Skip to main content

Citric Acid

Citric Acid is a safe and convenient method to remove oxide from ferrous and some non-ferrous metals. Citric Acid can be used to clean stainless steel, copper, brass and dissolve rust on wrought iron, cast iron and steel.

NOTE: Citric Acid may be purchased from TTTG. Ask us at any meeting or workshop

The method of using Citric acid is simple.

Pour hot water into a suitable container, such as a plastic bucket, and add one or two “washing powder scoops’ of citric acid powder.
A few drops of methylated spirits and dishwashing detergent will reduce the surface tension of the solution.

How long in the Citric Acid?

Check the rusty tool after a few hours by cleaning in hot soapy water with a kitchen scouring pad. Some tools take a couple of hours, some take over night, some need a second treatment. Never soak for more than 24 hours.

Neutralise the surface after rust removal.

Wash the tool in hot soapy water, dry and spray with G15.

Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Clean old tools free of grease and paint before immersing in the solution

Alternative rust removers

Cleaning Vinegar   Similar to Citric Acid

Evapo Rust  The best but expensive

Caution: Do not use acid to de-rust saws.
Citric acid removes rust and not rust damage.