- June 15, 2019
- Miscellaneous
- Ivan Gresko
Judging by numerous reviews, we can conclude that a horseshoe is the most popular talisman for the home. If you find this thing, then you are in luck. Now all that remains is to hang it on the wall. However, most likely, the horseshoe will be unsightly. If left for a long time without proper care, it will most likely be covered with rust. This explains why many people are interested in how to clean rust from an old horseshoe. It is not difficult to cope with this task. There are several quite effective ways. You can use both folk and special means. You will learn how to clean rust from an old horseshoe at home in this article.
Using hand brushes
This method is a mechanical cleaning of a horseshoe from rust without the use of special chemicals. Due to the fact that the horseshoe is a small product, you can get by with a hand brush with metal bristles. In specialized stores, these devices are presented in a very wide range. For example, the wire can have very different stiffness, and the handles can also be attached in different ways. Some brushes have brass-coated bristles. These brushes are more expensive.
How to clean a rusty horseshoe? When you have purchased the right tool, first of all securely fix the workpiece in a vice. After this, you can proceed directly to the cleaning itself. You will have to perform circular movements. How long this will take will depend on the layer of rust. It is best to buy a brush with the stiffest metal bristles. You will significantly speed up the process if you install the brush on an electric drill or screwdriver. Such a tool must contain a pneumatic drive. This method is used primarily to remove rust from large workpieces.
Helpful information
Tips for safely and reliably removing rust deposits from a horseshoe:
When working with chemicals, you need to take care of your safety. It is unacceptable to start cleaning without gloves.
- If the rust layer is large, the corroded metal must be cleaned with a brush before the main treatment.
- After cleaning is completed, the part should be rinsed under clean running water or wiped with a damp cloth. This must be done to remove any remaining chemicals.
Using aluminum foil
Judging by the reviews, this material is in demand not only when you need to bake food in the oven. Aluminum foil quickly removes rusty deposits from the metal surface. To clean rust from a horseshoe, make a vinegar solution. To do this, dilute the vinegar in warm water. Rub the foil with this liquid and start cleaning. According to experts, this method is good only if the rust has formed relatively recently.
Purification by fire
This method is recommended for horseshoes with a very large layer of rust.
We will need a fire with coals, tongs or pliers, a bucket of water, a grinder and a steel brush.
So, we throw our horseshoe into the hot coals and throw some still burning logs on top of it. Let's wait until the horseshoe is heated, then take it with tongs (pliers) and throw it into the water. The horseshoe will become brick-colored and the rust will be loose. All that remains is to use the grinder and brush. And that’s it, the horseshoe sparkles like new.
Don’t be afraid to burn a horseshoe in a fire - the metal used for horseshoes is thick, nothing will happen to it.
Removing rust with vinegar solution
If you don’t know how to clean rust from a horseshoe, you can be advised to use acetic acid. To remove plaque faster, make the solution as concentrated as possible. Since the horseshoe is a small product, it would be more advisable to completely immerse it in a container with acid and keep it there for half an hour. After this time, remove it and wipe it thoroughly with a cloth. The skin on your hands will remain intact if you use protective gloves.
How to get rid of rust with WD-40?
To clean rust, treat the rusty surface well with WD-40. Before treating the entire surface, it is recommended to apply WD-40 to a small area of the surface. Make sure the surface will not be damaged. Leave to absorb for at least 10 minutes.
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Lemon acid
For those who do not know how to clean a horseshoe from severe rust, experts recommend using a solution based on citric acid. It is desirable that its concentration be no more than 5%. Some home craftsmen additionally season the solution with table salt. The fact is that salt crystals remove oxidation from metal surfaces much faster. If the rust on your horseshoe is not very strong, it will be enough to wipe the product once.
How to clean an old rusty horseshoe with baking soda?
If you want to quickly remove rust, prepare an alkaline mixture based on baking soda. According to experts, this solution is very effective. The fact is that it contains sodium, which is characterized by high chemical activity. Dilute baking soda in a small amount of water. As a result, you should form a paste-like mass, which you can use to coat the metal. The product should remain in this form for at least half an hour. Use a dry cloth to remove any remaining rust and mixture.
Treatment with sulfuric acid
How to clean a horseshoe from heavy rust? Sulfuric acid is ideal for this purpose. Since it has a very high concentration, it is advisable to dilute it with water before use. If you neglect this recommendation, you will end up with a completely corroded horseshoe. The product is quickly immersed in acid for half an hour. Then wipe dry. Sulfuric acid is considered a very dangerous substance, so work in additional protective equipment, namely a respirator and gloves.
