HELP how to clean a old steel gas tank.

[Dirk D]

Another trick i heard is to wrap the tank in large blanket , fill it with bb's and spin it in the dryer. Kinda of like shot blasting the inside. Muratic acid needs neutralized with baking soda if you use it, also keep it away from aluminum parts, it will just eat away.

[sleeplessknight]

I just did my first gas tank cleaning the other day. I went with muriatic acid. Used a gallon plus enough water to top off the tank. Let it sit about 2 hours and 15 years of rust from being stored empty is long gone. Looks brand new inside. I drained the acid into a bucket. Then mixed up some water with a bunch of baking soda and rinsed the tank with that a few times. Then washed the inside wi th soap n water. Rinsed a few times and let it dry out in the sun.

I don't know that it's the best way to do it, but I had the acid on hand for the pool and it did a great job.

Just use caution. Muriatic acid is not weak just because you can get it at the hardware store. I wear gloves and goggles. At the bare minimum, keep the hose nearby incase you splash some on your skin or the paint job.

I'm gonna try this. I have just one question. What do you do with the acid and water after it's drained from the tank. How do you safely dispose of it. I have cats and kids and don't want to take a chance on either getting hurt with this stuff. So how do you get rid of it when you're done? Thanks.

[muthey]

if you are worried about you pets and kids use apple cider vinnegar, can be pored back into the jug and thrown in the trash legally. With the acids I have a hole I redig out frequently and after hitting them with baking powder I pour them into the hole and cover it up. has yet to hurt my lawn actually all around my dig site my grass is greener and thicker than ever. Not saying that you can do that legally where you are, but here I am allowed if it is neutralized.