How Does Molasses Remove Rust?

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Molasses is discussed as a potential rust remover, with some online sources promoting its use. The process is noted to be slow, taking days to weeks for effective rust removal. The presence of oxalic acid in molasses, known for its rust-removing properties, is highlighted. However, the efficacy of using molasses for this purpose remains largely anecdotal, and there is skepticism regarding the reliability of information found online. The discussion also references cola sodas, which have a low pH, suggesting a comparison in rust removal effectiveness, but the focus remains on molasses. Overall, while molasses contains compounds that can theoretically aid in rust removal, practical results and effectiveness are not well-documented.
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How does molasses remove rust?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Doug Huffman said:
Does it? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molasses#Chemical

Are you mis-remembering cola sodas with extremely low pH ~2?
If you google "molasses and rust", you'll find a minor cottage industry of people promoting molasses to remove rust.

I haven't researched how effective this process is, but it is very slow, taking anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on how much rust needs to be removed.
 
The chemicals listed in molasses include oxalate - ethanedioate. Oxalic acid is used to remove rust.

How else would one measure efficacy of a process? The internet, particularly as represented by G00gle, is like Alice's Restaurant, where you can get anything you want, 'ceptin' Alice - and the truth.
 

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