Using an electric stove
We will need: an electric stove (preferably a Soviet model), an iron bucket of 7 - 10 liters, pliers, a soft sponge and used motor oil - for the second option.
Turn on the electric stove and place the horseshoe on the stove for half an hour. At this time, while the horseshoe is heating, prepare an iron bucket of water. We take the horseshoe with pliers and quickly and carefully, but sharply lower it into the water. The temperature difference will do its job. Then wipe the horseshoe with a sponge.
Option No. 2 - everything is the same, only instead of water we take used motor oil.
When choosing this method, you must follow all safety precautions!
Carbonated drinks
These products contain weak carbonic acid, which is able to cope with various oxidations on metal coatings. Thus, you can update the horseshoe with Fanta, Pepsi, Cola, etc.
Pour the soda into a container and dip the rusty item into it. The corrosion will dissolve if the horseshoe is soaked for a day. At the very end, dry it with a rag.
Hydrogen peroxide
According to experts, this is a fairly effective ancient anti-corrosion agent. Interestingly, hydrogen peroxide not only removes rust. After processing, the product will regain its original shine. To restore the horseshoe you will need to prepare a special solution. It is made from 55 g of peroxide and 200 g of ammonia. You need to prepare the mixture in a liter jar. To reduce the concentration, add a little water there. Next, spread the prepared mixture onto the horseshoe. You can wash off the substance after 30 minutes.
With electrolyte
This cleaning method has an important advantage over mechanical cleaning methods, namely, it does not affect living metal. Using an electrolyte, only rust is removed. It is also absolutely safe - the solution is non-toxic, although, of course, you should not drink it. There is no need to be afraid to keep the horseshoe in the electrolyte - the process is self-stopping.
So, we will need: a plastic bucket (iron is not recommended, it is dangerous), a stainless steel plate (will be used as an electrode), soda ash (washing soda) and a battery charger.
Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in three liters of water. We place the electrode, connect it to the positive conductor (indicated by the + symbol), and connect the horseshoe to the minus. Remember - the horseshoe should not come into contact with the electrode. Connect the current. After some time, bubbles should appear. The process usually takes several hours. Replace the solution as necessary. After cleaning, rinse the horseshoe with water and dry.
Unfortunately, spot rust cannot be removed using this method.
What else can you do to remove rust?
A composition based on formaldehyde is suitable for this purpose. It is not difficult to prepare the mixture at home. You need to dilute formalin (200 g) and alcohol (80 ml) in a container with water (500 ml). After this, pour the liquid into another container. The rusty horseshoe should soak for 45 minutes. Oxalic acid is also suitable for removing rusty deposits. For 400 ml of warm water, 30 g of this substance will be enough. Rub the finished mixture thoroughly onto a rusty horseshoe and leave for half an hour. To remove residual liquid and oxides, use a dry cloth or sponge.
Plaque is removed well with an inorganic soluble product such as hydrochloric acid. It will give the metal surface its original appearance and also protect it from rusting in the future.
Newly appeared corrosion is removed with a solution of lactic acid. The composition of the mixture is represented by petroleum jelly (150 ml) and lactic acid (50 g). The remains are removed from the horseshoe after 10 minutes.
Zinc chloride has shown high efficiency. To prepare the anti-corrosion composition you will need water (250 ml), zinc chloride (10 g) and potassium hydrogen tartrate. The last ingredient you need to take is only 1 gram. According to experts, you will have to lubricate a rusty horseshoe with this mixture three times. It is possible that almost invisible stains will remain on the metal product. To make the product look beautiful, they should be completely removed. Citric acid is suitable for this purpose. Dampen a dry towel with it and wipe the horseshoe.
Professional compositions
To remove rust, you can use professional household chemicals. You can purchase the product in retail stores or place an order online. Top 3 cleaning compositions:
- Cillit Bang . The horseshoe is moistened with water and completely filled with gel, or areas covered with corrosion are treated. Leave the composition for 5 minutes, then rub the metal with a stiff brush, rinse off the remaining product with water. The cost of a 450 ml gel is 175 rubles.
- Syntilor remover . The composition is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3, applied to the horseshoe and left for 10 minutes. After the specified time, the softened rust is removed with a metal brush. The price of 1 liter of cleaning solution is 490 rubles.
- Monica paste with oxalic acid . The horseshoe is moistened with water, the paste is applied to it and left for 10 minutes, after which the corrosion is removed with a brush. Price – 82 rub.
The instructions indicate the minimum time for exposure of the chemical to the metal. If necessary, it can be increased.
Electrochemical method
Judging by the reviews, some home craftsmen do not use professional chemicals and folk remedies, but prefer electrolysis. If you've never removed rust this way, here's what you need to do. First, pour warm water into a plastic container. Add baking soda or salt there. Of course you will need a car battery. Connect one terminal to the charger, and the second to the horseshoe. Next, lower both wires into the solution. Then the current can be applied. They turn it off after half an hour. Now all you have to do is remove any remaining rust with a rag.
Preparing skates for rust removal
Before you start cleaning the rust on your skates, you should remove any dirt from the surface of the runners. For these purposes, it is worth using a soap solution of low concentration. A good option is dishwashing detergent, which should be diluted in warm water.
Having prepared the cleaning liquid, you should take the skates and carefully remove the dirt with a sponge. Then you need to rinse off the soap solution under running water. Finally, all that remains is to thoroughly wipe the runners with a piece of dry cloth and wait for the blades to dry.
Traditional methods
Often, beginners are interested in how to clean a horseshoe from severe rust without resorting to professional means. Ketchup or tomatoes are good at removing oxides. Just apply ketchup to the surface of the horseshoe and leave it like that for an hour. It may be that the layer of rust is thick. In this case, keep the product longer. Food residues can be easily removed with a regular damp cloth.
You can also use potatoes. First, cut the fruit in half. Next, rub the horseshoe thoroughly with these two halves. After half an hour, dip a towel in citric acid and wash off any remaining rust.
How to remove rust - home remedies
1) From metal, if the affected area is small, you can remove rust using potatoes . This product contains oxalic acid, which is quite capable of coping with the task. To do this, you need to pour salt onto a piece of peeled potato and rub it on the rusty area, for example, on the blade of a knife.
2) Vinegar and lemon juice also contain acid. They must be mixed in equal proportions and the resulting mixture applied to the stain. This way you can remove rust from fabric, tiles or metal. On clothes you need to soak the mixture for 15 minutes, and for metal products it will take a couple of hours. After the allotted time, you must carefully wipe the stained area with a brush (on fabric) or steel wool (on metal), and then rinse with running water and dry or wipe dry.
3) Baking soda will also help remove rust from metal. Baking soda will need to be diluted with water so that you get a paste (not thick, but not liquid either). Cover the entire surface affected by rust with this mixture and leave for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then remove everything with steel wool. All the rust will not be removed the first time, so the procedure must be repeated until the desired result is obtained.
4) Tomato sauce is the fastest way to remove rust from metals. Ketchup can also be used for the same purpose. All you need to do is place the sauce on the rust-affected area and rinse off with running water after a few minutes.
5) Flour and white vinegar will help if you need to remove rust from brass. First you need to prepare a thick paste. To do this, you will have to mix vinegar (120 ml), salt (1 tsp) and add flour in such an amount to obtain the required thick paste. Cover the affected area of brass with the resulting paste and leave it there for 30 minutes. After this, use a clean cloth to wipe the surface to be treated, rinse with running water and dry with a towel. All of the above steps must be repeated until the brass shines like new.
6) Alka-Seltzer will help remove rust from aluminum products . To clean, place all aluminum items that require cleaning in a container of water. You should also put Alka-Seltzer tablets there. To dissolve, shake the container and leave for about five minutes. Finally, all items should be thoroughly rinsed and dried.
7) A rusty stain can be removed from fabric with lemon juice . Moisten the stain with freshly squeezed juice and iron it through the fabric. Using cotton wool soaked in the same juice, wipe the stain again and rinse with water, preferably warm.
Rust can be removed from colored fabrics using a mixture consisting of glycerin, tooth powder (it can be replaced with crushed white chalk) and water , taken in equal proportions. Place the resulting mixture on the stain and leave for a day, then send the product to the wash.
9) You can remove rust from white fabric with hydrochloric acid - a 2% solution. Dip the fabric into this solution and let it sit until the stain disappears. Then the product must be rinsed with water mixed with ammonia (3 tablespoons per liter of water).
I would like to emphasize that when using any of these products, you should not increase the exposure time on the stain. This may result in damage to the product. And after treatment, it is important to rinse and wipe dry the exposed surface - this will prevent rust from reappearing.
Bokareva Irina for the site Eliminate.ru
