Do not use harsh cleaners. A cleaner with a pH of more than 12 to 13 can begin to dissolve the zinc in your galvanized steel. [3] X Research source Washing steel in this way may make areas that you clean look uneven compared to the areas that you don’t. Abrasive overwashing of your galvanized steel will reduce the steel’s lifecycle and wear out the zinc coating. Scrub your galvanized steel sparingly.
Make sure to read the back of the car wash for directions and warnings. You can pick up car wash at an automotive store, department store, or online. Most contemporary cars use galvanized steel to prevent rusting. [5] X Research source
Make sure that your pressure washer is lower than 1450 psi, or it may remove the coating on your steel. [6] X Research source
Wear gloves or the ammonia can cause irritation and chemical burns on exposed skin. [7] X Research source You can also use CLR, lime juice, Rust Dissolver, 10G or white vinegar as an alternative to ammonia to remove wet storage stains from your galvanized steel. [8] X Research source
Spending the extra money passivating your steel may save you money in the long run because you won’t have to pay for replacement steel.
If the paint is fresh and wet, skip this step and go to step two in this method. You can also use sandpaper or a wire brush to remove stuck on paint or rust from your galvanized steel. Be warned that this may cause discoloration, so if you need to maintain your steel aesthetically, these would not be good tools to use. [14] X Research source
Apply your stripper with a rag and scrub it in with a nylon or plastic bristled brush.
