Do All Rust Removers Contain Phosphoric Acid?
It’s a common practice to package rust treatment products containing phosphoric acid and improperly label them as a “rust remover”. But the phosphoric acid in these products actually works as a rust converter, which is an altogether different and distinct group of rust treatment product. Acid-based rust removal products normally contain an acid or caustic solution such as oxalic acid as an active ingredient to strip the rust from the metal surface. Unfortunately, oxalic acid is a harsh and toxic chemical which could pose a health risk to anyone who gets into contact with it. Homemade rust removers such as lemon or lime juice and white vinegar also work on the same principle. Lemon and lime both contain citric acid while vinegar is a diluted solution of acetic acid. As a homemade rust remover, the acetic acid found in white vinegar works by reacting with rust to form a harmless, soluble salt that you can simply washed away. Although homemade rust removers are not as effective as oxalic
Related Questions
- How does Rustbeeter™ compare to other rust removers, such as acids (muratic acid, phosphorus acid or vinegar) and caustics (toilet bowl cleaner or lye)?
- Can I use an over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salycilic acid while also using Trioxil®?
- Ive read articles that say cola drinks contain phosphoric acid that removes calcium from childrens bones - is that true?
