Vinegar (acetic acid) also removes rust and bluing from steel. An ultrasonic greatly accelerates the process. First clean to remove all dirt and oil. Then immerse in vinegar for a few days. Bubbling action commences almost immediately. Rust is somehow converted to a black power. Put back in the ultrasonic and the black powder comes off in clouds leaving the object "in the white".
Left too long, plating is removed and surfaces can be etched, with or without vinegar.
Objects should be washed in very hot water, blown off, then heated to drive out all moisture before oiling.
Last edited by Old Glass; 08/18/11 03:23 AM.
