Careful cleaning of the packaged goods is essential if the corrosion protection methods are in any way to be successful. If all particles of dirt and dust and any acid and salt residues are not completely removed from the surfaces and the packaged item completely dried, in the protective coating method, for example, corrosion may occur under the protective coating.

Solvents or special cleaners which have frequently been developed for specific types of contamination are generally used for cleaning. A large number of industrial cleaning products are available for this purpose, and care must be taken to ensure that the cleaning product selected has no corrosive effect. After cleaning has been completed, the item must be completely dried and steps must be taken to ensure that no further contamination, such as fingermarks can arise.