Pumice stone v. Rusty chrome

[draketrumpet]

So, I had a rusty luggage rack and I wanted to clean it up before putting it on. SWMBO thought vinegar might work and took it to the bath tub to give it a scrub. A little later I was looking at it (vinegar didn't work very well) and she suggested that pumice stone that none of us ever used on our feet. viola. most of the rust gone. It was a little hard to reach in some of the corners, but otherwise worked really well.

Anyone think I shouldn't use a pumice stone on other rusty things like...exhaust systems, frames and fenders?

Sorry I didn't take any pictures, but just imagine a rusty chrome luggage rack followed by a not rusty one, except where a pumice stone can't reach, with a few wear spots from where it rubs against the larger, more comfortable seat.

[WMarshy]

I know Im going to catch flack for saying this but, I use tripple ott steel wool on my chrome (and aluminum ). It gets in the fine spaces easly and it leaves it looking like new. I suggest you take a semi damp rag and wipe the chrome down when done to catch any fine steel particals left behind. When I use it on my side covers the allen head bolts attract the steel wool particals so I use a strong magnet to remove them. Works great

[motorhead]

I use ooo bronze wool so i don't have to fight rusting hairs

[draketrumpet]

I know Im going to catch flack for saying this

Catch!

[crazy steve]

A brass welding 'toothbrush' with chrome polish works the best; gets into the pits and tight places better, does less damage to the remaining chrome, and is fairly fast. In fact, this works pretty good on any plated part.

Pumice stones do work great for getting hard water deposits off of plumbing fixtures...

'78E original owner

[WMarshy]

Someone suggested stainless steel wool but I could never find it...

[fredintoon]

Hi Guys,
That rust came from the steel under the chrome and got to the surface through open pores in the plating and the porosity is still there after the clean-up.
So long as it ain't abrasive enough to remove the plating it don't matter what is used to remove the rust from chromed steel, unless the chrome is lacquered or waxed after the clean-up it's gonna rust again.

[Yard Dogg]

I've always used fine grade steel wool with soapy water. Sometimes I add a little bleach and for some reason, it seems to help shine it up a bit. Might be that bleach is acidic. Or it could be just me imagining it helps.

[petejw]

ive used both stainless and normal steel wool
without any problems but i use a chrome or alloy polish afterwards
which puts a protective cover over it.

[jwhughes3]

What is a semi-damp rag?



John in San Antonio


But I like all the good ideas!

[fredintoon]

Hi John,
a semi-damp rag is one that's too dry to wring any water out of it but if it were a shirt it would be too damp to wear.

[fredintoon]

- - - Sometimes I add a little bleach and for some reason, it seems to help shine it up a bit. Might be that bleach is acidic. Or it could be just me imagining it helps.

Hi Dogg,
bleach is actually an alkaline solution, made that way in order to keep the chlorine dissolved.
It's the alkali in bleach that eats white patches on your blue jeans when it's spilled.
Also it's how the poison toilet trick works.
Pour the bowl full of Javex and dump a gallon of white vinegar in the tank.
At the next flush the vinegar neutralizes the Javex and releases the chlorine.

[cywelchjr]

Hi John,
a semi-damp rag is one that's too dry to wring any water out of it but if it were a shirt it would be too damp to wear.

Except maybe in the wet t-shirt contest, although it may be too dry in that case.