Best Cast Iron Rust Removal Method Using Electrolysis - GardenFork

[@Lorentari]

For a video of someone doing electrochemistry in his backyard I am possitively surprised by all the legitemate warnings like: "Hydrogen gas = not inside and do not smoke" and "Stainless steel should not be used as since it releases carcinogens". By no means a complete explaination of the chemistry happening - but straight to the point in layman's terms. Good job GardenFork - Kudos from a chemical engineer.

[@AusMiner]

I use the same method on a lot of rusty metal items (including old cooking gear) - but instead of a battery charger, I hook it up to an 80 watt solar panel.Takes a little longer as there's no charge at night time, but who cares - it doesn't cost me anything. Works well on rusty old tools from the workshop, and on rusty engine components too.

[@gardenfork]

had not thought of a solar panel to restore cast iron, thanks for that!

[@guguigugu]

you can use anything that puts out a strong enough DC current, basically

[@bodeine454]

Were you using an 80 watt battery charger or just a solar panel in general? Do all solar panels just put out DC volts? How many amps? Just curious, don't know much about solar panels. The battery charger I use I put on 12 volts and usually 6 amps although I'm sure that the 2 amp setting would work also, probably slower....

[@llaneelyort5599]

Jeff Stone solar panels is DC only. just like a battery output.

[@tomyocom5886]

@@bodeine454 the video and you are using about 72 watts, amps x volts = watts

[@JoshTolbertUrbana]

I used an old PC power supply for my electrolysis tank, and it works surprisingly well. Nice video.

[@AtlasReburdened]

It's basically the same thing but an ATX can put out much more power. Those manual chargers are usually just a multi primary transformer going right into a rectifier.

[@mikechambers9129]

Not a chemist, but here's the deal. Stainless Steel contains chromium. Under electrolysis, the chromium is released from the alloy and can produce hexavalent chromium, a very potent carcinogen. If you are going to do this more than a couple of times, get a length of rebar cut in 4 (or more) pieces an inch or so taller than your container. Fasten them to the corners. Then connect them electrically with a loop of wire. Do not let copper get into the solution. It reduces the efficiency of the iron electrolysis and will deposit copper compounds in the solution. Finally, don't use more solution than is needed. It slows the process and increases the electrical power required to complete the process.

[@gardenfork]

good info, thanks for taking the time to write.

[@MichaelSteinRoss]

Clarification question: Are you suggesting to use the rebar in place of the metal cookie sheets from the video?

[@johnsmith7709]

stainless steel is made with nickle, not chromium. Nickle is also a toxic metal.

[@peterscully4961]

Stainless steel is made by adding chromium. Unfortunately this makes the steel brittle, so nickel is added to make it stronger. 316 stainless has a little less chromium and nickel and has molybdenum added. Rebar tends to be mild steel - basically iron and a little carbon, same as mild steel tubing and such. Cast iron, especially older stuff, contains more carbon, but this should not be an issue.

[@closingwithanthony]

I have one of those stand-up car chargers on wheels that plugs into regular outlet. Is this too much power or will it be just fine?

[@mikemcneeley425]

Kathleen and I enjoyed the video and used this cleaning system. Two cool things, first one of her collection turns out to be a 6" early Wagner that we couldn't read before cleaning. Couple of nice Griswolds also. Second is using our Camp Chef Pizza oven for the seasoning process---it works great! Her whole collection of 40 years is getting re-born!

[@gardenfork]

yeah! great to hear and thanks for sharing. what fun.

[@drz400smguypessel9]

My wife and I say that you are doing the world a favor! Thank you for your videos and please don't let the negative words bother you! Love from MILFORD MICHIGAN!!!

[@gardenfork]

thx!

[@williambarr3119]

I've seen a few of these, I like yours the best it is down to earth and easy to understand.

[@noreenskitchenchannel]

OK Eric, this looks like a great idea! We have what we need and I have a couple pieces of cast iron to give this a try. Additionally, did you know you can make your own washing soda by baking regular baking soda? There are videos on YT on how to do it.

