huh - bright shiney cast iron Denny?? get some pictures the next time you achieve that with phosphoric acid
I use metal prep [phosphoric acid] as a neutralizing cleaning wipe like it's most commonly used, then you don't have to worry about disposal .... and like with electrolysis, I find using the acid results in the red iron oxide being converted [it
is called a rust converter] to black iron
phosphate, doesn't do much otherwise
there's no disposal problem with sodium carbonate, it's a common water softener [why it's used in laundry] and pH controller, commonly used in swimming pools, also commonly used for boiler de-scaling, one of the most common chemicals around, even used in food processes ..... which thought makes me wonder if you folks that have poor or mixed results have
"hard water"? maybe the effects of the soda are being "neutralized" by other minerals native to the water in your locale, which may explain erratic results, some variation in the mineral content of your water over time
the reason I use this technique is primarily because I happen to have 50# bags of the stuff on hand - years ago I researched what additives to use in the antique commercial bottle washing machine I found for my business, for over 20 years it's been the sole additive, to avoid any scale buildup and act as a
surfactant - works a treat .... so
some of you might want to give it another try using distilled water OR boiling the water used first OR double up on the soda
Bill
