What is Iron Remover?

February 21, 2023 David Alexander Sinclair

Iron Remover In Action

Products purchased using links in this blog post directly support this blog. Thank you so much!

What is Iron Remover?

Iron remover is a type of car detailing product that is designed to remove iron particles and other metal debris from a vehicle's surface. Iron particles are often embedded in the paint and can cause rust and other forms of corrosion if left untreated. Iron remover is formulated to dissolve and remove these particles, helping to prevent damage to the vehicle's paint and protect its appearance.

Iron particles can come from a variety of sources, including brake dust, industrial fallout, and road debris. When these particles come into contact with the surface of a vehicle, they can bond to the paint and create an unsightly rust stain. Iron remover is typically applied to the affected area, where it reacts with the iron particles and causes them to break down and dissolve.

Iron remover is a specialized product that is used by professional detailers and car enthusiasts to keep their vehicles looking their best. When used properly, it can effectively remove iron particles and help to prevent damage to the vehicle's paint and finish.

Why is Iron Remover Safe to Use?

Despite acidic properties, iron remover also contains alkaline compounds that balance out the acidic compounds to create a pH neutral balance. This allows iron remover to be safe to use.

What is the Alkaline Compounds Used to Make Iron Remover Safe?

Alkaline compounds are often used in iron removers to help dissolve and remove iron particles from the surface of a vehicle. Some common alkaline compounds used in iron removers include:

Sodium hydroxide: A strong base also known as caustic soda, sodium hydroxide is a highly effective alkaline compound for removing iron particles.
Potassium hydroxide: Similar to sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide is another strong base that can be used in iron removers.
Ammonium hydroxide: This weak base is also known as ammonia and is commonly used in iron removers because it is less corrosive and more gentle on surfaces than sodium or potassium hydroxide.
Sodium bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline compound that can be used in iron removers to help remove iron particles.

Iron Remover’s Main Ingredient

Thioglycolic acid.

Thioglycolic acid (TGA) is an organic compound that is widely used in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, personal care, and textiles. It is a clear, colorless, with an unpleasant odor. It is a liquid that is highly reactive and has a variety of applications due to its ability to react with and break down proteins.

In the cosmetics and personal care industries, TGA is commonly used as a hair-relaxing and straightening agent. It is often included in hair-relaxing products, where it helps to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin, allowing the hair to be straightened.

In the textiles industry, TGA is used as a fabric softener and to modify the texture of fibers. It is also used in the manufacture of certain types of resins and as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals.

While TGA is considered safe for use in certain applications, it is important to use it properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Contact with the skin or eyes can cause irritation, and inhaling the fumes can be harmful. Additionally, TGA is a hazardous chemical that should be handled with care and stored properly to prevent accidents or releases.

And of course, it is used in iron remover for car care. It’s what gives iron remover a rotten egg smell.

The Compound Used in Iron Remover:

Sodium Thioglycolic acid is the actual compound that is used in Iron Remover to remove rust and iron fallout. More specifically it becomes ferric thioglycolate when mixed with iron oxide. And just to incorporate this into what we’ve learned so far:

In the context of car detailing, Fe2O3 (iron(III) oxide) may refer to iron particles that have settled on a vehicle's surface, typically as a result of brake dust or other sources of airborne iron particles. These iron particles can cause staining and discoloration on the paint, wheels, and other surfaces of a vehicle if not removed in a timely manner.

Iron fallout removers or paint decontaminants are specifically designed to dissolve and remove iron particles, including Fe2O3, from the surface of a vehicle. These products typically contain a combination of surfactants, chelating agents, and alkaline or acidic compounds that work together to dissolve the iron particles and prevent staining.

What is Ferric Thioglycolate?

Ferric thioglycolate is a chemical compound used as an iron chelating agent. Iron chelating agents are substances that bind to and remove iron ions from a solution. Ferric thioglycolate is used in a variety of industrial and cleaning applications, including the treatment of water to remove iron ions, the removal of iron and other metal stains from surfaces, and the clarification of juices and other liquids.

In the context of car detailing, ferric thioglycolate can be used as an ingredient in iron fallout removers or paint decontaminants to help dissolve and remove iron particles from the surface of a vehicle. The compound works by binding to the iron ions and preventing them from reacting with other substances, making it easier to remove the iron particles and prevent staining. The prevention of the iron ions from reacting with other substances is what makes iron remover perfect for removing iron fallout easily with just spraying it on and rinsing it off.

It is important to note that the use of ferric thioglycolate and other iron chelating agents may vary depending on the specific application and the desired result. It is always important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and precautions when using these products.

Acids Used in Rust Removal:

Here’s a great video on YouTube on various acids and how they compare to each other.

These acids are not safe to handle with bare hands, especially hydrochloric acid (the main ingredient in wheel brighteners) and can actual etch or break down clearcoat and etch wheels. This is recommended only with use in heavy break dust on a specific wheels types that are clear coated.

Here is another great video on Iron Remover and Sodium Thioglycolic Acid:

I hope this was educational! Chemistry is a complicated world, and it takes a while to understand it. Here are our product recommendations for iron removers:

Recommended Iron Remover Products:

Stay Shining San Diego!