The cleaning of dug iron relics
As any digger of Civil War artifacts can tell you, iron relics of that struggle come out of the ground with a good coating of rust. Different diggers have different methods for cleaning the artifacts, but the generally accepted most effective method is electrolysis. This procedure requires a container in which the artifact (the cathode) rests submerged in an electrolytic solution and is surrounded, or nearly so, by a metal anode. A source of DC power is connected - positive to anode. negative to cathode - and the electrolytic process proceeds until the relic sheds its coating of rust. Obviously, this is a simplified description of the process, for there are many possible combinations of the various metals, electrolytes, power supplies, etc. A more complete description of the process is contained in my small book, “How to Hunt Treasure.” I include a photo of the electrolytic bath which I use to clean my relics, and invite any contributions you would care to make. 
Ive used this method for years and it works very well. I use a trickle charger, 1 gallon of water and 1/2 tablespoon washing soda
↓ Quote | PostedApril 3, 2007, 3:57 pmI agree - electrolysis is the best way to clean iron relics. I’ve also used washing soap or soda as the electrolyte, but stopped using it because of its caustic nature. Unless the relic is thoroughly soaked and cleaned afterwards in fresh water, the caustic substance (probably NaOH or CaCo3) will seep from the pores in the iron and leave a white stain on the relic. I’ve switched to bleach for the electrolyte - but I still thoroughly clean the relic after the process and before coating. Also, I use a battery for the power source - it’s a pure DC electron flow absent the ripples found in the output of a battery charger.
↓ Quote | PostedApril 3, 2007, 8:13 pmAs an additional comment - I’ve switched to lye or baking soda as my electrolytes of choice. Bleach’s byproducts react with metals, tends to eat them up, while the lye and baking soda are much less corrosive - there’s no chlorine to form salt.
↓ Quote | PostedApril 29, 2007, 5:07 pmwhere can i get plans to build a cleaner like you all are talking about, and where can i get help identifying some relics I found not far from davis bridge battle field??? Thanks for your time.
↓ Quote | PostedJanuary 6, 2008, 1:53 pmKenneth, my book has a good description of the rig. I have changed my mind about the electrolyte, though - use lemon juice or baking soda. The book can be purchased for a very nominal sum here:
http://www.booklocker.com/books/2755.html
Thanks,
Malcolm
↓ Quote | PostedJanuary 6, 2008, 2:31 pmMalcom for you whats the best help on identifying old iron finds, I found several things at an old house place and haven’t a clue what they are. I showed them to some people who hunt, but no one had a clue. is there a book or anything you recamend?
↓ Quote | PostedJanuary 13, 2008, 8:51 pmthanks for your time Kenneth.
HI I FOUND A TRADE AXE THIS WEEK AND CAN BARELY MAKE OUT THE STAMP MARKS BECAUSE OF ALL THE RUST. WOULD YOUR METHOD WORK ON THE AXE TO CLEAN IT? IF SO WOULD YOU CONSIDER CLEANING IT FOR ME FOR A PRICE? WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY YOU TO DO IT BECAUSE I DO NOT TRUST MYSELF DOING IT. LOL THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME HAROLD
↓ Quote | PostedJune 30, 2008, 8:17 pmHarold… I’d be glad to. But when you consider the postage, do you think the axe is worth it???
Kenneth… I just noticed your question of January. Sorry I missed it. The only books I have that might help are “Antique Iron” by Kathryn McNerney, and “Antique Tools” by Conover Hill. They’re both soft cover and available in online bookstores. Hope this helps.
Malcolm
↓ Quote | PostedJune 30, 2008, 8:46 pm