How To Remove Rust Using Items You Already Have at Home
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Rust is the result of oxidation and can form on household objects such as tools, knives, and other cookware. This type of corrosion is irritating and unsightly and can limit the utility of your kitchen utensils. Removing rust from metal is a project you can tackle with do-it-yourself (DIY) methods. Read our guide below for the tools you need for rust removal and which DIY rust removal methods work best—before you resort to chemical rust removers.
Tools and Materials Needed for Rust Removal
The rust removal method you use dictates which tools you need. The following are items you can gather for your rust removal project:
- Baking soda: Baking soda is one of the most powerful household cleaners and is a common ingredient in many DIY rust removal solutions.
- Brush: Use a toothbrush or a stiff-bristled brush to remove tough rust and corrosion. Depending on the surface you’re trying to clean, you can also use steel wool.
- Dishcloth: Use a clean, dry dishcloth to clean rust from metal. Have several dishcloths nearby in case one gets too dirty to use.
- Lemon juice: The acidity of lemon juice fights corrosion and rust.
- Soap: Dish soap and a little elbow grease can help prepare different metals for more intensive cleaning treatments.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is a powerful rust-removal agent. It works best on stainless steel and metal objects.
- Warm water: A bowl of warm water is a valuable addition to your arsenal of rust-removal tools.
You can find some of these tools and ingredients at your local hardware store or home goods store if you don’t have them already. Most grocery stores have lemon juice and baking soda.
Vinegar Method for Rust Removal
White vinegar works miracles on items that have rust stains. Here’s how to clean a rusted item using vinegar:
- Pour vinegar into a bowl: Fill a large bowl with distilled white vinegar. If you’re cleaning a small item, you can place it directly into the vinegar bottle.
- Submerge the item: Make sure the item is completely steeped in vinegar.
- Cure and clean: Depending on the severity of the corrosion, allow the item to sit in white vinegar for up to several hours. Large objects or objects with heavily rusted areas may need to sit overnight. Once the item has cured, scrub away the rust with a brush until the rust is gone.
If some rust remains, repeat this process. You may need to cure items such as cast iron pans, kitchen knives, or metal tools several times to successfully remove all the rust.
Lemon Juice Method for Rust Removal
The acidity of lemon can fight tough corrosion and rust. Follow the steps below to clean rust with lemon juice:
- Squeeze lemon juice: Slice two or three large lemons, and squeeze the juice directly over the rusted areas. Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but it may not be as effective as fresh juice.
- Scrub the rusted areas: Let the juice sit for about two hours. Use a toothbrush or scouring pad to clean the affected items.
- Repeat as necessary: Depending on the severity of the corrosion, you may need to repeat rust-cleaning treatments several times.
Rinse and dry the items once you’ve removed all the rust. The lemon juice method works well for metal surfaces and household items.
Baking Soda Method for Rust Removal
Baking soda can be an effective cleaner for small tools or items such as rusty kitchen knives. Standard baking soda from any grocery store will work for this method.
- Mix a paste: Prepare a small paste of baking soda and warm water. The mixture should be thick and similar to putty. Spread the paste all over the affected metal with your fingers or a clean toothbrush.
- Let the paste cure: Allow the paste to sit for at least an hour. This will give it time to penetrate the metal.
- Scrub away the rust: Clean the rust off the affected object with a scouring pad, a toothbrush, or a bristled wire brush.
Thoroughly rinse away the rust, and pat the item dry with a dishcloth.
Our Conclusion
Rust can damage valuable household items and render tools such as knives completely useless. If you notice rust starting to form on a metal object, consider using a DIY method to clean it. Lemon juice cleaner, baking soda paste, and white vinegar are powerful solutions that can help you restore your cookware. Use a toothbrush to remove stubborn rust from small objects, and use a large steel wool pad or sandpaper to remove rust from large objects.
FAQ About Removing Rust
What causes rust?
Rust forms when metal items come into contact with water and oxygen and then sit. This corrosion can spread quickly.
How can I prevent rust in the first place?
You can prevent rust in the first place by regularly cleaning metal objects that can corrode. You should allow metal items to dry completely before storing them to help keep them rust-free.
What is the best homemade rust remover?
The best homemade rust removers are lemon juice and a composite of baking soda and water.
What is the easiest way to remove rust quickly?
The easiest way to remove rust quickly is to make a DIY cleaner at home or purchase a commercial rust remover from the store. Both options will help you clean your metal items.
Can I remove rust from any surface?
You can remove rust from almost any rusty metal surface as long as the corrosion isn’t too extensive. Some objects might require repeat treatment.
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