[@gardenfork]

did not know you could make your own washing soda, thanks for that. be sure to you use a manual charger, or else it wont work. thx!

[@donnamalinski5780]

I have watched so many video's trying to do this. This is an awesome video. I am now ready to try this. Thanks

[@johnclamshellsp1969]

Thank you for putting up this video. My 2000 Saturn needed a new hub and bering. while waiting for the parts, I made a simple unit using a bucket. 24hrs later my Spindle was brand new looking. Awesome. and thank you. FYI I used a 10amp charger.

[@gardenfork]

good to hear! it works for cleaning metal. thx!

[@gildabatista1659]

This is the best video that gives me the right easy information to build my etank. Can I use borax instead of washing soda? If so, what ratio. I appreciate your video.

[@thespiritof76.]

Good video. Thanks for showing people the right way to restore cast iron.

[@gardenfork]

good to hear, not everyone agrees with us ;)

[@lc7014]

just saw this post, I cleaned gorgeous old cast iron pans by putting them in your oven during the clean cycle! Literally come out looking brand new, just have to reseason them to use! someone may have told you this already! Love your posts!

[@gardenfork]

thx for the info, i have heard of that, but the clean mode on our stove causes odor in the house, so i us this cast iron method. it all works!

[@CatskillsGrrl]

LC that’s what I do, too. It has worked for me at least three times. BUT, I usually remove the bust of rust manually first with a cut potato and kosher salt.

[@trustn01rs]

It's also dangerous and can warp your cast iron skillet and most ovens aren't actually manufactured to properly withstand the temperature the cleaning cycle produces

[@alexgulino335]

For those looking for "super washing soda" you can make your own without any risk. Just stick baking soda on a baking sheet in the oven at 250 for about an hour, stir it around 1/2 way through. Edit : You'll be able to see the difference when it's been converted as the washing soda has a powdery texture(more like flour) while baking soda looks more like tiny crystals almost(more like salt) What you're doing is basically cooking off water and carbon dioxide from 2 baking soda molecules to leave washing soda with water vapor and carbon dioxide being off-gassed. You can leave it below 212 but I'm not sure if it will fully convert if water remains below the boiling point and doesn't become a gas to escape. Not a chemist, just seems like over 212(depending on altitude) is a more reliable bet. I even put mine in at 350 just to get it done quicker. This is also why baking soda works as a leavener (causes baked items to rise). The CO2 being released causes the food to expand and if timed correctly the food will become stable before it fully escapes leaving little air bubbles in the food making it less dense. 2 NaHCO3 > Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 Sodium Bicarbinate Sodium Carbinate Baking soda Washing Soda

[@magosauxilliarusy2k4theomn98]

felt this important enough to hijack this post: DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE STAINLESS STEEL METAL AS YOUR SACRIFICIAL STEEL. IT WILL PRODUCE HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM FUMES THAT CAN GIVE YOU OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA AS WELL AS SORES IN YOUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM WITH REPEATED EXPOSURE, and it will probably make your cast iron cookware not safe for use. tread carefully, people.

[@Threedog1963]

@@magosauxilliarusy2k4theomn98 I've seen videos of people using stainless steel as their sacrificial tubs and monitor the gassing. They say that eventhough a toxic gas is technically produced, at the level they dealt with, it was insignificant.

[@jacksanders1644]

Your best video. I used electrolysis to clean my cast iron before and your video was a great refresher curse. I remembered using 2 Amp and not 6 amp, is there any real difference and is one safer than the other or is there not a safety issue. Thanks.

[@randallfamily9636]

Such a nice chap .Explains this so it's easy to follow Thx

[@DamonParsons-e8u]

Is there certain way to depose of the used solution? Like a EPA approved way.

[@CheralRallock]

I watched your seasoning video and am going to try flax seed oil next time I season a piece of cast iron. I usually use Avocado oil for seasoning cast iron. This does require the use of a commercial oven or a residential oven in cleaning mode as the oven temperature has to reach 600 degrees Fahrenheit to polymerise the oil. My understanding is that flax seed oil polymerises at 225 degrees Fahrenheit so a 300 degree oven will work.

