A Comprehensive Comparison: Salts Gone vs. Salt Away for Salt and Corrosion Removal

Understanding Salt and Its Corrosive Effects

Salt, primarily sodium chloride (NaCl), is an ionic compound that, when dissolved in water, disassociates into sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl) ions. These ions facilitate electrochemical reactions on metal surfaces, leading to oxidation, rust, and deterioration. Additionally, salt’s hygroscopic nature attracts moisture, making it challenging to remove completely through simple rinsing, especially in hard-to-reach crevices or on dried surfaces. This is where specialized salt removal products come into play, engineered to dissolve salt crystals, disrupt ionic bonds, and rinse away residual deposits effectively.

Overview of Salts Gone and Salt Away

Salts Gone

Salts Gone is a pH-neutral solution developed and produced in the United States. It is marketed as a highly versatile agent suitable for use on boats, fishing gear, vehicles, and waterfront properties. Its primary advantage is its ability to eliminate salt deposits without stripping away protective waxes or ceramic coatings, making it safe for frequent application on delicate surfaces. Salts Gone employs a chelation process, which involves binding to sodium and chloride ions, neutralizing them, and facilitating their removal. It is available in various formats, including quart-sized bottles with built-in spray nozzles and larger gallon containers, which can be applied via a hose-end sprayer or manual spray bottle.

Salt Away

Salt Away is a well-established brand renowned within marine and automotive spheres. Its active ingredient is sulfamic acid, which excels at dissolving salt and mineral deposits. It is especially praised for its ability to flush salt from engine cooling systems and clean the exterior hulls of boats. Typically sold as a concentrate in gallon-sized bottles, Salt Away is meant to be diluted and applied using a proprietary mixing device or spray system. Some users mention that its acidic nature can gradually affect wax coatings and protective finishes, and its dispenser units have a reputation for fragility and occasional leaks.

Major Distinctions Between Salts Gone and Salt Away

Feature Salt Away Salts Gone
Primary Application Removing salt & preventing corrosion Salt elimination with pH-neutral composition
Effectiveness Highly efficient at salt dissolution Effective, with added benefits of wax protection
pH Level Acidic (may strip wax) Neutral (safe for wax and coatings)
Cost Approximately $40 per gallon (makes over 100 gallons of solution) Approximately $60 per gallon (more expensive but preserves coatings)
Dispenser Durability Prone to leaks and breakage More robust and reliable
Ideal For Engine, trailer, heavy salt buildup Boat surfaces with wax or ceramic finishes

Assessing Effectiveness: Salt Removal Performance

Salts Gone

Many users commend Salts Gone for its ability to handle significant salt buildup, especially on boat engines and dark hulls. For example, a fisherman reported that after a lengthy fishing trip, a quick application of Salts Gone effectively eliminated salt deposits, leaving the surface spotless without any residue. Its chelation technology ensures that salt crystals are fully dissolved and rinsed away, reducing risks of corrosion and buildup. It’s also effective on trailers, fishing reels, and vehicle undercarriages, where salt tends to accumulate in hard-to-access areas. Automotive enthusiasts note that when used with a foam cannon or lift, it can effectively remove road salt and brine, restoring vehicles’ appearances.

Salt Away

The sulfamic acid-based formula of Salt Away is praised for its capacity to dissolve stubborn salt and mineral deposits. Many users report successful flushing of engine cooling systems, with some describing running Salt Away through their outboard or inboard engines until the solution clears. It’s also effective on hulls, trailers, and tow vehicles, especially when used regularly. While some argue that plain water rinsing can achieve similar results over time, Salt Away’s quick-acting formula accelerates the removal process and handles stubborn deposits with greater efficiency.

Comparison: Both products deliver excellent salt removal, yet their mechanisms differ. Salts Gone’s chelation process offers a gentler approach suitable for frequent use and delicate surfaces, whereas Salt Away’s acidic composition provides a more aggressive cleaning, ideal for severe salt accumulation. For engine and internal component cleaning, Salt Away’s proven track record gives it a slight advantage. Conversely, for exterior surfaces and equipment with protective coatings, Salts Gone’s gentle approach is preferable.

