20 Steps to Removing Rust Effectively

Baking soda is a pantry staple that also happens to be great for removing rust from metals. To use baking soda as a rust remover, dampen the rusty metal then sprinkle liberally with baking soda. The baking soda will stick to the moist areas, breaking down the rust. Clean the metal with a scourer after an hour or so to reveal your sparkling rust-free metal.

Another common kitchen item that doubles up as an effective rust remover is white vinegar. Find a container big enough to submerge your rusty metal objects and fill it with white vinegar to make a vinegar bath. Clean your metal items to remove dirt and debris, then place them into the vinegar bath. To improve the rust removing effects, add salt to the vinegar bath, too. Leave the metal to soak for at least twelve hours before scrubbing off any remaining rust. To neutralize the acidity of the vinegar left on the metal, submerge again in the container filled with water and baking soda.

After removing rust with a vinegar bath, protect your items from future corrosion by applying a coat of Rust Protection Lubricant Spray.

The humble potato is the next suggestion for removing stubborn rust from your metal items. The presence of oxalic acid in the potato flesh works to break down rust. Simply halve your potato and sprinkle salt onto the exposed surface to create a rough texture. Rub this onto the rust-affected areas for a quick and easy way to restore your clean metal items.

Once you've treated rust spots with potato and dish soap, apply Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver Gel for a deeper clean that effectively eradicates stubborn rust.

Another form of acid that works to break down rust is citric acid. Instead of taking the raw citrus fruit, use citric acid powder. Clean off your rusty metal items before filling a container with water and citric acid powder. Bubbles will start forming around the submerged metal as the acid does its job. This method takes about four hours to work and produces even better results if the metal is scrubbed vigorously while in the mixture.

Citric acid is effective in powder form, but it can also be used in its original state as lemon juice. Mixing lemon with salt amplifies lemon's rust-removing effect. Using a small container, mix together equal parts lemon juice and coarse salt. The citric acid from the lemon juice works to break down the rust while the salt acts as an abrasive as you scrub. Take a small scourer or rough cleaning pad, dip into the mixture, and use to clean away the rust from your metal items.

Of course, preventing rust in the first place is better than trying to remove the rust at a later date. To prevent rust from forming, keep metal items dry. It is the oxygen in water that contributes to the formation of iron oxide, which we know as rust. Any damage to the surface of the metal or dirt on its surface can attract and hold moisture, so look after your metals carefully. Return to your metal items frequently to check their condition, cleaning off any areas of rust as you find them.

To keep your metal surfaces pristine and rust-free after initial treatment, use the CLR Cleaner Kit to effectively reduce oxidation.

Some people prefer to use a stronger method of rust removal and opt for chemical treatments to clean their metals. The active ingredients in a chemical solution are either hydrochloric acid or phosphorous acid. Due to the hazardous nature of these substances, it is advisable to wear full protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing.

The reason metals rust in the first place is down to a chemical reaction called oxidation. This reaction occurs when the oxygen from water molecules come into contact with iron particles. The resulting substance is called iron oxide and takes on a flaky, red appearance that we recognize as rust. The longer rust is left untreated, the more it will spread, weakening and destroying the metal it originated from.

One way to avoid the problem of rusting metals is to use alternative materials that do not rust at all., such as aluminum. This option is hard to beat as a low-maintenance choice. The choice of aluminum over metals that can rust means a longer lifespan. This metal is also lightweight and incredibly strong.

One popular use for aluminum is for outdoor furniture. It is durable enough to withstand the elements, but at the end of the season, or when bad weather means you want to relocate it to a more protected area, it is lightweight enough to make moving it an easy task.

Stainless steel is a tough, heat- and fire-resistant, and corrosion-proof metal. It forms a thin protective layer on the surface as it ages, protecting it from rust. It is also an excellent choice from a sustainability standpoint, as it is 100 percent recyclable.

Stainless steel is commonly used in kitchenware, such as cutlery, utensils, and cookware. While it is common to see stainless steel in regular use around the house, the material is also widely used in industrial settings, including the construction, aerospace, and automotive industries.

Galvanized steel is carbon steel that is coated with zinc. This top layer creates a barrier to prevent water and oxygen from coming into contact with the steel. With its long lifespan, minimal upkeep, and recyclability, it is an excellent choice for sustainable projects.

