Rust Stains on Glassware

[gwen]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have a simple solution for removing rust stains from glassware?
I have not had much luck with oxalic acid and usually resort to steel wool and Bon Ami or similar. There must be an easier way.

Thanks,
gwen

[bindi]

Fill test tube to required level will 3M HCl and leave in a safe area over night. then reuse the same HCl for the next batch. It works for alot of batches even when discoloured.
Recycle! Recycle!

[kimmy]

HI Gwen,

I am currently cleaning up my test tubes, I also use 3m HCl and leave them overnight. This solutions works for several applications, just pour it our into a beaker and then refill your next load of test tubes.

Good luck

[gwen]

Thanks Bindi and Kimmy this seems to have done the trick.

gwen

[KimFenley]

Hi

Oxalic acid does work, I make it faily strong and most is gone by the morning. I then reuse the solution many times.

Kim

[Rowyrow]

Hi,
I have a bunch of rusty test tubes that have been soaking in napisan for days (some more than a week). Most of them have come clean but there are a few very stubbourn ones. Now I don't have any Oxalyic acid what else could I use to clean these up? someone mentioned 3M HCL will this work?

[mrsd]

Having been using HCl + Oxalic Acid reusing many times since i have been releiving for the last 6 months but running low. Want to make a new batch to clean rust spots etc from test tubes but know one seems to know the receipe have looked on forum but can't seem to find with both. thanks

[dime]

I haven't mixed them together. Just use approx 2m HCl. Does the trick overnight. Someone else might know though.

[Graham Kemp]

10% Oxalic acid is fairly good at eliminating most glassware stains and such. Most.

I've also attempted lifting stuborn iron oxide using warm 5M HCl with some success. Some.

Howvever, I still have stained glassware that nothing seems to clean. Nothing. Very stubborn. Most annoying.