Remove rust with electrolysis

Submerge the rusty item in a solution of water and washing soda (1 tablespoon per gallon), connect it to the negative terminal of a battery charger, and connect a sacrificial steel anode to the positive terminal. Run the charger for 4-12 hours until the rust converts and loosens.

Why It Works

The electrical current causes a chemical reaction that converts iron oxide back into iron at the cathode (your item) while the anode corrodes instead. It removes rust from crevices and detailed surfaces that scrubbing can't reach.

Tips

• Use a manual battery charger (2-10 amp), not a smart charger which may refuse the low-resistance load
• The anode (positive terminal) will corrode — use scrap steel, never stainless steel (produces toxic hexavalent chromium)
• Wipe or brush the item after treatment to remove the black residue, then oil immediately
• This method removes rust without removing any base metal — ideal for antique tools and precision parts