Restoration Tip: Electrolysis Derusting

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally posted by huphuphup
I tryed this in a 5 gallon pail with a 40 amp charger and it took about 72 hours to strip a badly rusted screw jack. I assumed that the washing soda (which I couldn't find) was the same as Arm & Hammer baking soda but now wonder if that might explain why it took so long. Anyone know if they're the same thing?

Same family but different...

Washing soda--sodium carbonate--is in the same family as baking soda. It has just been processed differently. It is much more caustic/alkaline, with a pH of 11, and while it doesn't give off harmful fumes, you do need to wear gloves. It is found in the laundry section of most supermarkets. Arm & Hammer is one brand; Shop and Save has a generic house brand.

Washing soda cuts grease, cleans petroleum oil, removes wax or lipstick, and neutralizes odors in the same way that baking soda does. Don’t use it on fiberglass, aluminum or waxed floors—unless you intend to remove the wax.