[@mikej1570]

You are the Best!!! THANK YOU!! I have a question about stubborn spots. I am stipping a cast iron lid. The lid is clean down to bare metal. There are small random black spots make the lid look bad. I tried scrubbing the top with brush to no avail. Once it is seasoned these spots make the lid look dirty and just not appealing to look at. Again it is down to bare metal. How do i get rid of these spots? Any suggestions? Should I leave it in the electrolysis bath longer like OVERNIGHT?

[@gardenfork]

i don't think the spots can be removed, they are part of the metal now, thx!

[@jennifermcmillan9518]

Also does this just remove rust or will it also remove previous seasoning?

[@weswalker1208]

I got to tell you guys we have very similar interest. When I'm looking at various things boom gardenfork pops up. keep up the good work guys love your videos

[@gardenfork]

Yeah!

[@danny80268]

For the same reason you use wood for your pan, you can leave the wood in the solution without effect. There’s little to no metallic components in there so there wouldn’t be a reaction. The would could be used as a spacer in your setup

[@weswalker1208]

I'm pretty new here commenting on KZbin. There has been numerous projects that I researched and found that you had interest in the subject as well. I don't remember exactly all of them but I know there was a brick pizza oven. Smoking or dehydrating maybe rain barrels. I can't think of them all. I don't know if you're into the collectibles but I Got 5 pieces at an estate sale I one notch Lodge 2 Three Notch Lodge when BSR deep fryer and a BSR Square skillet. I also picked up a $10 manual charger and created a electric static tank. I have three of the five pieces done. It is so much faster then vinegar or easy off. I did use your $0.88 pan idea at Walmart. And I have learned that it takes care of both surface issues. Thank you so much for your guidance on so many subjects.

[@weswalker1208]

Sorry about the typos it corrects after I read it sometimes

[@gardenfork]

great to hear Wes, thanks for the note and info. its great what you can get at sales, and thanks for watching the vids! eric.

[@gardenfork]

😀

[@stevehodgkins8801]

This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing. Now to find a manual charger.....

[@gardenfork]

Glad it was helpful!😀

[@cowboyup545]

Hey, Gardenfork , thanks for the great video really enjoyed it. I built mine with your knowledge but used some rebar in corners, Kitchen boss said NO on her pans 😂, Great Video New subscriber here friend.

[@TheInspector911]

Does this work as good as a self cleaning cycle in your oven??????/

[@johnmartinez9688]

If you use an 18 gal tub and switch to a 36 gal tub to do two pieces do you have to double the amperage?

[@gardenfork]

I don’t think so, it might take a little longer though. Be sure to:buy a manual charger.

[@JerrySmith-ih9rd]

Does electrolysis also remove old blackened baked on gunk, built up oils etc.?

[@gardenfork]

if its on metal, probably. this takes all the gunk off the cast iron nicely.

[@tomcrank8701]

Really enjoyed the video and the information. I've been getting ready to do a set up but this was the first video I've seen talking about a manual charger. Saved some time and head scratching. Thank you!

[@gardenfork]

yeah the manual charger is key. good luck!

[@wendymontgomery6204]

Great information, and I LOVE your personality!!!!!!

[@baggymacaw]

I cannot find a manual battery charger. The one you have listed is no longer available on Amazon. I've been to several stores, and no one has one. I've got 29 pieces of cast iron to work on, but I'm up against a wall. Any suggestions?

[@Joedy860]

Wonderful video Eric. I use SS plates, I have done a lot of research and hundreds of pieces and it is perfectly safe at the amperages we are using. instead of the copper wire I use old metal coat hangers with the coating sanded off to hang my CI in the tank they cost nothing and last a long time. Joedy Hicks, Winsted ct.

[@gardenfork]

wow Joedy, thanks for that, Hello to Winsted. Love the DQ in town.

[@chevysaregr8]

Ss will offgas chromium. Don't do that. Duh

[@Rockhunter329]

​@@chevysaregr8 chromium is not a gas. The concern is whether water soluble dichromate is formed.

