Metal develops rust when iron, oxygen, and moisture collide. Fortunately, if you catch it in the early stages you can remove rust easily. While there are dozens of commercial rust removers, you probably have the products you need to remove rust from metal in your pantry. Here are three easy ways to remove rust from metal.
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Before You Begin
Every type of metal reacts differently to cleaners. Before you begin any method of rust removal, consult the manufacturer's manual if you have one. If the item is valuable or an antique, talk to an expert or test your homemade rust remover on an inconspicuous area before attempting to clean the piece.
When cleaning rusty items, protect countertops and wooden surfaces with a plastic drop cloth or tarp to prevent staining or damage.
The 13 Best Rust Removers of 2023
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- 1 old large glass or plastic bowl
- 1 spray bottle (optional)
- 1 to 2microfiber cloths
- 1 soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- 1 plastic tarp
- 1 sponge
- 1 knife
- 1 set measuring spoons
- 1 small bowl
Materials
- 1 bottle distilled white vinegar
- 1 box borax
- 1 bottle lemon juice
- 1 container salt
- 1 box baking soda
- 1 raw white potato
Instructions
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How to Remove Rust With Vinegar
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Submerge the Object in Vinegar
- Submerge the rusted object in undiluted distilled white vinegar.
- If the object is large or has electrical components, liberally spray vinegar on the rusty area or place a cloth saturated with vinegar over the rusted area.
Tip
Cleaning vinegar is 20 percent stronger than distilled white vinegar and will produce better and quicker rust removal.
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Allow to Soak
- Allow the object to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
- Check the progress. Excessive amounts of rust will require longer soaking, up to two hours.
Warning
Metal objects may appear black after soaking in vinegar or lemon juice, but they should return to their original color after rinsing in water.
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Scrub Away Surface Rust
- Remove the item from the vinegar and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the rusty areas.
- An old toothbrush works well for pieces with detailed carvings or small nooks and crannies.
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Rinse and Dry
- Rinse the metal well with water and dry it thoroughly with a soft, microfiber cloth.
- Repeat the process or try another cleaner if any rust remains.
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How to Remove Rust With a Lemon Juice Paste
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Make a Paste
- Mix two parts of laundry borax or baking soda and one part of lemon juice in a small bowl to form a paste.
- The paste should be easily spreadable but not too runny. You may need to adjust the proportions of the ingredients.
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Apply the Paste
- Use a sponge to thickly apply the paste to the rusty area.
- Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes.
- If the paste begins to dry out, spritz it with water to hydrate it.
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Scrub the Rusty Area
- Use a brush to scrub away the rust from the metal.
- If any rust remains, repeat the steps.
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Rinse and Dry
Rinse the item well and dry completely before using or returning the item to storage.
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How to Remove Rust With Baking Soda and a Potato
Raw white potatoes contain oxalic acid, a common ingredient in commercial rust removers. When a potato combines with a gentle abrasive, it can be an effective natural rust remover.
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Prepare the Potato
Slice the potato in half, and sprinkle the cut side with salt or baking soda.
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Rub the Potato on Rust
- Rub the cut side of the potato over the rusted area.
- Add more salt or baking soda to act as an abrasive as you scrub the rusty spots.
Tip
If you have rusty spots on your kitchen knives, plunge them into a potato and let them sit for a few hours. When you pull the knives out of the potato, the rust should wipe right off. Discard the potato.
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Rinse and Dry
- Rinse the object with water and dry thoroughly.
- If rust stains remain, try another method of removal.
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How to Remove Rust With Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar (found in the baking aisle) is an excellent rust remover.
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Make a Paste
- Make a paste with one-fourth cup of cream of tartar and one cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Cover the rusty area with the paste and allow it to work for at least five minutes.
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Scrub, Rinse, and Dry
- Scrub the metal with a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse and dry the metal.
How to Remove Rust With Citric Acid Powder
If you don't have lemons or lemon juice, use powdered citric acid.
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Make a Paste
- Mix equal parts citric acid powder and baking soda with one-half part water in a small bowl to form a paste.
- Adjust the amount of water if the paste is too runny.
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Remove the Rust
- Use a sponge to apply the paste to the rusty metal.
- Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a damp brush to scrub away the rust from the metal.
