How to Clean Diamond Plate Toolboxes

Diamond plate toolboxes can have a variety of patterns.

Diamond plate toolboxes store your tools like any other toolbox, but they have an interesting design on the outside. All along the exterior of the toolbox, you will find protrusions in the metal that give the diamond plate toolbox its name. While the texture creates a pleasing image, the protrusions on the toolbox create a trap for dust and grime. If you want your diamond plate toolbox to continue shining, you must clean it properly and frequently.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Sponge
• Detergent
• Towel
• Rust remover

Instructions

1. Dust off the surface of the toolbox using a sturdy rag. Just remove the loose particles; it is all right if rust and other grime does not come off with the first pass.

2. Wash down the outside of the toolbox using a sponge dipped in warm water and a mild detergent. Test out the detergent on a small section of the box first, though, to ensure it will not strip away any of the color or protective coating of the diamond plate toolbox. Put your weight into the scrubbing when you clean out the areas between each bump on the box.

3. Dry the box with an absorbent towel. Any lingering moisture can result in the accumulation of rust. Drying the toolbox after cleaning can help minimize that risk.

4. Apply rust remover to any section of the toolbox that needs it. Let the rust remover set for the recommended amount of time listed on its container before you wipe it away. The bumps on the box may cause the rust remover to dry at an unexpected rate in some places, so you may need to apply it again if some of the rust remains after the cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the type of metal used to make your toolbox, you can apply a polish to keep it looking shiny and new.