Removing White Rust on Hot Dipped Galvanized Pipe

The question is: Should you?

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/13511#comment134433

White rust (zinc bloom) is also called wet storage staining. It consists primarily of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, and zinc carbonate. It's a surface condition that does not affect the integrity of the galvanized coating. The probable cause is stacking or storing under humid conditions or in humid or wet areas (including packing in unseasoned wood crates) or in similar conditions in which the pipe, in this case, can become wet with retarded evaporation.

On a carbon steel pipe, it can be removed mechanically by wiping or with fine steel wool, if desired, but it's only a cosmetic issue.

It can be prevented by shipping and storing in dry, well-ventilated conditions with galvanized articles separated by spacers. Dry before packing. Passivating by quench chromating or other chemical treatments can also prevent formation of white rust.