Question regarding cleaning

[Bob A]

Thanks for the cleaning suggestions.

In past, I've used Eezox with steel wool or brass brush, applying and scrubbing until the rust was removed. It is both a solvent and a rust preventive. I sometimes follow up with a coat of Renaissance Wax.

Is hot water sufficient to neutralise the acid? I worry that acid might linger in the forging flaws, making problems down the road.