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Rusty watering can

IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
in Problem solving
It was galvanised and was fine outside most winters but I must have stored water in it too long last winter. Is it still ok to use if it’s orange and makes the water go orange?

Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    You could try using a hairdryer on full blast and then use a "bendy" brush to clean off the rust as much as possible before leaving it for a while before using it again.
    OTOH, use another container and just keep diluting the rusty water if it worries you until it is relatively clear.
    Once the can is rusty tho, it will remain prone to rust.

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    edited August 2021
    You could pour it on your Hydrangeas and turn them blue 🙂
    edit...  not on the Hydrangeas just on the ground around.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    I quite like blue hydrangeas. So would it be safe to water other edibles like lettuce and onions?

    Not sure I’ll blow dry it unless it actually fixes the problem. Plastic watering cans from now on is the way to go.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Plants have been watered from rusty watering cans, bowsers and tanks for centuries, just as cattle have drunk from them.  It won’t do the plants or you any harm. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I can't see any problem with it either  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited September 2021
    Inside rust.  Completely innocuous.

    Outside rust.  Might be a bit ugly.  There are rust removers you can get from carshops, like H******.  You could use this on the inside also.  Dilute with Meths and swill it around.

    Longer term.  Let it dry out between uses or it might begin to leak.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Thanks all. Rusty inside only so will be awhile until there’s a hole so I’ll continue using until then.
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