[@2andrea]

Wow that's amazingly clean. Cast iron is so much fun to use and cook with. I don't know how to cook on anything else.

[@weswalker1208]

I have a question. This is generally noted for rust removal on everything that I see. How does electrolysis do with carbon buildup? Well I presume I'm using the correct term it is the black layer that will build primarily on the bottom of the skillet.

[@gardenfork]

Hi Wes, it does a pretty good job of peeling it off. If there's a lot of deep pitting on the bottom, the pan may still be pitted after the process, but that's not the fault of the electrolysis. if you don't want to buy a manual battery charger, you could try several cleanings with oven cleaner, here is a vid i did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGbIlGVqhJlso5Y

[@BoboLaTuque]

Excellent video. Do you HAVE to use a battery charger? I have 2 excellent quality 12V power supplies for ham radio equipment. Could I use one of those?

[@gardenfork]

+BoboLaTuque not sure, they may have some sort of fuse or circuit breaker , but I'm not an electronics expert. Thx!

[@Pecator00]

This is clearly such an important video, cause I couldn't read all the comments. Read most, so forgive me if this has already been asked. As we are in winter, does cold affect the process? I have a detached garage with two large doors, can I do it there?

[@gardenfork]

Good question, thanks for asking! The process will still work but it will be slower, as I believe the cold affects the chemical process. Thx! Eric.

[@pabloponce947]

Thanks for the video. I have a question about cast irons, maybe aomeone has experienced the same thing. I was given a cast iron dutch oven with a lid. The cast iron is very old and i dont want to give up on it just yet. The problem i have goes as follows : when i first got the cast iron, i immersed it in 50/50 vinigar and water. For about 2-3 days. When i pulled it out the metal seemed mushy, but still firmed, after i cleaned it then try to season.

[@pabloponce947]

How the cast iron leaves a black residue when ever oil is applied. If i clean it and leave it dry no residue, but only when oil is applied. I seasoned the cast iron several times, but it leaves a residue everytime even before cooking in it and just cleaning it with a tower it leaves a black stain in the paper towel. Any suggestions, would be highly appreciated.

[@alexgulino335]

@@pabloponce947 sounds like its not fully clean and grease mixed with carbon is making it to the surface. You could use 1 lb lye(sodium hydroxide) per 5 gallons of water solution to soak the cast iron in. It won't help with rust but it will prevent rust while soaking because of the high ph of the solution. Lye will dissolve the grease content of the pan which I'm 95% is the black residue you're getting on towels mixed with carbon. It's not harmful to the cast iron but it will de-season the pan/oven by destroying the grease. Even when the water/lye solution looks dirty it will still be effective for a while if you want to use it for multiple pans/items. The vinegar/water wouldn't do much to clean the old carbon/grease. Thats better for rust. You can get lye from hardware stores and soap making stores/online. You want to use 100% lye and water on the pans and not get mixtures for other purposes that can soak into your pans leaving a toxic residue.

[@sailinggeorge4286]

I've done this with a couple 18 inch pieces of rebar and had good results. You're spot on regarding stainless steel, the fumes produced are dangerous and will hurt you.

[@gardenfork]

i was curious whether rebar would work. i had read that the larger the surface area of the metal, the better the cleaning, but good to know about rebar. thx!

[@georgehock1856]

I use a tub about the same size as yours and 6 pieces of rebar evenly spaced around it. I'd think you might have to run it a bit longer but patience is in fact a virtue.

[@gardenfork]

i will use rebar next time, thanks for that!

[@stevesparta4995]

Good video. Thank you for demonstrating proper restoration techniques.

[@hanginhillbilly]

As always great video. I've been trying to find a video that spells out all of the steps including the wash mix and as usual you came through.

[@gardenfork]

yeah! its not too hard, just have to have the correct battery charger. thx!

[@darktoadone5068]

Is this method only to be used for removing rust or can it be used also to remove old seasoning?

[@gardenfork]

It will also remove seasoning Mel, thx!

[@jorijudith]

How often does the liquid need to be changed out? Is it one tub per restoration? Thanks!

