While cleaning rusted cast iron and steel with electrolysis sounds like an expensive and complicated process, it is easily done at home and for little money. Remove rusted parts of any size using this process simply by making a larger tank. Many materials used can be found at home at a local home improvement store. In addition, the process is safe and environmentally friendly if the directions are followed
Place steel rods vertically around the inside of the plastic container. Use at least 4 rods equally spaced around the container. The rods should be 4 or 5 inches taller than the container.
Connect the rods with steel wire. Make sure the connection to each rod is electrically good.
Fill the plastic container with water. The container should be large enough to hold the largest part while still maintaining about 2 inches clearance from the rods. Mix in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of washing soda per 5 gallons of water.
Make another rod that is 6 inches longer than the diameter of your container. Attach a short piece of steel chain to the center of this rod. Suspend the part to be cleaned from this chain. Place the rod across the top of the container and ensure the water covers the part completely.
Attach the positive wire of the battery charger to the outside steel rods. The negative wire attaches to the rod holding the part. It is important that the part is negative so be sure to double check your connections.
Turn the battery charger on. In a short period, bubbles should start rising from the suspended part. Leave the charger on as long as bubbles continue to rise. One aspect of this type of cleaning is that the process stops when the rust is removed and no damage is done if the charger stays on extra time.
Shut off and unplug the battery charger before attempting to remove the part from the solution. When finished, the solution can be dumped down the drain or used to water your lawn because it contains no hazardous chemicals.
