Trails » Water Sports & Recreation » Scuba Diving » Scuba Equipment » How to Remove Corrosion on SCUBA Equipment

How to Remove Corrosion on SCUBA Equipment

How to Remove Corrosion on SCUBA Equipment
Throughout a diver's career, one will inevitably be faced with corrosion of SCUBA equipment. Corrosion appears as a powdery substance on the surface of metal, making it easy to spot. Although it may look harmless, it is highly destructive to your gear. It can even be life-threatening because corroded SCUBA tanks can leak air or even explode. Since you put a lot of money into your equipment, you will want to put in the physical time to not only clean and repair any deposits of corrosion. Be proactive in preventing corrosion by always cleaning your equipment after a dive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Fresh water Bucket or bathtub Washrags or sponges Dry towels Soft-bristled toothbrush or brush
  • Fresh water
  • Bucket or bathtub
  • Washrags or sponges
  • Dry towels
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush or brush
Step 1
Disassemble your SCUBA equipment. Empty all compartments that hold water.
Step 2
Submerge separate pieces into either a bucket or bathtub of fresh water. Soak the pieces for at least 10 minutes. However, you made need to soak some pieces longer to remove more stubborn spots. Pay special attention to places where paint has been removed and make sure you wipe these thoroughly.
Step 3
Empty the tub or bucket, then rinse with fresh water. Use a washrag to rub away any remaining corrosion deposits. Work on stubborn spots with a soft-bristled toothbrush or brush.
Step 4
Use a clean towel to dry your equipment thoroughly. Do not leave any water spots behind because they can lead to corrosion.
Step 5
Store your tanks in an appropriate environment for metal that is both cool and dry and out of the sun's direct light.

Tips & Warnings

 
It is important that you clean your gear after each and every dive you take. Salt water and chlorine are highly destructive not only to your SCUBA tanks but to all of your gear.
 
It is important that you clean your gear after each and every dive you take. Salt water and chlorine are highly destructive not only to your SCUBA tanks but to all of your gear.

Article Written By Krista Raye

Krista Raye is a Steel Magnolia who began writing professionally in 2009 with eHow, Answerbag and Trails. She has 10 years teaching experience in middle and high schools. Raye holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Bachelor of Science in secondary English education and a Master of Arts in adolescent English education.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword