how can I clean a ring of keys that were left in the trunk of a car?

Question

these keys are salt laden and very dirty-almost to a rust..

Answer 1

Soak them is a small jar of water with Baking Soda in it; then use a toothbrush to clean the grooved part. If they are really rusty, you could try Naval Jelly (available at WalMart and hardware stores. Then rinse them and let them dry in the sun. If they are not to be used (display purposes only), I'd spray paint them and hang them somewhere where they would be appreciated. If they are going to be used, make sure they haven't been weakened by exposure as they may break off in a lock; I'd recommend they be duplicated at the lock shop and hold the old ones as spares.

Answer 2

First you need to determine if the keys are rust completely through.

If the keys are still fairly good, soak them in some motor oil or WD-40 overnight to stop the oxidation. The you need to get a scouring pad (sos pad) and scrub them until you remove most of the oxidized metal. If you want further improvement from there try some jewelry cleaner.


If the keys are really flimsy and about to break you need to get a mold of them and have a copy made. Try an independent jewelry store they maybe able to make you a nickel copy which you can then take a local hardware and get a real key made. (you maybe able to take them directly to the hardware if they are just barely covered in oxidation and get a new shiny pair).

Answer 3

Soak in vinegar for 2-3 days then rinse off with clean water, then dry.

Answer 4

Vinegar

Answer 5

wd-40 will clean the salt and some of the
rust, the really rusty ones should be re-cut
wal-mart will cut them

Answer 6

Buy a quart of oil and soak them in that for a few days, then dry them off good.

Answer 7

try rubbing alcohol