So I have a few traps that are around 25 plus years old that have been sitting in my shop for last 20 years not being used. They were rusted pretty bad. My son an I had set them out to trap raccoons in our creek last month. I wanted to get the rust off them so I soaked them in white vinegar for last 2 days and took them out. I couldn't believe how easily the rust came off. For the most part I could wash it right off with the garden hose. Now I can dye them for next year.