Cleaning a Red Wing

[ghopper1924]

All:

I just purchased a 10 gallon Red Wing crock. This was a "working" crock, and there are some faint drip marks on the outside that MsGhopper and I can't get off with either soap or soft scrub.

Any ideas on cleaning products that will get the drip marks off but won't hurt the glaze?

Mart, for some reason I think you might have the answer....

[Rauville]

Some acetone (or finger nail polish remover) should work if it's oil base paint.

Is there still a good market for Red Wing in your area?

[ghopper1924]

Thanks for the suggestion. The drips are not paint; I think they may be the residue of a canning process or somesuch.

The market is still pretty good for Red Wings in Missouri.

[sugarcube5419]

think it sells well in mn - also, maybe a product called soft scrub not supposed to have a the abrasion cleaning but you're right mart will probably know

[ghopper1924]

I get what you're saying Sugarcube, but the abrasiveness is not a danger. I think these crocks were fired at something like 2000 degrees, so the scrubbing part of the soft scrub isn't really an issue.

Keep 'em coming!!

[fancypants]

It's possible that the surface was 'acid etched' from a pickling solution (or by a previous cleaning 'effort') , and that's rather permanent .... if you're truly obsessed about cleaning it off , you might try some automotive paint rubbing compound (to polish it up a little) , ghopper1924 .....

[mart]

All:

I just purchased a 10 gallon Red Wing crock. This was a "working" crock, and there are some faint drip marks on the outside that MsGhopper and I can't get off with either soap or soft scrub.

Any ideas on cleaning products that will get the drip marks off but won't hurt the glaze?

Mart, for some reason I think you might have the answer....

Is it a crock like you would use for kraut ??  Straight sides ??  if so could be salt staining !!  Try one of those scrubbies for Teflon and just some dish soap and hot water with gentle scrub !!   That's what I use to clean mine before making kraut !! Will not hurt the glaze because it is baked/fired on !! Just don`t use anything metal !!  Might help if we could see it !!

[bigwull]

RedWing,s.Mmm....I,ve got a pair of them somewhere,...got them when I worked offshore, best pair of workboots i,ve ever owned...oil resistant soles, steel reinforced toecap,...pure hide uppers....yup...tho se Redwings,are the best thing since sliced bread....

[ghopper1924]

RedWing,s.Mmm....I,ve got a pair of them somewhere,...got them when I worked offshore, best pair of workboots i,ve ever owned...oil resistant soles, steel reinforced toecap,...pure hide uppers....yup...tho se Redwings,are the best thing since sliced bread....

OMG...... I think we're dealing with more than just cultural differences here...

[ghopper1924]

10 gallons, yes Mart it's straight sided with a rounded lip on top and wire bales on the sides. Pretty much your standard early 20th century crock.  It could be kraut, salt, or some other food-related drip staining.

Update: The bleach in the soft scrub seems to have bleached the brown stains white! So now we've got faint white striping! I know you knowledgeable people can help us get rid of that. Soap and a scrubby don't help!!

[bigwull]

Oops!!....can i assume that we are not talking about RedWing boots.....just saw RedWing at the start..and..thought ..hey...i,ve got a pair of them..... .

[mart]

Have you tried plain old rubbing alcohol ?? Or lighter fluid for petroleum based stuff !! I can`t imagine staining like that,, take a pic !! Even vinegar !! I have never had anything that refused to come off with something I had around the house !!

[ghopper1924]

OK, I"ve tried vinegar, alcohol, and every other cleaner I could think of. I've got an inquiry into the Red Wing Society. I'll let you know what they say.

[Rauville]

Have you tried the Mr. Wizard trick of mixing baking soda and white vinegar? Blend up a paste, add a little lemon juice and spread the mixture on the stains and leave it work.

(In reference to Bigwull's Red Wings: I bet ours are bigger! )

[bigwull]

wrong kind...laced ones would,nt have lasted a shift, on the rig....