Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Best way to clean cans

When you get dirty oil/antifreeze metal cans how do you clean them. I have been using carb cleaner but looking for what works best.

Thanks

BP

From my experience, as gently as possible. I know that sounds dumb, but sometimes the paint/finish will start to flake/wipe off if wiped too hard. Especially on old cans I use dawn dish washing liquid. Let sit for a couple of minutes and then start to wash it off gently. I am sure others will chime in.

Brandon, you probably should learn to use the "Oldgas.com search" that is near the bottom of each page.

Type in "How to clean old cans" and you find numerous threads and posts concerning this topic.

In fact, I would recommend that every new Member become comfortable with using this search. As most every question you might have; has been asked atleast a few times since Primarily Petroliana (Oldgas.com) came online...

ever what you use start on the back of the can in case something happens .. ...

gojo hand cleaner without pumic works good

WD40 , never damaged anything I used it on.

AMERICAN PICKERS use LIQUID GOLD

If you are talking about cleaning the inside, which I interpret to be what you are asking, what you are using seems to work for me. Also, mineral spirits works well. If you are using carb. cleaner to clean the outside, you are one lucky person not to have already removed the paint from the cans you have used it on...