Impact on Protective Waxes and Coatings

Salts Gone

One of the key advantages of Salts Gone is its pH-neutral formulation, which does not compromise wax, ceramic coatings, or lubricants. This characteristic is highly valued by boaters who invest in maintaining the appearance and longevity of their vessels through protective coatings. Many users note that after multiple applications, water continues to bead on their hulls, indicating that the wax remains intact and effective. For those who reapply wax or ceramic coatings periodically, Salts Gone ensures that their protective layers stay undisturbed, reducing the need for frequent re-waxing or re-coating.

Salt Away

Due to its acidic nature (pH around 2-2.2), Salt Away can gradually strip away wax and protective finishes, especially if used frequently. Some boaters and vehicle owners report diminishing water beading and gloss over time, necessitating re-waxing or re-coating more often. However, with strategic use—such as reapplying wax twice annually—users can mitigate this effect. For engines and non-coated components, the impact is minimal. Nevertheless, for hulls and polished surfaces, caution is advisable to retain the original protection.

Comparison: Salts Gone excels at preserving wax and coatings, making it the preferred choice for maintaining the aesthetic and protective integrity of boat surfaces and coated vehicles. Salt Away, while highly effective at cleaning, may require more frequent reapplication of protective layers to maintain appearance and protection.

Usability and Dispenser Reliability

Salts Gone

Application of Salts Gone is straightforward, offering options such as hose-end sprayers, foam cannons, or manual spray bottles. The included adjustable nozzle allows users to control spray intensity and dilution ratios, facilitating efficient coverage. However, some users have experienced issues with the durability of dispensers, citing leaks or breakage over extended use. One user switched to alternative products due to dispenser failures but still appreciated the product’s versatility and ease of application.

Salt Away

Salt Away’s proprietary mixing unit simplifies dilution, attaching directly to hoses for convenient application. Nevertheless, this dispenser has a reputation for fragility, with users reporting that it can break or leak after prolonged use. Some have resorted to alternative methods, such as inline fertilizer feeders, to achieve more reliable application. For engine flushing, ensuring complete circulation of the solution is crucial, and the dispenser’s reliability can impact the process’s efficiency.

Comparison: Both products face challenges with dispenser durability. Salts Gone’s adjustable nozzle provides more application flexibility, giving it a slight edge in usability. However, neither system is entirely foolproof, and replacement of dispensers may be necessary over time.

Pricing and Overall Value

Salts Gone

The retail price for a gallon of Salts Gone typically ranges from $60 to $80. Despite the higher initial investment, its high concentration means a single gallon can produce over 100 gallons of usable solution when properly diluted, making it cost-effective for frequent users. A quart-sized bottle with a sprayer is priced around $20 to $30, offering an affordable way to try the product or for small applications. The premium cost is justified by its ability to preserve coatings and its gentle yet effective cleaning power, reducing long-term maintenance expenses.

Salt Away

Salt Away is generally priced between $40 and $50 per gallon, making it a more budget-friendly option. Like Salts Gone, it is highly concentrated, yielding up to 100 gallons of solution when diluted. However, the cost of replacing faulty dispensers (typically $15 to $25) can add to the overall expense over time. Some users find that Salt Away offers excellent value, especially for engine flushing and severe salt deposit removal, due to its affordability and effectiveness.

Feature Salts Gone Salt Away
Price for 1 Gallon $60–$80 $40–$50
Cost per Quart $20–$30 (with sprayer) $15–$20
Solution Yield Up to 100 gallons Up to 100 gallons
Active Ingredient Chelation-based (proprietary) Sulfamic acid
pH Level Neutral Acidic (pH 2-2.2)
Dispenser Replacement Cost $10–$20 $15–$25
Best For Protecting coatings, frequent use Engine flushing, heavy salt deposits

Applications Beyond Marine Environments

Salts Gone

While primarily designed for marine use, Salts Gone has proven highly effective for automotive applications, especially in regions with salted winter roads. It easily removes salt and brine from vehicle undercarriages, wheels, and painted surfaces. Users report that applying it with a foam cannon results in a clean, streak-free finish. Its pH-neutral chemistry ensures that it does not compromise wax or sealants, making it suitable for routine maintenance of cars and trucks after exposure to winter conditions.

