We have cast iron stoves as well as cooking implements. The best method may unfortunatly be scrubbing, assuming it will hold up to this. 0000 grade steel wool, and or brass wool, even a wire brush carefull not to scratch it. Some people use chemical rust removers, like Naval jelly, however be careful because you are removing metal in cleaning rust off, and sometimes chemicals cause pitting that then make the piece more susceptible to further rust. If it's easy on you then it's often a hard working chemical. Those commercial products that use turn rust into primer, for car repair, contain paint and tannic acid. Tannic acid however isn't easy to find, but citric acid is. Nothing you do will matter if you don't at least oil the stove when done, with mineral oil. We find that stove blacking works well enough, however we use our stoves (don't black the stove pipe, if you use your stove). I reccomend controlling your humidity, an act of futility for most of us. If there is anyplace nearby that you can hide a dehumidifier, it would be very good.
Stephanie West
Conservation Technician
Conner Prairie
>>> [log in to unmask] 08/20/03 08:15AM >>>
I have a quick question for the group: the 1908 cast iron stove one of my
historic houses is rusting. It is in a home without climate control, which
I trying to improve, but in the meantime, what would be the best way to
clean and preserve this? I can't afford a professional conservator, so I'm
looking for a simple, cost effective method that I can do myself. Nothing
fancy, just enough to keep the rust from doing too much damage.
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give!
Kate Higgins
Curator
Pejepscot Historical Society
159 Park Row
Brunswick, ME 04011
207-729-6606
207-729-6012 (fax)
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