How should corrosion be removed from magnesium parts?

Corrosion removal from magnesium parts requires careful consideration of the material's properties. Magnesium is a lightweight metal that can be quite reactive, especially in the presence of moisture and certain cleaning agents. Using a stiff, nonmetallic brush is the appropriate choice because it can effectively remove surface corrosion without damaging the underlying metal. Stiff bristles can help dislodge corrosion that may have adhered tightly while ensuring that no metal particles from a brush would embed themselves into the magnesium, which could lead to further corrosion issues.

In contrast, using a steel brush may introduce metal particles and could scratch the surface, compromising the integrity of the magnesium. A soft cloth would likely be insufficient for removing more stubborn corrosion and could push contaminants around rather than lifting them off. While a spray cleaner could be useful for cleaning surfaces, it may not be effective alone in removing the corrosion that physically adheres to the magnesium, and certain chemicals could react adversely with magnesium if they are not specifically formulated for its use. Thus, the stiff, nonmetallic brush stands out as the safest and most effective method for this task.