Patent ID: 8574370

Claim:
A method of removing rust from a surface, which comprising contacting the rust with a composition consisting essentially of at least one alkanesulfonic acid of formula R—SO3H, wherein R represents a saturated and linear or branched hydrocarbon chain comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and optionally contacting the rust with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of: hydrotropic agents, solubilizing agents, gelling agents, solvents, biocides, disinfectants, rheological agents, texturizing agents, thickening agents, organic acids, inorganic acids, flame retardants, preservatives, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, emulsifiers, detergents, soaps, foaming agents, anti-foaming agents, antifreezes, colorants, fragrances, and odorous agents, and optionally followed by one or more stages of rinsing and/or drying.