Galvanized steel is also less expensive than many options for rust-proof materials.  This combination of qualities makes it a popular choice for hardware such as nails and screws, hardworking outdoor equipment such as bus stop benches and ladders, and outdoor pipes.

Copper does an excellent job of conducting heat and electricity, which explains its popularity in electronics, home heating and cooling systems, automobile radiators, and for electrical wiring.

Copper is also widely used in outdoor accessories, such as rain chains, gutters, and decorative items. Completely rust-resistant, it instead develops a green coating, called a patina, which acts as further protection against corrosion. Many people find the appearance of the patina attractive and select copper specifically for this look.

Both brass and bronze are alloys of other metals. Brass is a combination of zinc and copper, and bronze is a combination of copper and tin. Neither contains any iron, so they will not rust.

Brass is a common choice for hinges, locked, gears, and plumbing, thanks to its durability, low friction, and resistance to corrosion. Bronze is widely used in the industrial setting for bearings and bushings because it is also low-friction. It's also a common component in musical instruments and nautical equipment, where its resistance to corrosion and metal fatigue come in handy.

Removing rust while it is still on the surface level will prevent holes from developing in your vehicle. Wipe the affected area to remove dirt so you can clearly see the perimeter of the rusted-out spot. Use coarse grit sandpaper to work through the paint and corrosion. Larger, deeper spots may require you to go over the area with a wire brush first.

When clean, bright metal is visible, begin to work around the edges. You only need to go over this area lightly, roughing up the existing paint so the touch-up paint will adhere. Next, apply a rust inhibitor, following the directions on the product. This will protect against any missed spots of iron oxide lurking on the surface.

Once the rust inhibitor cures, you are ready to touch up the area if it is on the body of the car. If the work was on the undercarriage, you're already done!

Cola is not only a tasty beverage, but it also effectively combats rust. The fizzy drink contains phosphoric acid, which works to break down rust. The phosphoric acid is found in much smaller quantities than in a chemical treatment solution to make it safe for us to drink. This lower quantity also means that it works more slowly than strong chemicals, and you will need to leave your rusty items submerged in cola for 24 hours or so to work well. If your item is too large to be submerged, dipping a rag, or even tin foil, into cola then rubbing the affected area can also be effective in removing spots of rust on larger items.

When it comes to rust removal, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Take aluminum foil and white vinegar, for instance. The vinegar's acidity breaks down rust, while the foil, acting as a mild abrasive, scrub it away. To use this method, dip a piece of foil into white vinegar and gently scrub the rusted area. It's especially effective for smaller rust spots, offering a quick and eco-friendly solution. Plus, these are items you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a convenient choice for unexpected rust issues.

Nature often provides us with the best solutions. The combination of lime rind and salt is a testament to this. To tackle rust, sprinkle salt over the affected area and squeeze lime over it. Let it sit for a few hours. The salt acts as an abrasive, while the lime's citric acid breaks down the rust. Afterward, use the lime rind to scrub away the remnants. This method is not only effective but also environmentally friendly, ensuring that you're not introducing any harmful chemicals into your surroundings.

In the world of rust removal, rust converters are game-changers. Instead of merely removing rust, they transform it into a stable compound, halting further rusting in its tracks. It's an innovative approach, especially for items that are heavily rusted. By applying the converter as per the manufacturer's instructions, you're not just treating the symptom (rust) but addressing the underlying issue. It's a modern solution for an age-old problem, ensuring that your metal items remain pristine for longer.

Rust on tools can be particularly stubborn. Enter diesel – a powerful agent in the fight against rust. By soaking rusted tools in diesel, you're giving them a rejuvenating bath. The diesel acts as a lubricant, breaking down the rust and making it easier to scrub off. Leave your tools in a diesel bath for a few hours, then scrub away the rust. It's a method that's been used for years, especially by professionals who rely on their tools daily. Remember to handle diesel with care, using gloves, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Friend While homemade solutions have their charm, sometimes you need the strength of commercial rust removal products. Brands like Bar Keepers Friend have been trusted for years, offering powerful rust removal capabilities. These products are formulated with specific ingredients designed to tackle even the most stubborn rust. They're especially useful for items with significant rusting. When using commercial products, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness. It's a reliable solution when you need guaranteed results.