[@gardenfork]

i did several and did not change out the solution. you will hit a point where it doesn't work as well, and you can drain it out. thx!

[@sorrell12345]

I think for cast cookware, I'll stick with the self cleaning oven method on a cool day (windows open) HOWEVER This is SO cool for lots of other treasures found!!! Daughter of a retired electrician here.....LOVE this!!!!!

[@deplorabledave2543]

The stove method gets the organics (oils) off .... doesn't touch the rust. Electrolysis removes the rust without harming the cast iron.

[@missionpreparedness1533]

Beautiful job! ...and well explained. I just purchased the GreaterGoods 10-inch cast iron skillet ($39.95) on Amazon. It has a milled cooking surface and is outstanding. It passed the egg test on the first try. It might be worth a try for you.

[@mgrdigimarketing3035]

Awesome vid. I thought copper created a toxic byproduct too?

[@pitajalla]

If I go buy some lengths of rebar, will they have some coating I need to remove with something--a wire brush?

[@matthewsmith8573]

You _can_ get rebar with a coating (I've seen it with green epoxy, not sure about any other options), but most of the stuff at the big box stores is just plain uncoated metal -- usually with some traces of rust if they've stored it outside.

[@reitaroyer2212]

Can you use a fencer for the electric

[@RoomiesGarage]

loved the tutorial Sir! great video, cheers

[@coachgkap]

How are you disposing of the liquid solution after cleaning?

[@gardenfork]

it is safe for septic.

[@hamishr2367]

great idea. ..I have to try that on my gnarly old pan

[@jennifermcmillan9518]

Would tin cans work?

[@randywebb7023]

I found that 1/2 cup per every 5 gallons is the perfect mixture with a 1/4 cup of borax. I use a continueous connectivity electric fencer and it cuts the bath time in half. I also have a 20 gallon black plastic barrel.

[@gardenfork]

Wow. Had not thought of electric fence controller thx!

[@randywebb7023]

@@gardenfork make sure it's a continuous current, not intermittent. It will say it on the fencer.

[@mellio9077]

does anyone know a good way to lead test an old pan? I just want some peace of mind that no one’s been melting lead-based metals in an antique pan i intend to cook with!

[@vespadano1979]

If you put baking soda in the oven it will turn in to washing soda. Ever seen a powder boil? It's pretty cool.

[@xoobis]

If you clean stainless steel this way... you need to put in the mix an aluminum rod and a steel rod next to each other not touching... about an 1/8' away.. anode and cathode effect.. This effect changes the solution of chromium to an invert chromium 6... I forgot what the BAD chromium mix is with out the addition of this steel and aluminum combo... I build HHO fuel cells as a hobby and with 316 SS and KOH you need this combo to in effect clean the chromium solution to an inert solution..

[@michaelswarms5182]

You can use an automatic battery charger if you hook it to a 12v automotive battery and then hook from the battery to the contacts in the electrolosis tank.

[@gardenfork]

excellent info, thanks for that!

[@TimLewallen]

This is my exact method. It is easy and does not involve caustic oven cleaners, etc.

[@gardenfork]

yes, the oven cleaner is not fun to breathe. thx!

[@christophercolemire8041]

Where is the link to the manual battery charger?

[@davidmackenzie218]

Thanks for the video. I gotta get one of these put together. Saw a video of a guy that used "Graphite Plates"? And put more than one that were connected together around the perimeter of his tank. Interesting.

[@gardenfork]

plain old metal works fine, people have told me putting 4 rebar rods on each side of the cast iron also works. Stainless steel is not good for this, i believe it releases some bad gases. thx!

[@jkoneman]

Stainless steel can cause the release of hexavalent chromium. I think another people here mentioned it. That was the chemical of issue in the movie (based on real life) Erin Brokavich

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Very interesting Eric. Thanks. Best wishes Bob.

[@gardenfork]

thx Bob, its a neat way to clean cast iron. thx!

[@aln2889]

Can I use a small telephone battery pack?