Salt Away

Salt Away is also employed on vehicles, particularly trailers and tow vehicles subjected to saltwater exposure. Its efficacy in dissolving road salt is well-regarded, but caution is advised to prevent streaking or damage to waxed surfaces. Users typically follow up with a high-pressure rinse after application. However, due to its acidity, it should be used judiciously on painted or coated surfaces to avoid stripping protective layers.

Comparison: Salts Gone’s gentle, coating-safe formula makes it more suitable for regular automotive maintenance, whereas Salt Away’s aggressive cleaning power is better suited for heavy-duty cleaning of engines and salt-laden surfaces, provided that proper rinsing and re-coating are performed afterward.

User Feedback and Community Insights

  • Salts Gone: Users praise its ease of use and its ability to preserve wax and ceramic coatings. Many have switched from Salt Away due to dispenser issues or concerns about coating degradation. Boaters find it excellent for removing salt from rods and reels, and some purchase in large quantities for frequent use. Its higher price is seen as a worthwhile investment for long-term protection.
  • Salt Away: It maintains a loyal following among boaters, especially in saltwater-heavy regions like Hawaii. Its effectiveness and affordability are appreciated, but the dispenser’s fragility is a common complaint. Some users note that with thorough rinsing, plain water can suffice, although Salt Away speeds up the process considerably.
  • Alternatives: Other products like Salty Captain and BluThru are also mentioned, with the former praised for its durable dispenser and coconut oil-based finish, and the latter noted for its versatility. Star Brite’s Salt Off, rumored to be identical to Salt Away, offers a cheaper alternative but may dilute faster under certain conditions.

Scientific Evaluation: Do These Products Truly Work?

While some skeptics argue that salt’s water-soluble nature makes special products unnecessary, real-world conditions tell a different story. Dried salt crystals and high mineral content in coastal tap water hinder simple rinsing. Salts Gone’s chelation process binds to sodium and chloride ions, breaking ionic bonds and facilitating removal. Salt Away’s sulfamic acid lowers surface tension and dissolves salt deposits efficiently. The inclusion of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) in Salt Away is debated; although unlikely to bond strongly with surfaces, it may reduce water surface tension, aiding rinsing. Salts Gone’s neutral pH ensures safe, long-term use without chemical degradation of surfaces or coatings.

Key Strategies for Effective Salt and Corrosion Control

  1. Using Salts Gone:
    • Dilute as per the label, typically 1:100 for general cleaning.
    • Apply via hose-end sprayer or foam cannon for uniform coverage.
    • Allow 1-2 minutes for heavy salt deposits to dissolve before rinsing thoroughly.
    • Store in a dry, indoor environment, especially in cold climates to prevent freezing.
  2. Using Salt Away:
    • Use the proprietary mixing unit for accurate dilution (1:100 is standard).
    • Run through engines until the solution runs clear, then let sit briefly before shutting down.
    • Rinse meticulously on waxed surfaces to avoid streaking or residue.
    • Consider using inline fertilizer feeders for more consistent application on large areas or engines.
  3. General Maintenance Tips:
    • Pre-rinse with fresh water to remove loose salt and debris.
    • Apply salt removal products immediately after saltwater exposure or winter road conditions.
    • Reapply wax or ceramic coatings annually or biannually in harsh environments to maintain protective barriers.

Final Thoughts: Which Product Reigns Supreme?

  • Opt for Salts Gone if your priority is protecting your coatings, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your boat or vehicle, and utilizing a gentle, pH-neutral formula. Its ability to preserve wax and ceramic finishes makes it ideal for frequent, safe use.
  • Choose Salt Away if you require a cost-effective, heavy-duty solution for engine flushing or severe salt deposits. Its potent acidic formulation provides rapid and thorough cleaning but requires more attention to avoid coating degradation.

Both products surpass plain water and soap in salt removal efficacy, especially in hard-to-reach areas or dried deposits. Regular application of either, combined with diligent maintenance, significantly extends the lifespan and appearance of your vessels and vehicles, shielding them from corrosion and deterioration.

Conclusion

While Salts Gone offers a slightly superior option for its coating-safe, versatile, and gentle cleaning capabilities, Salt Away remains a formidable choice for heavy-duty applications and engine flushing at a more accessible price point. Testing both in your specific environment will help determine the best fit for your needs. Consistent use and proper maintenance will ensure your investments stay protected and looking their best for years to come.

Enjoy your boating adventures and vehicle maintenance with confidence!

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