When iron, oxygen and moisture combine, rust can form on metal. It is best to get rid of rust immediately. Rust can cause metal to corrode and pit if it remains on the surface for too long. Acids found in household items like vinegar, lemon juice, potatoes and other ingredients can eliminate rust from metal.
These are the steps you need to follow to remove rust from your metal.
Surface rust can be prevented by properly caring for tools and equipment. Oil garden tools before storing, wash kitchen knives by hand instead of putting them in the dishwasher, and keep your belongings protected from the elements.
Safety Considerations
Metal objects may appear black after they have been soaked in vinegar or lemon juice. However, after being rinsed in warm water, they will return to their original colors. Be careful when cleaning antiques and other valuable items. Test your rust remover in a small area first.
It is a good idea not to give children or pets rust-removal agents like vinegar, borax, baking soda. These natural ingredients may be less harsh than store-bought rust removal products, but they can still pose risks if not used correctly.
What You'll Need
Tools / Equipment
Plastic or large old glass
Spray bottle (optional).
Microfiber cloths
Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush
Plastic tarp
Sponge
Knife
Measurement spoons
Small bowl
Materials
1 Distilled white wine vinegar
1 Borax
1 lemon juice
1 Salt
1 Baking soda
1 White potato
How To Remove Rust with Vinegar ?
1. Cover Object In Vinegar
Undiluted white vinegar can be used to submerge the rusted object. You can spray the object with vinegar if it is too large.
2. Soak
Let the object soak in vinegar for 30 minutes. A longer soak may be required if you have a lot of corrosion. Start with just a few hours if that is the case. Next, monitor your progress.
3. Scrub Surface Rust
Take your object out from the vinegar bath and scrub it with a brush. This can be done with an old toothbrush or nailbrush.
4. Rinse And Dry
Rinse the object and dry it with soft, clean towels.
If there is any rust, repeat the process.
How To Remove Rust With Lemon Juice ?
1. Paste
Make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda or borax with one cup of lemon juice in small bowl. The paste should be spreadable, but not too thick. It is possible to adjust the amounts of some ingredients.
2. Use The Paste
Apply the paste to the rust using a sponge. Let it rest for at least 30 min. To hydrate the paste, spray it with some water if it starts to dry. Mix more paste if there is a lot of rust.
3. Clean Up The Rusty Area
To remove rusty metal, use a brush. Scrubbing will lift the rust off the surface. Repeat the process if any rust remains.
4. Rinse And Dry
Before you use or return the item to storage, rinse it well.
How To Remove Rust With Baking Soda ?
Oxalic acid is a common component in commercial rust removal products. Potatoes are rich in it. It can be combined with a mild abrasive to make a natural rust remover.
1. Make The Potato
Cut the potato in half and sprinkle salt or baking soda on the cut side.
2. Put The Potato On Rust
The rusted areas can be cleaned by rubbing the potato’s cut side. To scrub the rusty areas, add more salt or baking soda.
Tip
Put your knives in a potato to soak up any rust. The rust should be gone as soon as you take the knives out from the potato.
3. Rinse, Dry
Rinse the object thoroughly with water, and then dry it completely. Try another method to remove rust stains.