[@TheMovieCreator]

I've found that this method does not always remove the rust, but turns it into black rust (magnetite). I'm not 100% certain, but I can only guess that seasoning on top of rust will also reduce a bit of the rust to magnetite as the oil oxidizes.

[@babaganoush6106]

Thanks guys I have just set up to de-rust a small manhole. Bubbles are working away!

[@gardenfork]

Yeah!

[@jcharlescollins43]

I use Borax instead of Soda. It works for me.

[@gildabatista1659]

How much boraxfor one gallon of water?

[@inthegarage342]

Just so you know, you can use a "smart" charger. All you do is hook the charger up to a car batter like normal. Then run the wires from the battery posts to your work pieces the same way you just did. It tricks the smart charger into thinking its dumb.

[@babcack]

I literally came here to see if I can use my “smart” charger and here is your wisdom. I’ll be trying that. Thanks!

[@hxdmain]

thanks for the advice! trying it today

[@cabininthewoods7326]

Ive always thought its easier to buy new cast iron, not the most exspensive cookware. Good job though Eric👍

[@NucleicWit]

Drawbacks of new cast iron: Often it is made in China (try Lodge for USA Made). Also, it takes time to get a nice "non-stick" surface (through use). New cast iron is also not sanded on the inside at the factory. But, other than that, it's okay. I've got a mix of both, but all are US made.

[@paulenna7285]

How is the water disposed?

[@K162KingPin]

Have you calculated the cost of running your charger on max for, what did you say 24-36 hrs? Think it might be way cheaper and way way faster to put a wire brush on a drill and spend 5 mins brushing it. This should solve your problem. If it doesn't completely then at least you only need a few mins in the electrolysis tank to finish it off then.

[@gardenfork]

Whatever works and makes you happy is what its all about. I found this method to be an interesting and productive science experiment that resulted in restored cast iron. A drill and a wire brush work as well. thx!

[@K162KingPin]

I'm not criticizing. Your setup is brilliant b/c its sooo simple. I really do wonder how much it cost to run the charger for so long at max power. Its hard to calculate while charging a battery as the power being input chances as the battery is charged finally dropping to zero. It might be easier since you are running at max input the entire time. So if it turns out it cost you $1 an hour for the electricity to run the charger. It might be well more worth it to do a little brushing and drop the time needed in the bath from 36 hours down to 2 hrs. You then save $34 on your cleaning bill effectively. If its 10cents an hour to run the charger then 36 hours doesn't really matter. Depending on your charger and your electric rate it probably cost around $3.50 a day to run your charger at 6amps like that. So for a 1 time thing. Whats $3.50. If you clean 10 pans or that one 10 times. now its $35 and so on. Sry to ramble. I like science too but I am also a fan of efficiency :). I want to know or figure out whats the best way, the fastest way, the inexpensive way and so on. If you spend 5 mins brushing to shave 23 hrs off your electrolysis time. That may be a good investment. If you spend 30 mins brushing to shave it off. You basically paid yourself $7 an hour to run a brush on rusty cast iron. I think everyone would agree thats not worth it. So thats why I asked if you had calculated it. I rly dont know which way is better.

[@brianhanks8207]

Electricity is measured in kilowatt/hours. My charger has a max draw or 2 amps (it is capable of 50 amps output but normal is 10 amps so the draw will definitely less than 1 amp but I don't have those numbers so I will use max draw). If it hits close to max draw that would be 200 watts/hour (it won't) so after 5 hours you would have 1 kilowatt/hour. Assuming 10 cents/kwh (I think we pay less than that) you are looking at less than 75 cents for 36 hours at max draw. Normal output is 10 amps, not 50, so it will be significantly cheaper (my guess is 15 to 20 cents for 36 hours).

[@VARocketry]

My attempt at electrolysis rust removal has been a total fail. Your video gave me a big clue why -- I bought that same Harbor Freight charger in your video not knowing the difference between manual or not manual. Nothing happens in the tank, at all. The AMAZON link for the Schumacher manual charger is permanently out-of-stock, by the way.