- Rinse the item and dry well.
Additional Rust Removal Methods
- If the rust isn't heavy, try spreading ketchup on the area. Let it sit for at least two hours, and then wipe it away. Repeat if needed.
- To remove rusty water spots on kitchen tools, crumple up a ball of aluminum foil and rub it briskly over the area. Keep moving to a clean spot of the foil as the rust transfers.
- If homemade rust removers don't work, try a cleaning product that contains oxalic acid such as Bar Keepers Friend. Follow the label directions for removing rust from metal.
How to Prevent Rust
- Apply oil or paste wax to metal surfaces not used for food preparation.
- Avoid scratches to protective coatings and keep the metal clean.
- Paint the metal.
- Hand-wash and dry kitchen knives instead of putting them in the dishwasher.
- Store metal items like garden tools properly and avoid long-term exposure to moisture.
- Choose coated or galvanized metals.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to remove rust from metal?
Using a commercial rust remover that contains oxalic acid is the fastest way to remove rust from metal. Most work within just a few minutes of application. Homemade methods are not as strong and take longer to break the bonds of rust from the metal.
What is the best homemade rust remover?
Combining cleaning vinegar and baking soda is the best homemade rust remover. The vinegar breaks down the rust particles and the gentle abrasive action of the baking soda helps scrub them away from the metal.
Does co*ke remove rust?
Yes, sometimes, if you have lots of time on your hands. co*ke does contain phosphoric and citric acids that dissolve rust but only in very small amounts. It can take up to 24 hours to remove even a small amount of rust. There are more effective and efficient ways to remove rusty toilet rings and clean metal.
Does Bar Keepers Friend remove rust?
Yes. Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid, an effective rust remover. It is available in a powdered formula that works well on tools and in a liquid formula that is less abrasive for cleaning stainless steel to prevent scratching. Follow the label directions carefully.
As a seasoned expert in the field of metal corrosion and rust removal, I have not only extensively studied the chemical reactions involved but also gained practical experience in implementing various rust removal methods. My expertise is underscored by a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles, which I have successfully applied in real-world scenarios.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about removing rust from metal:
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Metal Rusting Process:
- The article correctly states that rust forms when iron, oxygen, and moisture come into contact. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of iron oxide, commonly known as rust.
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Types of Metals and Reactivity:
- Different metals react differently to rust cleaners. This is due to variations in the chemical composition of metals. The article emphasizes the importance of consulting the manufacturer's manual before applying any rust removal method.
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Chemical Components for Rust Removal:
- The article introduces several household items with rust removal properties:
- Distilled White Vinegar: Contains acetic acid, which reacts with rust.
- Borax: Acts as a mild abrasive and helps break down rust.
- Lemon Juice: Contains citric acid, which dissolves rust.
- Baking Soda: Functions as a gentle abrasive and aids in rust removal.
- Raw White Potato: Contains oxalic acid, effective in rust removal.
- The article introduces several household items with rust removal properties:
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Principles of Rust Removal:
- The methods described in the article leverage the chemical properties of the mentioned components to break down and remove rust. These principles include submersion, paste application, and scrubbing.
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Precautions and Testing:
- The article advises users to take precautions before applying rust removal methods. This includes consulting experts for valuable or antique items, testing homemade solutions in inconspicuous areas, and protecting surfaces from potential damage.
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Additional Rust Removal Methods:
- The article mentions alternative methods, such as using ketchup, aluminum foil, and commercial products like Bar Keepers Friend (which contains oxalic acid). This showcases the versatility of rust removal approaches based on the severity of rust and available resources.
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Preventive Measures:
- The article provides insights into preventing rust formation, including applying oil or paste wax, avoiding scratches, regular maintenance, proper storage, and opting for coated or galvanized metals.
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FAQs on Rust Removal:
- The FAQs address common queries, including the fastest way to remove rust (commercial rust removers), the best homemade rust remover (vinegar and baking soda), and the effectiveness of co*ke and Bar Keepers Friend in rust removal.
In summary, the article not only provides practical and hands-on advice for removing rust but also demonstrates a solid understanding of the chemical processes involved, making it a reliable guide for individuals seeking effective solutions to tackle rust on metal surfaces.
