How to clean salt water corroded relic/metals(s)

[flsunshy9]

Apologies if there is a thread I should be following more so, but I searched on here and nothing stood out directly relating to my question(s). Feel free to point me in the right direction to avoid multiple threads...

My question is how to clean relics washed ashore from the ocean and salt water bodies of water. My husband and I are beginners in the metal detection world and recently made our first discovery on a Florida beach after some high tides. It is heavily corroded in rust from salt water. It appears to be a large metal piece (size of a forearm) with other smaller parts nearby which could in fact fit with this piece. Could be a fisherman's knife or as we are really hoping a piece of history aka a sword of some type. We've read some books and are aware of the different ways to clean, but reaching out to see if anyone has experience cleaning these types of caches.

1. What is the best way to identify the metal?
2. What is the best way to clean corrosion as a result of salt water depending on the metals?
3. How do you determine whether you should even clean it or not?

Anything you can help us with as far as resources or knowledge would be extremely appreciated!

 

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[Ant]

1) If it is rust it would point to iron.
2) Clean manually, sonic washer, electrolysis, tumbling.
3) If you can't identify it something has to be done.

 

[bigfoot1]

pull up homemade electrolosis on youtube.easy to do and gentlest on item.
gl

 

[flsunshy9]

Thank you! This was very helpful info Ant!

1) If it is rust it would point to iron.
2) Clean manually, sonic washer, electrolysis, tumbling.
3) If you can't identify it something has to be done.

 

[flsunshy9]

Thank you Bigfoot 1. We were saving this to the last resort as we don't have a ton of open space to make this, however it may be the only option for this piece.

pull up homemade electrolosis on youtube.easy to do and gentlest on item.
gl

 

[cudamark]

If it's iron, try using Evaporust in a plastic bucket. If you don't want to spend that much, soak it in vinegar overnight.

 

[Patriot Relics]

Homemade electrolysis is the way to go for iron finds from the sea. Here's a good demo

 

[Patriot Relics]

I use an old trickle charger for car batteries. Use the lowest amp setting and in a well ventilated are...the process produces hydrogen gas.