Clean Surface Rust from Stainless Steel

[Shaps]

This one has been bothering me since we bought the boat.
Since we are laid up for the winter, I removed my swim platform ladder and want to clean it up.
What does everyone use to clean the surface rust from this?

 

[TNT8808]

i can't quite tell how bad your rust is, however I use Collinite 850 Liquid Metal Wax https://www.collinite.com/product/no-850-liquid-metal-wax/

 

[Shaps]

Thanks @TNT8808

will give that a try.

 

[Blueone]

This one has been bothering me since we bought the boat.
Since we are laid up for the winter, I removed my swim platform ladder and want to clean it up.
What does everyone use to clean the surface rust from this?
View attachment 96521

Stainless rust is from impurities on the surface..usually free iron from the manufacturing process. Like welding, tube bending etc where the steel dies transfer iron to the surface then that iron rusts. But in your case you have something else going on...like maybe a high iron content in the water.
To clean it and remove all impurities you need to use a hydrofluoric or nitric acid...they will remove the iron/rust...be careful here and try it on a small spot first to see if it removes the polish surface...or start with a really diluted concentration.....rinse really well...after you have cleaned it then spray with water and leave it for 24 hours to see if the rust comes back...if not..and rusts again in the water....then your problem is the water you’re in

 

[b_arrington]

MaryKate on-and-off removes rust stains quite nicely.

 

[tc410]

Like @Blueone said, use acid - weak at first to test. My detailer uses a q-tip and does very little at a time. After it’s gone, coat regularly with wax. I use Woody Wax on all my stainless and aluminum. Use whatever wax you prefer.

 

[KevinC]

This one has been bothering me since we bought the boat.
Since we are laid up for the winter, I removed my swim platform ladder and want to clean it up.
What does everyone use to clean the surface rust from this?
View attachment 96521

Bar Keepers Friend. Use the soft/Liquid version. Find it at Walmart or the supermarket. The powder version maybe to abrasive and scratch. Its great for SS cleanup around the house too

-Kevin

 

[carterchapman]

Not to hijack, but Bar Keepers Friend works great on teak - it is mild oxalic acid...

 

[Mig22]

Mist it with Cleaning Vinegar, then let it sit 5-10mins before wiping with a vinegar dampen rag...

 

[Jaybeaux]

To clean it and remove all impurities you need to use a hydrofluoric or nitric acid...

Is that hydrofluoric or hydrochloric? HF is some nasty stuff that doesn't play well with most things. Just looking to clarify....

Jaybeaux

 

[Blueone]

Is that hydrofluoric or hydrochloric? HF is some nasty stuff that doesn't play well with most things. Just looking to clarify....

Jaybeaux

Hydrofluoric...yes it’s bad stuff... hydrochloric will eat stainless ...that’s worse.... hydrofluoric etches the surface removing the carbon ... chrome polish, wire wheel cleaner use it too in very low concentrations..I didn’t say buy it pure...in low concentrations it’s the best solution.... if any left over you can frack with it too... to piss off Dems

 

[ocgrant]

I have been using this for years... works great

https://spotlessstainless.com/

 

[Shaps]

Thanks Gents!
@Blueone Thank you for the explanation.

Going to give these a shot! Probably from least aggressive to most.
Will report back on my success/failures..

Anyone else have anything to try?

 

[sbw1]

Fine bronze wool and WD40 will clean most rust off of metal fittings without doing any damage.

 

[Creekwood]

Thanks Gents!
@Blueone Thank you for the explanation.

Going to give these a shot! Probably from least aggressive to most.
Will report back on my success/failures..

Anyone else have anything to try?

Don't use steel wool. It will leave microscopic steel residue that will cause the stainless to rust much worse. I mistakenly cleaned a stainless prop once using acid and steel wool (with gloves) in an attempt to get fresh water mineral staining off the prop in the spring before launch. It got the staining off, but surface rust started and had not before. When I pulled the boat that fall it was pretty bad for a stainless prop in fresh water.

 

[Shaps]

Don't use steel wool. It will leave microscopic steel residue that will cause the stainless to rust much worse. I mistakenly cleaned a stainless prop once using acid and steel wool (with gloves) in an attempt to get fresh water mineral staining off the prop in the spring before launch. It got the staining off, but surface rust started and had not before. When I pulled the boat that fall it was pretty bad for a stainless prop in fresh water.

Yeah, That I know is a no-no!

 

[Shaps]

Between bar keepers friend, cleaning vinegar, baking soda and collinite 850, the winner is collinite.
Definitely needed some elbow grease...

 

[TNT8808]

Looks great Shaps. I use that to polish all my stainless over the winter, and then about mid-season after learning how tough it can be to get rid of the rust!

-Tom

 

[Shaps]

Thanks Tom,
Will put a coat or two of wax on it and hope that it will make it through the season.

 

[sbw1]

Don't use steel wool. It will leave microscopic steel residue that will cause the stainless to rust much worse. I mistakenly cleaned a stainless prop once using acid and steel wool (with gloves) in an attempt to get fresh water mineral staining off the prop in the spring before launch. It got the staining off, but surface rust started and had not before. When I pulled the boat that fall it was pretty bad for a stainless prop in fresh water.

Bronze wool is safe to use. It is not the same as steel wool.