Thread: Degreasing an old stone.

Washing Soda is often used, but may not be any more effective than your 409 cleaner - both are very alkaline. . A strong mix of bio washing machine detergent in very hot water used as a prolonged soak often works, too.

A stronger alkali would be caustic soda (lye or drain cleaner) but you should read-up on its use and hazards before using it - it generates heat when dissolved in water and can cause severe burns if you aren't careful.

Industrial degreasers are another option. The older ones were quite hazardous (trike, etc) but modern ones are 'greener' and safer to use.

You could go the solvent route - soak the stone in a volatile solvent like alchol or industrial methylated spirit (the clear type, not the blue one) in a closed, non-reactive container. Dispose of liquid when saturated and add fresh stuff, slightly diluted with water. Repeat, adding slightly more water each time. When you reach the 50/50 mark whatever is left should be soluble in a strong detergent mixture.

Or - you could add dish-washing detergent to the honing water - that will allow it to spread out on the surface of the hone - a quicker and cheaper solution than the above!

Regards,
Neil

use oxiclean scrub the stone get an old pot and towel or large rag put the rag in the bottom of the pot and then the stone turn the heat on put some oxiclean in the pot get the water hot until it steams but not a boil the stone should be sitting on the rag it will protect the stone from the heat on the bottom of the pan the oil should float to the top of the water

Thanks Guys, you've given me some good ideas. Film at eleven.

Originally Posted by Ogershok

Thanks Guys, you've given me some good ideas. Film at eleven.

OK it is 11:30 here...
Where is the film.

If it is a saturated oil stone you will never get all the oil out.

Scrub the surface with common kitchen cleaner like Comet
and a brush or green Scotch Brite a couple times.

You can use it with a spray of water+detergent perhaps with a very small
amount of alcohol. You may find that diluted common mouth wash
makes a good honing fluid. "Simple Green" cleaner works for
me. I keep a dilution for cleaning grease from the outside of my BBQ
so it is handy.

And it is not silly to use oil on an oilstone. Mineral oil works
well and does not harm razors.