Managed to rust my old SAK - how I cleaned it

[ThriftyJoe]

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[ConBon]

I used some Comet Cleaner to clean my church key, which I EDC along with a Sears 4-way and Maglite Solitaire on my keys. It really polished it up well. Plus Comet is great for cleaning ceramic stones.

Connor

 

[ThriftyJoe]

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[Obsessed with Edges]

That kind of gets to what I was wondering. Would Comet or Ajax cleanser work as well as Bar Keepers Friend to clean without scratching the metal? Can you see any scratches in the metal if you look close?

I started using BKF when I read about it on some cooking site, which recommended it for shiny stainless steel pots specifically. They build up a dull mineral film after a while, that the dishwasher doesn't remove.

BKF gets it's cleaning 'punch' from oxalic acid, which dissolves the iron oxides (rust) on steel. That is what really makes it work so well in this application, if used intelligently and carefully. Comet/Ajax rely more on their abrasives, and less-so on chemical action, therefore needing more elbow grease in their use. Oftentimes, BKF doesn't even need scrubbing to work; just use it with some water, left in place for 30-60 seconds (no longer) and rubbed & rinsed off. If left on the steel too long, BKF's oxalic acid can etch the steel. This is also why it's best to use it with some water.

BTW, BKF also works GREAT at removing rust stains from china/stoneware left by flatware rusting on them (such as if wet dishes are left in the sink too long ).


David

 

[powernoodle]

Being a lube and cleaner addict, I think I need to get some of this stuff. I use Mother's Mag Wheel polish for these kinds of cleaning and polishing applications. Its good at removing light scratches, etc., but is pretty safe and easy to use. You get it at auto parts stores.