The invention relates to a method for preparing workpieces suitable for phosphatizing for chipless cold forming by acid pickling, rinsing, drying and treatment with acid reaction lubricants containing phosphate ions. According to said method the workpieces are rinsed before drying with a solution which contains lactic acid, has a pH below 3 and preferably a temperature of between 60 and 80° C. Preferred embodiments of the invention consist of rinsing the workpieces with a solution which in addition contains phosphoric acid, has a lactic acid concentration of between 1 and 50 g/l and a weight ratio of lactic acid to phosphoric acid of between 1:9 and 9:1.