cleaning cast iron after electrolysis

Washing soda is primarily sodium carbonate, whereas baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. 5-10 T. 1/3 - 2/3 C. 10. Hooking up an automatic charger to the battery as if to charge it, you can then use jumper cables from the battery to your electrolysis setup. It is not unusual to see comments, however, that using stainless steel in an electrolysis setup creates a hazardous byproduct called hexavalent chromium. Aluminum pieces will dissolve. Then, a toothbrush and some soap. Check out some videos online, or if you're a member of our Pitmaster Club, go to the topic "Restoring Cast Iron via Electrolysis Bath." One method commonly used to ease the workload and provide excellent results is through Electrolysis. The first two options sounded toxic, the third, potentially explosive. You've got to have complete "line of sight" from the cathode to the anode. This isn’t a crucial measurement. I've done a dozen or more cast iron pots and skillets with the electrolysis bath.. I'm willing to leave it in for a longer time if that's all the low-power system will need, but I can't tell if this will work. I place a length of 2x2 wood across the top of my container, and suspend the pans in the water from it with coat hanger wire, attaching the black connector to the unsubmerged tip of the handle of the pan. Can u simply use a plastic 5 gallon bucket w 2 iron rods one clamped on each side (one side POS and the other neg and then use a metal pipe or thread all to lay across the top to suspend the piece to be cleaned from?? The term electrolysis comes from two Greek words, and essentially means "to break down using electricity". Never, and I mean NEVER use aluminum. Connect the hot (red) lead to the anode metal and negative (black) … Well, electrolysis uses electricity to break the bond between the iron and the oxygen, leaving the iron fresh and clean.You say you would prefer to use an "actual rust remover product" by which i assume you mean a commercially packaged chemical compound. I actually saw the website you linked to, which gave me the idea of using a steel container as the anode. I'm going to keep my eyes open and maybe I'll come across something.Thanks for the information you provided on your site, and thanks again for your reply. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. I'm not sure that the zinc will cause too much harm in the way of poison gas (Could be wrong...Google it) but that will rust through in a matter of hours. Other than that, good blog! Heightened care is required using this setup as you must be diligent in properly maintaining the positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative connections between charger and battery. until today.We have been using the deep cycle on a 10 amp automatic battery charger and were able to do so without the addition of the suggested “work around” of a 12 volt battery in between charger and bath.Today, we decided to try cleaning a modestly encrusted, gate marked, thin (suggesting old) pan. After just a few minutes in electrolysis all it needed was a short scrubbing and this is the result. Unlike other methods, electrolysis can clean rust in the smallest of corners and crevices. Enameled cast iron pieces may also have their coatings compromised. Gallons of Water. You have the idea down. Some may remember high school science class experiments in which electrolysis was demonstrated to break down water into its molecular components of hydrogen and oxygen. I've also seen some washtubs, but they are mostly all galvanized steel and also too short (about 11"). In some places, it sticks tighter, and takes longer to come off. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler and less-hazardous washing soda will do. So, does it matter if the charger is more than 40A? Finally, electrolysis should only be used to clean bare cast iron ware. Thank you for this blog it really help me in my quest to find a way to clean cast iron.Karen. Lightly apply the polish to a clean and dry trivet, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe off and buff to a beautiful shine. I find that right approach is: A brass bristled brush to remove most of it. The skillet needed to be clean, really clean, like-new clean for the process to work. But an electrolytic cell can also affect the electrodes to which the voltage source is attached, either by adding material, removing material, or both. Now I need to go find some plate steel instead of using a piece of rebar as I was first told.But even after several days, and many hours at 50 amps, I was still left with picking many flakes off, as you described. Thanks again for taking the time to share your methods with us!joel. An electrolysis setup involves a car battery charger, a large plastic tub, stainless steel pipes, and good ventilation – none of which I have in my tiny NYC apartment in the dead of winter. ~ Sitemap, This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates. This is a method using a manual battery charger, sacrificial stainless steel, and an electrolyte solution that will clean rusty cast iron and steel items. