How to Clean Nichrome Wire

Oxidation happens when oxygen is allowed into the alloys and causes corrosion. Nichrome is wound into coils of wire that are used in hair dryers, ovens and toasters.

1. Remove the wire from the item it is currently inside of.

2. Place the rubber gloves on your hands, or at least the hand that will be holding the wire. Hydrochloric acid can eat through most materials, and should only be used with good ventilation and extreme caution.

3. Add hydrochloric acid to a small metal bowl.

4. Hold the wire between the sides of the metal tongs, so that when you dip the wire, it does not drip any acid onto your skin. Dip the wire down into the acid and hold for three seconds. Remove the wire from the acid.

5. Hold the wire with the metal tongs and dip into the acid again, this time only holding for one second. Remove immediately and hold in the tongs until the wire is dry.