Cleaning galvanized steel?

[Orrex]

I have a quantity of galvanized steel wire that has become rough with surface oxidation over the years. Not rusty, but it has that sort of gritty, 400-sandpaper feel to it, and I'd like to try and lessen or eliminate this texture.

For the sake of simplicity, let's say that the wire is hard to get at and is fixed in position, so that I can't readily go at it with sandpaper or the like.

Can you recommend a good cleaning agent or solvent for this task? Ideally I'd like something comparatively non-toxic...

[mopinko]

1. have you tried

white vinegar? that is what i always used to clean my one big galvanized bird flight.

[Orrex]

2. Not on this batch, but...

Years ago I tried to clean a piece of chainmail I'd made from galvanized steel, and the vinegar seriously rusted a large fraction of the links!

Do you use off-the-shelf grocery store vinegar? I could give it a try.


Thanks for the tip!

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

3. Rent a small sandblaster !

Some solvent perhaps ,lacquer thinner.Works for cleaning off galvee pipes when inspecting.

[mopinko]

4. or get a little steamer

they can be had for about $50, and they are remarkable little cleaners. definitely good for this. will clean oily grime off of anything.
i also use it for bumperstickers, when it is time for a makeover on my truck-

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. I have ownned 4 of those over the years !

The best work truck you can get ~! Astro vans and GMC safari's have since become the work truck of choice.

[mopinko]

6. i need my 4 x 8

sheets of this and that, and crazy paintings, and trips to costco for 7 people. it has 300,000 miles on it. don't see why it wont make half mill.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

7. Don't I know just what you mean !

I have to use bungy cords if I use the astro van and I have to keep a pickup truck for the other this and thats.