How To Clean Rust Metal (Incl. Helpful Tips)

Rust

Table of Contents

Rust is the mortal enemy of your metal tools and appliances.

When rust covers the surface of your tools, they will be damaged.

You won’t be able to use them effectively.

Your tools will also look old and filthy.

Cleaning your metal furniture and tools regularly can prevent them from rusting.

When you clean them, you need to make sure that you dry them.

Storing your tools and items while they’re still wet can cause them to corrode.

Similarly, you should also keep them in a dry environment.

In case your tools, furniture, or appliance have rusted, don’t worry.

Even if the rust has been there for years, you can still remove them.

There are various techniques you can try to restore the like-new appearance of your tools.

How to Remove Rust With Vinegar

Year-old rust can easily lift out with vinegar.

White vinegar contains acetic acid.

This compound can dissolve stubborn rust and stains.

Vinegar can also provide stainless steel surfaces with a shiny exterior.

The two popular ways of using vinegar to clean rusty metal are by spraying or soaking.

Soaking is more common for rust-covered tools and hardware parts.

Spraying, on the other hand, applies to metal furniture and appliances.

Put undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle. This will allow you to simply spray the liquid to the rusty surface.
Spray the vinegar onto the rust-covered furniture or appliance.
Let the vinegar lift the rust. Leave it on the surface for about 20-30 minutes.
Wipe the surface with a damp towel to rinse the vinegar.
If there is stubborn rust left, apply vinegar and leave it longer.
After rinsing, dry the surface with a clean, dry cloth.

Put your rusty tools and parts in a basin.
Pour white vinegar and ensure that your tools are totally soaked in the liquid.
Leave them there for a few minutes. After which, you should be able to see that the rust has been lifted.
If there are remaining rust stains, scrub them with a brush or scouring pad.
Rinse your metal tools with warm water.
Finally, thoroughly dry your tools with a dry towel. Make sure that you store them in a dry place.

Another popular rust remover for metal is WD-40.

This product can penetrate into the rust and loosen them.

In just minutes of soaking the rust in WD-40, you’ll notice the difference.

The rust will have been removed from the surface.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how you can use WD-40 to remove rust.

Coat the rusty surface with WD-40. Simply spray the can to the surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, scrub the rusty surface with steel wool or a scouring pad. This should spread the WD-40 and rub away the rust.
Wipe the surface with a damp towel. Repeat the process if there are still leftover rust stains. You can also sand the rust to remove them.
Spray another coating of WD-40 as an anti-corrosion spray. This will slow down the rusting of your metal tools and furniture.

Most appliances and furniture nowadays are made of stainless steel.

Despite the name, this material is hardly ever stainless.

Water stains and dirt can easily cover the steel surfaces.

Also, while stainless steel is resistant to rust, it can still corrode.

In case you have a rusty stainless steel surface, follow the steps below.

This guide will restore the pristine look of your steel appliances.

Spray undiluted vinegar to the rusty steel surface. Let it settle for a few minutes.
Rub salt or baking soda on the surface. The grains will gently lift out the rust stains and grime. Salt or baking soda is non-abrasive so it won’t scratch the surface of the steel. It also won’t damage
the grain direction of the steel.
Use a damp towel to rinse the vinegar and salt.
Dry the surface afterward with a dry towel.

Slice a potato into two. On the sliced surface, apply baking soda, sea salt, or dishwashing liquid.
Rub the potato with the baking soda or dish soap onto the rusty surface. The phosphoric acid in the potato should react with the rust. You should be able to see the rust come off with the potato
Repeat the processes if some rust stains remain.
If not, rinse and dry the surface thoroughly.

Cleaning your rusty tools, furniture, and appliances is one way to prolong their product life.

When you maintain and keep your metal things in a dry place, they are less likely to rust.

Furthermore, you don’t have to clean harder to remove rust stains and discoloration on your tools.

Find more useful guides and how to’s on MaidFeed.com, your everyday cleaning guide.