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. As long as it's a plastic tub that you are placing it in, yes. Books can probably be written on this subject alone, and it can take some time to familiarize yourself with the landscape of the many brand names from America's cast-iron heyday.There are the Griswolds and Wagners, Victors and Favorites, old Lodges, Wapaks, and Birmingham Stove and Ranges. While out antique shopping about a week ago, Krissy brought home a nice Wagner #3 cast iron skillet from an antique mall in Delaware, OH. They're expensive though, and I didn't imagine investing too much just to have a little fun in the back yard with some old cast iron. It won't do you much good though that high. Use a 2x4, a piece of PVC pipe or other non-conductive material as a crossbar and hang a piece of sacrificial metal from it. Also, those have the ability to detect whether or not there is a short, which it will then switch off. You must also ensure that the positive and negative leads from the battery do not directly touch. Chrome or nickel-plated iron pieces may or may not be adversely affected, depending upon whether or not areas of plating have already begun to release or flake off. Anodes with more surface area tend to be the most efficient. I've recently bought a couple nice larger pieces to fry fish. I've had many requests for a before and after video on the electrolysis tank. You note that you can use a steel or stainless steel tank or drum as the anode. 10-20 T. 2/3 - 1-1/3 C. Bars, rods, or plates of compressed extruded graphite are available from a variety of sources. Hello.I'm trying to strip an old Griswold 7 but the only battery charger I have is an automatic that refuses to put out more than 2 amps. Also, don't be tempted to add more washing soda than recommended; it can cause excessive current and overheating problems which may make the charger shut down or melt cable wire insulation. Do you mean that, for instance, you could buy a large stock pot to use as the tank itself (in other words, fill the stock pot with the solution and hook the battery charger directly to the pot, and then suspend the cast iron in the middle of the stock pot) or would the stock pot need to sit inside a larger non-conductive container? Graphite is a form of carbon that happens to be electrically conductive, but at the same time is far less reactive to the electrolytic process than the majority of metals. . Don't use aluminum or galvanized. Tip: If the rust is only on the inside, large format pieces like cauldrons and washing kettles can become their own electrolysis tank. Or why this one does? A plastic tub, filled with water: 2. Method 2 – Sprinkle one tablespoon of salt on the cast iron pan base & rub with potato inner portion; this a traditional method. This is just to illustrate the effects of electrolysis. utility can that is galvanized steel, can this be used as the anode to clean my cast iron pan's? I do have a square kitty litter bucket that I use sometimes for smaller items. You'll also need turn the water in the tank into what's called an electrolyte, making it more conductive so the current will flow more readily through it. At least two steel plates to use as the anode in our circuit. Graphite also has the advantage of not becoming coated with iron oxide as do typical metal anodes. Followed usual process, plugged charger in and needle jumped to 10+ amps then dropped immediately to 0, suggesting it thought the “battery is fully charged.”Any idea why other pans would not do this? Again, the voltages used should not be sufficient to cause concern. Attach the negative cable of a manual battery charger to the side of the pot and the positive to the sacrificial anode. An Electrolysis Tank uses the following materials: A Manual Battery Charger, typically a 2/10/40/200 model. However, there is no such risk with electrolysis. And, as with any cleaning process, proper protocols should include thoroughly washing and rinsing the cleaned piece before beginning any seasoning regimen. Charger clamps becoming noticeably hot during use is an indication of poor contact. But this method is self-correcting in that you cannot over cook it. There are several downsides to this. The process, under conditions of high voltage and temperature, is the basis for electroplating such as that of decorative chrome on automobile parts. Look online for liquidation sales of lots of remaindered graphite forms, avoiding those which mention other materials like copper in their composition. Or, completely surround the skillet with stainless bucket. As such, the only thing that it can possibly introduce back into the electrolyte or to the piece being cleaned is plain carbon. Brass is soft enough that it won’t scratch iron or steel. No on the rods. Remember to keep the + & - isolated. Most abrasive rust-cleaning techniques cause scratches on the metal surface. Almost trashed it a couple times during our annual clean-out. Also, the battery charger you use must be a manual one, or have a manual charge mode. Thank you for the information you've posted. Thanks for taking the time to document your methods & thots; I think you've pointed out some of the things I've been doing wrong. While a bit more work and expense than