The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Electrolytic Rust Removal

I bought a great big plastic tub, and want to set up an electrolysis bath for removing rust. But, I'm having a hard time finding the Arm & Hammer WASHING Soda that was recommended for this.

Anybody know a national chain that stocks it?
Or had good results with something else?

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's done this...

Thanks,
mark.
'51 3100

I don't know what the difference between washing soda and baking soda would be. I always kinda thought 'soda' was 'soda' Sorta like bleach is bleach. Ya know?

any major should have it - have you been lookin in the laundry products dept? that's what it's sold for - if you can't find washing soda, use baking soda - washing soda is sodium carbonate, baking soda is sodium bi-carbonate - same diff for the process, as either one acts as a 'water softener'

the process does work well, and using excess soda doesn't speed it up - make sure you dry the piece as fast as possible when it comes out - hair dryers are a good thing

I use sodium carbonate [50# bags from a chemical supplier, waaay cheaper ] in a big old bottle washing machine, and the inside of that 50 year old rig is as clean as new - handy for an old truck guy to have that stuff around!

I have used TSP and it works but I don't know if it works as well as washing soda because I haven't located any myself.

Haven't checked into this myself but.....
Arm & Hammer makes a washing detergent and they also make baking soda so... if you read the ingredients on the washing detergent, maybe it's what your looking for.

I've used both, the Arm&Hammer washing soda, and the baking soda. I prefer the baking soda as it does not "suds" up nearly as much while it's cooking away at the rust. Makes things a little less messy to handle. The washing soda creates a nice smell while it works, if that matters to you. But thats just my experience/preference. I've found one works as well as the other.