Best Way To Speed Up Rusting On Steel Wool For Vinegroon

[LilRay]

Got steel wool, very little rust. Is there a way to accelerate rusting?

God Bless, Ray

[dbusarow]

You do not want rust (ferric oxide) you want ferric acetate. Clean the steel wool of any oil it may have, I soak in acetone and then squeeze and allow to dry. Put the clean, dry steel wool in the vinegar and let it sit.

Dan

[LilRay]

I've already put the wool pieces in the vinegar. However I didn't degrease. Is that absolutely neccessary or will it work otherwise?

I can pour it out and start over, I've got a whole bag of wool and more vinegar.

God Bless, Ray

[dbusarow]

Absolutely necessary. They put the oil on there to keep the wool from rusting in the bag, in the store. The oil works just as well keeping your vinegar away from the steel too. Start over.

Dan

[LilRay]

I don't have any acetone, will Iso Alcohol work, or am I headed to the store?

Thanks for helping.

God Bless, Ray

[dbusarow]

It should work just fine. Be sure to dry it off well before adding to the vinegar.

Dan

[LilRay]

It should work just fine. Be sure to dry it off well before adding to the vinegar.

Dan

Thanks so much for your help Dan! I've got the wool soaking now. I'll leave it for a half hour or so, turning it now and again. Then leave it overnight to dry, and start over tomorrow.

Thanks again.

God Bless, Ray

[Frank]

Ray,

If you boil the vinegar with the steel wool for a couple hours, let cool overnight and then start over the next day with the boiling, the process will speed up.

Also, it's easier to pour alcohol or lighter fluid on the steel wool and then burn off the access. When it's cool then throw it in the vinegar.

Frank

[LilRay]

Ray,

If you boil the vinegar with the steel wool for a couple hours, let cool overnight and then start over the next day with the boiling, the process will speed up.

Also, it's easier to pour alcohol or lighter fluid on the steel wool and then burn off the access. When it's cool then throw it in the vinegar.

Frank

Frank, I let the wool sit and soak for about an hour in the alcohol. I've since taken it out to dry. Are you saying I should light the wool, or light the alcohol with the wool soaking in it?

Thanks!

God Bless, Ray

[Frank]

Ray,

I should have been a bit more clear. You really do not need to soak the wool in the alcohol or lighter fluid for an extended period of time. Both will get rid of any oil residue on the steel wool fairly quickly. After removing the wool from whatever you put it in to remove the oil, put the wool in an old metal pan/dish and then light the wool on fire until it burns out. This will remove any remnants of oil and whatever liquid that you used.

You can throw the wool directly in the vinegar after this, just make sure the pan is cool enough to handle and that you burn the residue off in a well ventilated area.

Frank