Cleaning mineral deposits on galvanized tanks

[duckbill]

Is there any effective chemical cleaner to remove mineral deposits from a cylinder without harming the galvanizing?
Are there any non-chemical methods?

[YankDownUnder]

You might try naval jelly from your local paint store or Home Base type store. It will make hot dipped gavanized coating look show room new. The gavanized coating will eventually return to it's dark petina color if not kept coated with silicone or some coating. I woulld also try a first coat of 'orange' paint remover.. (smells of oranges) It is water soluable and can be used in the sink, .....while you wife is away at her mother's! Use hand and eye protection.

[Ron Hearn]

Hi

I use a very light grade of steel wool to remove any patina build, it will also give back the shine on older tanks. If you use abrasive chemicals that are to harsh you will discolor the Galvanise. If the galvanise is partialy peeling off just paint the tank.

Ron

[Captain]

Galvanize provides protection by the sacrifical metal meaning the galvanize coating is slow being removed be the galvanic action of of an electrolite in this case the water. Salt water is a stronger electrolite than fresh water. Any acid like naval jelly is an even strongr electrolite which will remove galvanize in a hurry. It is not mineral deposits but the result of the galvanize protecting the under lying steel. If it is removed it will shorten the life of the galzanize coating. It is best to just rinse the tanks in fresh water and not use any type of boot that can trap water.

www.galvanizeit.org/showContent,26,58.cfm#14