Remove rust from metal quickly and easily with WD-40 (2024)

FAQs

How long should you let WD-40 sit to remove rust? ›

WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.

To remove light rust, leave parts in the solution for 1-3 hours. To remove heavy rust, leave parts in the rust removal solution overnight.

WD-40 is designed to loosen the bonds between rust and the metal surface it has adhered to by penetrating the porous layer of rust and using its lubricating properties to loosen it. To remove surface rust, simply spray it on the rusted surface, leave it for around ten minutes and let it get to work on the surface rust.

Vinegar and Baking Powder:

Baking powder can work wonders with rust. It makes an effective paste mixed with vinegar. Rub the paste onto the rust spots and leave to work for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

If you're trying to loosen unbudgeable nuts, bolts, and screws, don't expect instant results. You'll need to wait about 15 minutes after applying WD-40 for it to do its thing. For only slightly stuck stuff, it'll take three to five minutes.

Use WD-40 and a hammer on rusted nuts and bolts

Remove as much rust as you can with a metal brush or a normal brush. Wrap a thread around the bolt and spray some WD-40 on it until it is completely saturated. Let it sit for 30 minutes. You can try unscrewing the bolt by striking the rusty with a hammer.

To tackle items with significant corrosion, submerge your rusty tools or knives in a bowl of white vinegar and let them sit overnight or as long as 24 hours. Once they have had a good soak, remove them from the vinegar and scrub the rust off with steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush.

Steel Brush Wheel or Aluminium Foil

An effective method of rust removal is by using steel and aluminium as an abrasive. Aluminium Foil - Tear off a small piece of aluminum foil, dip it in water or vinegar and rub over the rusted parts. Use a Steel Brush wheel or a Steel Wire Pen Brush in a rotary tool such as a Dremel.

WD-40 Specialist_® Rust Remover Soak quickly dissolves rust from metal and restores surfaces to bare metal without scraping, chipping or scrubbing. This product will allow you remove rust from multiple tools and parts all at once.

For metal surface areas that may be susceptible to rust, try WD-40 Specialist Gel Lube. It protects against rust and surface corrosion up to 6X longer than the competition* on horizontal, vertical, and inverted surfaces with a thick, no-drip formula.

WD-40 Specialis high performance rust remover quickly separates rusted and corroded parts. Due to its high capillary action, it penetrates even the smallest crevices and breaks through the jamming of tightly eaten connections. In addition, it protects against further corrosion and rust.

How long to wait for rust remover? ›

Rust dissolves on aluminum, chrome and new galvanized metal in 3-5 minutes. Porcelain, tile, fiberglass and glass surfaces make take 5 minutes or longer. Allow Rust Dissolver to work for 15-30 minutes on iron, steel, unbroken galvanized and galvanized surfaces where rust is showing at the surface.

The vinegar-and-salt mixture needs time to break down the rust. This can take anywhere from one to three days. Check the tool periodically to see if the rust has softened. Once the rust has softened, use a metal brush or steel wool to scrub off the surface.