Removing rust on horseshoes

Question

I have bought a property that used to be a farriers property many years ago and all over the section are old rusty horseshoes. Any ideas on how to tidy them up?

Ali · Answer

Put them in straight, cheap white vinegar.  It will take from 1 hour to several days, and you will be amazed.  Once cleaned, they will be very susceptible to new rust, so be prepared to treat right away with oil, WD40,  or some other rust preventative coating.  It's very messy.  I keep a bucket with a several quarts of vinegar in it and a tight fitting lid. This absolutely works.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Put them in critic powered acid, once cleaned put a clear sealer on them.

Wonderiris · Answer

Any acid will do it.  Lemon juice also works well.

Are627407 · Answer

I used citric acid in water, and soaked one I found on our farm...let it sit for a few days and it was clean as a whistle!

Bwarner50 · Answer

You can also soak them in pure ammonia - cheap and effective. May need to soak for several days or longer, when clean, just rub them with coconut oil or any vegetable oil and 'season' them in the oven just like you would any cast iron cookware - bake at 300 degrees for at least an hr. Let cool down before retrieving them.

Janet Ridgeway · Answer

If you want to maintain their rustic look, use warm water & a wire brush to scrub them up.  Then spray with WD40 - an oil based spay and wipe off excess with a J-cloth

Pam Walker · Answer

Clean them the same as Cast Iron Skillets.  :)

Ramiro · Answer

Brush them with a steel brush, rinse with water,  soak in white vinegar for a couple of days(it is very cheap by the gallon) dry, and apply a coat of either a clear acrilic or the color of your choice.

Steve · Answer

MIX MURATIC ACID [ SWIMMING POOL ACID]  WITH 2 PARTS WATER ,  PLACE YER H.SHOES IN IT CHECK EM EVERY 4 HRS OR SO

Joan · Answer

The vinegar idea is the most successful.

Fhk302643 · Answer

Use Naval Jelly, available at Home Depot.

Bernadette Staal · Answer

Personally I think the aged affect would be wonderful to retain but you could try soaking them in Coke Cola - that is what my father used to use to remove rust from his tools.

Gracie · Answer

Once you get the rust off, you'll need to cover them with something - paint or a sealant of some kind. Otherwise, the rust will come right back.

Shirley Young · Answer

Wish I lived near you! I have seen several crafts using horse shoes....I saw a flag but don't remember which craft site I saw it...you might Pinterest....I did find the following picture....

Removing rust on horseshoes

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Removing rust on horseshoes

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