[@hunt_trap_fish]

I'm pretty new to cast iron, so if I'm... wrong... let me know. Is there a huge difference in the quality of cast iron? I have a set of pans I bought for like $8 on sale on black friday like... 5 or 6 years ago. My big 10" skillet NEVER seems to hold a seasoning. I've tried seasoning it on a burner, in my oven, I've tried flax seed oil, grape seed oil, rendered bacon fat... I'm doing something wrong, or it's just that sh*tty. If someone knows, and could let me know, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[@anders3516]

From my understanding the difference in quality regarding cast iron is in the finish, not the metal. The cheaper ones have a rough finish like a fine sandpaper. That makes them difficult to season. Consider buying a quick strip pad that attaches to your drill. It makes a lot of dust so it's best to do outside. You can further use sand paper if you wish to get it as smooth as glass. That should make it easy to season. Good luck.

[@hunt_trap_fish]

@@anders3516 thank you!

[@redjulephotography8329]

OMGosh! Never seen anything like that! Very kewl video!

[@teresah7886]

Great video. I'm really afraid of electricity, so will have to drop it in a fire, or scrub it and reseason it. Love the video and the labs. God Bless and take care.

[@thespiritof76.]

Please don't. You could warp or crack a beautiful old vintage pan or dutch oven. Better to use electrolysis.

[@fqn3]

Electrolysis seems unnecessarily difficult anyways. I'd just alternate between full strength vinegar, CLR, and/or oven cleaner until the rust is gone. Do a final wash with soap and then vinegar. Rinse well and reseason.

[@thespiritof76.]

@fqn Its not difficult at all. Google it and have a fun afternoon doing a science project.

[@halfstep67]

I can set my skillet in a simple electrolysis tank and have it completely cleaned from rust and junk and re-seasoned while you are screwing around with all those soakings and harsh oven cleaners. Electrolysis is very simple and super effective. You have a battery charger with two wires, the black one goes to the cast iron and the red wire goes to a sacrificial piece of steel called an electrode. A plastic tub with washing powder to charge the water. The dc current flows through the cast iron toward the electrode and pushes everything off of the cast iron without harming it.

[@kellycraven2021]

When should you change the solution? My water looks exhausted right now, has been working for 5 hours.

[@gardenfork]

The solution should last for several treatments. Be sure the wires have a good connection. Thx! Eric

[@YukonHawk1]

Great video and really cute dogs!!!

[@bigoldgrizzly]

couple of tips - put an inline fuse in the DC circuit so that, if the parts touch, making a short this fuse will blow, and not your rectifier or an internal fuse you have to take charger apart to get at. If your part is really grimed up with burned on oil or it has paint on, put it in a tub full of Lye solution and simmer on a hotplate for half an hour, scrub of or use a pressure washer, and then into your electrolysis tank to deal with any remaining rust. Don't use Lye on Aluminum parts - it will eat them !! Take care with Lye it will eat your skin too - if you are stupid enough to give it a chance !! Using the lye first will shift all that black burned on oil whicf makes the electrolysis work better and saves time on the final clean up.

[@doobieman69]

Ive got an automatic charger - is that ok to use?

[@pitajalla]

My understanding is an automatic charger drops the charge when it deems the item is sufficiently charged. A manual charger keeps the charge steady throughout the process.

[@MrZayne8]

nice video! I will be trying this soon.

[@david.thomas.108]

Nice clear explanation, thanks.

[@chuckkady7282]

will it do the same for steel objects an brass?

[@gardenfork]

not sure about brass Chuck, should work for steel, IMO.

[@chuckkady7282]

@@gardenfork Thanks so much for the come back ! Chuck

[@gabepetro358]

Can you use vinegar?

[@charlescarroll6396]

can you use a trickle charger?

[@gardenfork]

No, sorry.

[@beydlercnc]

looks like you were anodizing or doing some back yard gold plating. Thanks Eric for the videos.

[@gardenfork]

Hi Scott, After doing this I was thinking we could try plating with the same rig thx!

[@beydlercnc]

+GardenFork there are many diy videos of people doing it. I always wonder if I can pull it off on my own products in my garage (hence the profile picture) I just leave it to the pros. lol ....thanks again Eric.