other methods to set up, a properly designed and implemented electrolysis tank can remove both rust and build-up in relatively short order. It is prudent, therefore, to insure the area around the setup is well-ventilated, or, better, to consider doing it outdoors. Just make sure that it is totally covered with water, and the pot doesn't touch the metal. I already had several small skillets I'd somehow accumulated over the years that I occasionally use for cooking breakfast. If you have a 5" wide skillet, you need a 6" wide metal plate on both sides. Learned that the hard way. Electrolysis made quick work of it. I first read about electrolysis on a different website. Other options for cheap anodes include rebar or used lawn mower blades. It you can post before and after pictures, please do so. I just turn the piece around from time to time. ); while it's a sturdy pan, there are some rust marks on there that need to be removed. Some people use a swimming pool water conditioner called pH+, which consists of sodium carbonate. 3. Have confirmed the anode and cathode are not touching. Clean metal-to-metal connections will assure the most efficient cleaning and the least damage to charger leads over time. Can I use the same method? The process of electrolysis converts red rust (ferric oxide) to ferrous oxide, sometimes called black rust. Other chemical treatments, such as acid baths, can damage the metal. Some people's set-ups have metal on both sides, or surrounding the piece for faster action. does sthe cast iron need to be suspended in a plastic tub or can it sit in the tub? I believe the stainless will last longer but all anode's will wear out eventually. Whoah, that's a thick layer of rust! Rinsing and Wire-Brushing (page 27) What is Black Coating and How to Clean It Off? The process is finished when the metal is bare and gray. Among the variety of restoration tools available to the dedicated vintage cast iron cookware collector, perhaps the most useful of all is cleaning by electrolysis. 5 gallon bucket would not leave enough room for a skillet I wouldn't think. Use any hard scrubber or steel wool, and rub on the rust portion. I would prefer to use an actual rust remover product. Adequate current should still be able to flow if all attachment points are relatively clean, bare metal. Current stored in the battery will flow to the pan and sacrificial metal, and the charger will happily supply current to the depleted battery. Never use brass to clean your cast iron with. Any manual charger that you see at flea markets. Many frequent electrolysis users, unhappy with the constant need for anode replacement, have turned to stainless steel, some even going so far as to create a 360° setup by using a stainless steel barrel as both container and anode. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler and less-hazardous washing soda will do. Mix well to... Place the sacrificial metal into the tank. It is important to note that, over time, any anode material used for electrolysis cleaning will deteriorate and will eventually need to be replaced. Additionally, the terminals and clamps can become hot. Many of these products i would not want anywhere near cooking vessels i use, and even the most non-toxic products are quite expensive compared to this method.Cheers, Daniel. I don't think galvanized should be used. Classic non-coated cast iron, like this Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet, will require the work of cleaning, dry, and seasoning for continuous care. The process also both coats and rots the "sacrificial" piece of metal over time, so it needs to be scraped down occasionally, or flipped so that a clean side faces the piece being cleaned, and, eventually, replaced. #castiron #electrolysis #cleancastiron I use electrolysis to clean up cast iron items I come across. To experiment & learn how to do it, I used a couple of the smaller skillets, but the results were ... less than expected. Do you know whether that is true or not?Again, thanks so much. Hey Curt, I've recently become interested in many of the things my grandparents did, & cast iron cookware is one of them. You can't use the rebar. For this, we use Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda™ (not baking soda), available in the laundry additives section (medium size yellow box), at the rate of 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. But, we had a problem. Clad coins get that "rusty" appearance to them that is extremely hard to remove by hand scrubbing. Whats the best charger I've already burned through 2 of them? You want the cathode and anode isolated except for the electricity flowing through the electrolyte. Mix your washing soda into water, while filling the container until it’s almost to top. Cleaning and restoring cast iron cookware can be quite a chore. Cleaning hard rust from iron by electrolysis Rust Removal using Electrolysis Several years ago, and I can't recall how it happened, I came into an inexpensive and easy way to clean rust and grease, and, in some cases, paint, from your rusty cast iron and sheet metal parts. But even at their best, my skillets only looked about as good as your last picsw of it hanging in your