How To Clean Galvanized Metal
Posted on: 5 August 2016
If you are have any pieces of machinery that are exposed to the elements, they are likely made out of galvanized metal. Galvanized metal is metal that is specifically made to be more weather resistant, meaning that it will take longer for it to corrode or oxidize. This is due to a layer of zinc oxide that is protecting the metal. Even though galvanized metal is extremely resistant to water damage or other sources of damage, it will still need to be cleaned regularly in order to keep it looking great. Here are some tips for cleaning galvanized metal so that the process is as easy as possible.
1. Do a Quick Rinse
The first step is to do a quick rinse of the metal to get rid of any debris that might be clinging to it. This is only a preliminary sweep to make further cleaning easier later on.
2. Wash With Hot Water
You then need to follow up that quick rinse with a more developed hot water cleaning process. All you need to do is mix dish washing detergent, to get rid of grease, in with hot water. Then, take a soft bristle brush and get hot, soapy water on it. By moving the brush in small circles starting at the top of the metal, work your way horizontally until You reach the other side. Keep doing this until you have scrubbed the entire area of metal.
3. Get Rid of Alkaline
The only true damage that your galvanized metal can sustain is damage from alkaline components. Alkaline can erode the zinc oxide protective layer that is causing the galvanized metal to be so resistant to oxidation and corrosion. You need to maintain this layer as well as possible. To get rid of any potential alkaline deposits, which can be hard to spot, you will need to mix together baby powder and milk, with there being twice as much milk as baby powder. Take the soft bristled brush mentioned above and work your way across the metal with the mixture of milk and baby powder. This will neutralize the alkaline so that it is harmless.
4. Do a Second Quick Rinse
Finally, take the hose that you used for the first quick rinse and use it to rinse off the milk and baby powder solution, as well as any lingering soap. This will leave your galvanized metal looking new and clean.
For more information, talk to a company like Rogers Brothers Galvanizing that specializes in galvanized metal finishing.
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