but for a reel, I'd probably polish it off with the cleanser or perhaps a very fine Scotch Brite pad, if it needs something more aggressive than the cleanser.

 

[mshchem]

300 series stainless can be cleaned with plain BonAmi and a sponge . Original BonAmi is feldspar, no additives. Nikor recommended nitric acid to restore stainless. Just nothing with chloride/chlorine and never ever steel wool.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

A Scotchbrite pad will be the fastest. The vinegar & baking soda nonsense is just that - the mixture produces sodium acetate - useful if you want to make cellophane but won't remove rust for love or money.

As already mentioned - do not use steel wool, it will make your stainless really rust.

You can get stainless steel wool, made for use in professional kitchens but is now finding it's way into the supermarket. I use for stainless pots and pans - it's very good stuff and won't scratch glass wear or dinner wear, which some Scotchbrite can do. The SS wool is expensive but lasts for decades.

 

[wiltw]

Barkeeper's Friend for claining stainless and getting rid of rust with little effort. If not on your grocery store self, likely at your local hardware store.

It is great for cleaning corrosion off terminals victimized by leaking alkaline battery, too.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Barkeeper's Friend

+1

Also good for ferrotype plates. As is the original Bon Ami - can hard to find at retail.

 

[wiltw]

Barkeeper's Friend also available at Amazon. As is Bon Ami.

 

[gone]

SOS pads. I like the blue color of the soap, although I've seen it in the Dollar Stores w/ pink soap. Or just use plain steel wool, but the SOS pads are much cheaper.

 

[halfaman]

To remove rust/oxide from steel you need an acid. Niric, sulfuric, fluorhidric or a combination of two of them will do the trick.

It is what commercial metal cleaners are by the way.