[@pathfinder290]

dumb question but what kind of water do you use?

[@gardenfork]

Regular tap water and washing soda. Thx!

[@pathfinder290]

@@gardenfork then im all set for my setup

[@gardenfork]

Be sure you use a manual battery charger, an automatic will go into trickle mode right away.

[@pathfinder290]

@@gardenfork hardest thing to find but I got one for like 37 bucks, a shumacer, got a bar of steel from home depot and a huge cooler for the container the house I'm in is old enough to have baling wire, found a meat cleaver estimated 1870 and I plan to use Electrolysis to get it clean without scrubbing off what's left of the etching

[@gardenfork]

yeah, it was hard for me to find a manual charger as well. had to order it online finally. good luck!

[@RamonaQ]

What happens if you touch that water with everything plugged up? It sounds like you could maybe answer from experience?

[@gardenfork]

from what I understand, the water is basically a bunch of rust-iron and washing soda. i wear gloves to keep my hands clean. thx!

[@johnsmith7709]

It's 12 volts. Absolutely nothing happens.

[@tkaald]

Aluminium works better as anode. Electrolyte them stays crystal clean. I normally use car exhaust heat shields as anode. Source them from car repair garages.

[@joekeiley1976]

This vid makes me wanna clean some cast iron, very cool

[@tsriftsal3581]

Just think of the lack of good tales of Moses had some baking soda. 212 to 350, less than a minute. Wait a sec... Someone cool down that fire. Just did the manual method. Just for fun. Corrected some spot in the process that were annoying me while cooking eggs. Thank you for the effort and... Science biatches!

[@gig777]

Cool cleaning method.

[@snakemonkey555]

Thanks for that tip, who knew?

[@RossPotts]

For burned on crud, dump about 1/4 cup salt in, cut a potato in half and use that to rub the salt around...

[@deborahfletcher1098]

Great video, Eric!

[@gardenfork]

go buy a battery charger!

[@joeredd3867]

Very cool .. Thanks for the clever procedure that works! HI

[@michaelXXLF]

I used lemon acid powder. Five or six table spoons and cooking water, rust was gone within minutes. No bad smell, dirt cheap and most effective, also in dish washers, water kettles, coffee machines etc

[@CatskillsGrrl]

michaelXXLF I’ve never heard of lemon acid powder.

[@pelletman65]

Citric acid, oxalic acid, vinegar they all work

[@apriljoamy]

Why do you have to turn the pot?

[@jayurehman]

You could have put the trays on shorter sides of the container lengthwise and will have plenty of margin between cast iron kettle and trays.

[@ZacharyMcBride-vz6id]

This process definitely works. Just be cautious when your doing electrolysis. your splitting H2O molecules into 1 atom of hydrogen, and 2 atoms of oxygen, so the bubbles that rise to the surface are pre oxygen and hydrogen and are extremely combustible. I doubt you’re making enough to say blow up your house, but I wouldn’t smoke cigarettes around that on a day with no wind.

[@ZacharyMcBride-vz6id]

I meant to say “pure oxygen” anyhow, might be worth the trouble to have a small fan dispersing those gasses so they don’t fill up the area

[@jacquerefregier9043]

Cool! Another project to take on when I'm able! Your pups crack me up! Just wanna grab 'em and love on 'em!

[@gardenfork]

they are great, have to go thrown the ball now, its the end of the work day. thx!

[@jaelabraham6127]

Love your dogs!!!

[@martinblouin3639]

i might be wrong but i think the ss steal is really not suitable just because it's resistant to rust, and if i'm right the rust try to migrate to the sacrificial plate

[@gardenfork]

Hi Martin, i'm not sure. i found different answers on the web. I'd like to find out if one could use galvanized tin, i have a few sheets of leftover duct work that I could use. thx!

[@martinblouin3639]

if i was you i'd pass and find something else

[@GGlynnD]

SS steel is not suitable because it contains chromium and maybe other Heavy Metals, which are toxic.