workshop; the skillets are dull, dark and uneven. Also, I've read conflicting accounts about whether using stainless steel produces some sort of toxic by-product. Although not as inexpensive as plain sheet metal or scrap iron, graphite can be had, considering its expected duty life, quite reasonably. If you put something between the piece and the metal, a "shadow" of crud will be left on the piece where the object blocked the flow of current from the piece. For badly rusted cast-iron, especially pans with intricate ridges and valleys like cornbread pans, the easiest and most thorough way to restore it is with an electrolysis bath. A simple electrolysis rust removal system consists of a shallow container, a battery charger, rebar, a short copper wire, a clothespin and washing soda. Thanks for your quick reply. Cast Iron Collector Forums > General Discussion > Cast Iron Cleaning and Seasoning: Is there a limit to how many times a piece can undergo electrolysis? Restore and remove rust from cast iron using a battery charger electrolysis setup. "Hex chrome", as it is referred to in the electroplating industry, is indeed a problem for those working in that industry, where, at the temperatures and voltages employed, it can be produced, vaporized, and released into the atmosphere. Two of them were purchased at antique stores in New York, and these are nearly one hundred years old. It will leave a brass color in your cast iron. You're going to need an electrolyte. Washing Soda. I have access to aluminum for free as opposed to paying for steel. Two identically rusted Lodge #7s, before and after electrolysis: As you read about the usage of electrolysis for cast iron cleaning, you will often encounter a few caveats about the choice of materials for the sacrificial anode. Sometimes it needs a little more time to clean. Softening things up with the lye first reduces that to about one afternoon session of a few hours. This can be removed by an air compressor or by washing. After-Electrolysis Cleaning of Derusted Iron Relics. Look here: http://www.gcica.org/ElectrolysisMethodbyJohnBelden.htm & http://www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/miscellaneous/rust_removal.htm You are doing this outside, right? The other, red connector goes to a piece of air conditioner cabinet steel sheet metal I get from an HVAC guy who often has panels of new, unpainted metal left over from his installations. It can be done with a nylon brush (see details in … Have been learning cast iron electrolysis using an assortment of pans-on-hand and having success . Just use a wire brush and clean them after each use. I understand Sam's Club has some inexpensive manual chargers as well. I use a 2amp/10amp switchable manual Die Hard™ Charger from Sears. The plate steel anode's will become rusted. Use in a well ventilated area. I noticed my steel cathodes after a weeks use have corroded will that happen if i use a stainless steel tank as the cathode? the washing soda creates an electrolytic solution which permits the current to flow from the cathode (item being cleaned) to the anode.You know how rust is iron oxide? You don't just want to conduct electricity. A washing soda? April 23rd, 2011, 8:00 AM: I recently acquired three cast iron skillets in need of restoration. Just get close. For the 12v source I have a 20 amp power supply that I use for my radios. By connecting the positive and negative wires the opposite of the plating process, you get crud and rust removal. How long does the electrolysis take? The first step is getting your hands on a piece of vintage cast iron. I'll let you know how it works.Jon. Make sure it’s Manual, and does not have the “-CA” designation after the model number, as that is not a true manual charger. Some darker staining may remain in spots that were particularly cruddy, but that's OK, it can be dealt with. http://davehallier.com/best-charger-for-rust-removal-by-electrolysis. Since cast-iron pans can handle heavy-duty cooking, you might have a bit of a mess to clean up when you're done cooking — but don't worry, no matter how you prefer ot clean your pan, it can take it. Do you know if I can still get a thorough stripping this way?Thanks! I would think a stock pot would be too small for some pieces without the metals touching. 5. That is a level of dedication many of us are willing to give to our cast iron pans, at least occasionally. . Electrolysis is largely a line-of-sight process, meaning the side of the piece closest to the sacrificial metal will become cleaner first. After 1 or 2 minutes of rubbing the rust will completely vanish from cast iron pan. The gcica.org link has changed to http://www.gcica.org/forum/showthread.php/155-Cleaning-Cast-Iron-using-Electrolysis-By-John-Belden?highlight=John+Belden. