Originally Posted by
yuzuha
Well, I wouldn't try it on my awase, but I do use windex (the ammonia variety, DEFINITELY NOT the vinegar type) on various synthetic stones and diamond plates... iron does not rust in alkaline environments so the ammonia acts as a rust inhibitor as well as the soap acting as a lube / surficant.
Sword polishers usually add sodium carbonate (washing soda) to the water in their stone buckets to accomplish the same end so while I am questionable about using bicarbonate, I have soaked my aoto and awase in washing soda.