Guest Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 I recently bought some of those lovely large iron keys that you can get from garden centres. The children love to use them in the 'secret garden' and they usually hang on the wooden arch. On the last day of term I noticed that they have gone very rusty . Although not expensive, I don't want to replace them as the same thing will happen. Thinking of health and safety - would you allow the children to use them? Would the rust cause any problem - apart from marking their hands and clothes? I'm not really sure what to do! :huh: Any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louby loo Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Stick them in some cheap coke? Then maybe varnish them? I haven't a clue if that will work by the way I know the keys you mean though- I have some too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stargrower Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 You can buy rust remover from a hardware shop. It may not make the keys look good again, but it might stop them being rough and scratchy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lashes2508 Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Use some steel wool to clean off rust and then use a metal primer or spray paint to cover, rust is not toxic although large amounts ingested is harmful and obviously the bacteria which can lead to tetanus. Use the rust as a great science lesson ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panders Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 Ours haven't fared too badly but I don't leave them out. I think I would use the metal wool, but then use some oil such as wd40 or even kitchen oil rubbed on with paper towel just to keep the surface free from rust. If they must stay outside hang a small plastic bag round them when you tidy up ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 Thanks for all your replies! I think I will probably clean them up with wire wool/oil and them try to remember to bring them in every day - if I can find them, of course! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mundia Posted January 5, 2014 Share Posted January 5, 2014 If you dont want to use wire wool to clean off the rust, then you can achieve the same effect with salt and a cut potato (yes and coke as loubyloo said). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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