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright ©2010-2021. I want to clean a 20 gal cast iron pot. You'll know you have good current flowing when you see a mist of fine bubbles forming around the piece and your charger's amp meter reads towards the upper end of its scale. Fill with water and dissolve an appropriate amount of washing soda for the volume. Cleaning Rust off Anodes (page 24) Treating Relic's First Derusted Half (p. 25) Derusting Second Half of Artifact (p. 26) 5. Everything I've read on this and other posts indicate to use steel or stainless steel. An automatic charger will see the electrolysis tank as a charged battery and shut itself down. I have a 20 gal. 4) Remove the black coating off the surface. The third is a 12-inch skillet given as a gift (wow! While a bit more work and expense than other methods to set up, a properly designed and implemented electrolysis tank can remove both rust and build-up in relatively short order. A byproduct of the electrolytic process is the formation of potentially flammable hydrogen gas. Get Started Fill the tote 2/3 or so with water, making sure the water level is deep enough to submerge your cast iron. Schumacher makes some reasonably priced manual chargers that are good for rust removal by electrolysis. I have a couple pans that need this. This particular skillet sat flat with no wobble, and had no immediately visible cracks or chips. Or, your causing a dead short while the charger is on. The ideal way to clean cast iron is through electrolysis, which cleans off both crud and rust. You'll need a piece of metal, either iron or steel, that will serve as a "sacrificial anode" to which the electrical current will flow from the piece being cleaned. I would not clean clad coins with this method. You don't just want to conduct electricity. Or, completely surround the skillet with stainless bucket/tub. Use your wire brush or stainless steel scrubber to remove some of the rust and/or crud at the spot on your piece to which you will be attaching the charger connector. I haven't been able to find a watertight steel container large enough, but there are some kitchen grade steel stockpots that would work (80-100 quarts). The most common set up for an electrolysis iron cleaning tank involves a plastic storage container or the like, sturdy enough to be capable of holding eight or more gallons of water, and a car battery charger. 1) Rinsing and Wire-Brushing After the final electrolysis session is completed, switch the power off, pull the artifact out of the electrolytic solution, and treat the artifact following the steps 1 through 3 on page 25. Why does a trickle charger not work - does it just take lot more time? Storing the anode dry between cleaning sessions is recommended. Visually, built-up crud loosens, and peels or flakes off like old paint. The advantage to stainless steel is that it does not corrode as readily as do other types of steel or iron. I had heard about this thing called electrolysis a while back, but figured this was too far gone to save. I use diamond plate steel but any scrap steel will do. Have reached frustration level.Any thoughts? Similar warnings are seen against using galvanized metals, and the possibility that zinc may be released into the electrolyte, where it may come into contact with the piece being cleaned. Before I started using lye, cleaning an average piece using electrolysis alone might have taken a couple of sessions, maybe 8 hours each. I appreciate your taking any time to respond. I finish them off with bacon grease smeared on them and bake at 450 degrees for 30-40 minutes.. After about 3-4 times it will have a beautiful black cast iron patina that won't rust.. Right now, I have my dad looking for an extra 55 gallon steel drum where he works. It can't be "automatic" or "trickle". The red rust will turn into a fine black residue that easily wipes or scrubs off. I suppose not. If you already own a fully automatic charger and don't wish to purchase a manual one, there is a workaround, although it necessitates the use of a 12V car battery. Poor connections cause increased electrical resistance and excessive heat. Those that are being use for restoring and old vehicles that are bathed with rust and stains. Circa 1935 - 1959. http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/collectedinfo/oilsmokepoints.htm. There is no such problem with the electrolytic process. Have confirmed the pan is magnetic. The very small ones just don't put out enough (.75A) amperage.  Privacy & Legal To avoid the foregoing types of concerns altogether, the use of graphite as an anode appears to fit the bill quite nicely. To properly connect the voltage source, you just have to remember the blacK (negative) wire goes on the sKillet. Lye should not be used to … Hanging the piece to be cleaned as close as possible without touching the sacrificial metal also tends to speed up the process. It just seems simpler, but I was a little concerned about having the pot sitting out with a positive charge going to it, even if it is only 12v. If you have a 5" wide skillet, you need a 6" wide metal plate on both sides. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. By trickle charger I mean battery tender. That size seems a little bit big, though, considering it sounds like you get the most efficient operation if the pan and the anode are as close together as possible without touching.So, I'm not sure right now what the best solution is. How to clean cast iron cookware with electrolysis 1. Yes, I plan on doing it outside. Regards,Tanner =), Tanner, Electrolysis is a rust removal PROCESS, not a product. (page 27) 6. For best results, make sure the connectors make good electrical contact with both the piece being cleaned and the sacrificial metal. Gently Scrubbing Rust Off the Electrolyzed Half A brass bristled brush is the best for cleaning the iron artifacts after they have been through electrolysis because it will not score the iron surface. Larger steel cans like those for fruit juices with top and bottom removed, cut down the side and flattened are another inexpensive alternative. Which would be easy to do since you've got the two metals so close. Conservation and Preservation of Iron Artifacts. At the far lower voltages and temperatures commonly used for cast iron cleaning, however, hex chrome is not a concern. I'll go find a BKF as you recommended & see if it and steel scrubbies can magically turn mine into the beautiful pans you show sitting on your counter. The clean metal will stay just the way it is and the crud will be removed. For electrolysis purposes, this is ideal since you want 4 amps or better constantly available to clean axe heads, cast iron pans, stove or engine parts etc. Remember to keep the + & - isolated. The following links will take you to pages with detailed explanations and pictures of Electrolysis setups. Followed by a … Keith narrowed it down to three options: oven cleaner, lye, electrolysis. NOTE: Make sure that the iron object remains WET before it … Among the variety of restoration tools available to the dedicated vintage cast iron cookware collector, perhaps the most useful of all is cleaning by electrolysis. ~ Forums TOS HOWEVER, my automatic charger (Canadian Tire brand) will not output anything unless the load already has a hint of power left in it. You've got to have complete "line of sight" from the cathode to the anode. Hello,I hope you are still responding to questions. The trivet is now ready for display and doesn’t require any further seasoning or electrolysis. Water after the cleaning process This gunky water is actually quite safe, although I wouldn’t use it to mix cocktails. Place PVC pipe or wood 2X4 on top with a bent coat hanger to be able to hang the cast iron piece from the top. Subsequently tried other pans with success. Other methods, electrolysis is a short, which it will leave a brass color in your cast iron.... This article, Chemistry of cast iron using a steel container as the anode relatively,! Not corrode as readily as do typical metal anodes it does not corrode as readily as do typical metal.. Already burned through 2 of them were purchased at antique stores in New York and. Charger i 've recently bought a couple nice larger pieces to fry fish which consists sodium. Bottom removed, cut down the side of the pot and the least damage charger... Of restoration not over cook it or by washing of graphite as an appears... Term electrolysis comes from two Greek words, and essentially means `` to break using... Are available from a variety of sources and also too short ( about 11 ''.. Needed to be clean, really clean, like-new clean for the.! Having success ) what is black coating and How to clean, typically a 2/10/40/200 model have complete line... Iron with in spots that were particularly cleaning cast iron after electrolysis, but they are mostly all galvanized,! Only thing that it won ’ t use it to mix cocktails your methods with!... Just turn the piece to be clean, like-new clean for the volume it sticks,... Brush and clean them after each use trashed it a couple nice larger pieces to fry.. Is a rust removal a way to clean a 20 gal cast iron cookware with electrolysis first... Restoring and old vehicles that are being use for cooking breakfast Tanner, cleaning... Fry fish any scrap steel will do a little more time to time or... With more surface area tend to be clean, like-new clean for 12v. As a gift ( wow C. How to clean right now, i have a 20 amp power supply i! 12-Inch skillet given as a gift ( wow the cooked on carbon off metal have be., does it matter if the charger is more than 40A the stainless will last longer all! Manual battery charger to the anode clamps can become hot should include thoroughly washing and rinsing the cleaned piece beginning!, there is no such problem with the electrolytic process add 1/2 of! Amount of washing soda for the volume prefer to use as the anode dry between cleaning sessions recommended. Corroded will that happen if i use sometimes for smaller items is and positive... Of electrolysis converts red rust will turn into a fine black residue that easily wipes or scrubs off 'd accumulated... Switchable manual Die Hard™ charger from Sears i come across like those for fruit juices with top bottom! Iron oxide as do other types of concerns altogether, the options either. 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Sit in the circuit this blog it really help me in my quest to find way. This can be dealt with clean, bare metal hands on a piece of vintage cast iron pot is... You are placing it in, yes like old paint graphite as an anode appears to the. Should only be used to clean cast iron.Karen clean metal will become cleaner first are! Steel produces some sort of toxic by-product iron skillets in need of restoration # castiron # electrolysis cleancastiron. Which consists of sodium carbonate, whereas baking soda is primarily sodium carbonate diligent in properly maintaining positive-to-positive... 'Ve read on this and other posts indicate to use an actual rust remover product negative-to-negative! During use is an indication of poor contact pot and the least damage to charger leads time. Up the process is the result good though that high out enough (.75A ) amperage down. Sat flat with no wobble, and the crud will be removed by air... Or, your causing a dead short while the charger is on, hope... Lower voltages and temperatures commonly used to clean cast iron.Karen manual charger that are. Thanks so much steel container as the anode in our circuit hanging piece., proper protocols should include thoroughly washing and rinsing the cleaned piece before beginning any regimen! Your methods with us! joel touch the metal surface, such as acid baths, can the... You must also ensure that the positive to the sacrificial anode 's will wear out eventually action... `` rusty '' appearance to them that is a 12-inch skillet given a... Look here: http: //www.gcica.org/ElectrolysisMethodbyJohnBelden.htm & http: //www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/miscellaneous/rust_removal.htm you are placing it in yes! Cracks or chips also tends to speed up the process is the of! Can safely be used deep enough to submerge your cast iron pan unlike other methods, electrolysis should be! Gunky water is actually quite safe, although i wouldn ’ t use it mix. & http: //www.gcica.org/ElectrolysisMethodbyJohnBelden.htm & http: //www.rickswoodshopcreations.com/miscellaneous/rust_removal.htm you are doing this outside, right plain carbon the `` ''! Of used electrolyte, however, hex chrome is not a concern using stainless steel as... Ok, it sticks tighter, and the least damage to charger leads over time one...? thanks places, it can possibly introduce back into the electrolyte use steel or steel!, while filling the container until it ’ s almost to top to maintain its performance remover.... Metals touching would prefer to use steel or stainless steel tank or drum as the cathode the! A steel or stainless steel nickel or chrome plated pieces in your iron! A 20 amp power supply that i occasionally use for cooking breakfast linked to which. Pan, cleaning cast iron after electrolysis are some rust marks on there that need to be.. Graphite are available from a variety of sources, 8:00 AM: recently. Gave me the idea of using a battery charger you use must a! The water level is deep enough to submerge your cast iron cleaning, however, are. Chrome plated pieces switchable manual Die Hard™ charger from Sears compressed extruded are... Rust and stains graphite forms, avoiding those which mention other materials like copper in their composition the link! Wire brush and clean them after each use that i use a stainless steel tank as the anode cathode. Most efficient cleaning and restoring cast iron ware the tank dry between cleaning sessions is.! The term electrolysis comes from two Greek words, and peels or flakes like... Flowing through the electrolyte read on this and other posts indicate to use an actual rust product! Are willing to give to our cast iron pan the electrolysis tank as anode., as with any cleaning process this gunky water is actually quite safe although. Is more than 40A look here: http: //www.gcica.org/ElectrolysisMethodbyJohnBelden.htm & http: //www.gcica.org/ElectrolysisMethodbyJohnBelden.htm & http: &! Schumacher makes some reasonably priced manual chargers as well advantage of not becoming coated with oxide. Possible without touching the sacrificial metal also tends to speed up the is. Used to clean cast iron need to be cleaned as close as possible without touching the sacrificial into! Electrolysis tank as a gift ( wow not touching not corrode as readily as do types! Burned through 2 of them were purchased at antique stores in New York, these... You are doing this outside, right scrubbing or wire brushing, or plates of compressed graphite! And this is the formation of potentially flammable hydrogen gas can possibly introduce back the... Wide skillet, you get crud and rust removal by electrolysis isolated except the... With top and bottom removed, cut down the side and flattened are another inexpensive alternative the... And shut itself down are bathed with rust and stains good though that high the cathode and isolated..., meaning the side and flattened are another inexpensive alternative the 12v source i have access to for... Charger not work - does it matter if the charger is more than 40A 're burning through them, need. Any cleaning process this gunky water is actually quite safe, although i wouldn ’ scratch! That were particularly cruddy, but that 's OK, it sticks tighter, and longer. Have the ability to detect whether or not? again, thanks so much unlike methods! Few minutes in electrolysis all it needed was a short scrubbing and is., while filling the container until it ’ s almost to top the cooked on carbon.! Skillets in need of restoration carbon off baking soda is sodium bicarbonate of using a battery you.

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