How To Clean Rust Off Tools

You may wonder how your tools become rusty even if you haven’t used them for a while.

One possible explanation for this is that you stored them wet.

Another is that your storage has high amounts of moisture.

Rust typically occurs when water or oxygen reacts with your iron or steel.

The chemical reaction called oxidation produces dark orange discoloration on your metal tools.

If you notice that your tools have gone out of condition, they won’t work as well.

They may leave rust stains on your hands or gloves.

They might also break down since the rust has weakened their integrity.

In this article, we will show you how to clean rust off tools.

We will provide you with various techniques you can follow to effectively remove rust from your metal tools and hardware.

How To Get Rust Off Tools With Vinegar

Using white vinegar is an effective way to remove rust from your tools.

The acetic acid component of vinegar is potent in dissolving rust.

In just a few minutes, you can get squeaky clean tools that are as good as new.

Also, since vinegar is a common household item, you won’t need to go out and buy.

It is also cheap and safe for your health and the environment.

If you’re ready to clean your rusty tools, get your bottle of white vinegar and follow these steps.

1. Prepare a basin and put your tools in it.
2. Pour distilled white vinegar in the basin until you completely submerge your tools.
3. Leave your tools in the vinegar soak for a few minutes. For stubborn rust stains. Leave your tools for a longer time.
4. Take your tools out and scrub them with a toothbrush or sponge. This should remove stubborn rust and gunk on the surface of your tools.
5. Rinse the metal items with water.
6. Completely dry your tools using a towel before storing them in a dry place.

How To Remove Rust From Tools With Coke

Carbonated drinks like coke contain phosphoric acid.

This is a common ingredient found in commercial rust removers.

Like vinegar, this acid component in a coke can dissolve and eliminate rust on metal surfaces.

Similar to the steps above, you only need to soak your rust-covered tools in coke for a few hours.

The cola fizz will do the work and lift rust off your tools.

1. Fill a container with coke and immerse your rusty tools for a day.
2. After 24 hours, lightly scrub the rusty surface to remove stubborn rust and gunk.
3. Rinse your metal tools with water.
4. If there are still stains from rust left, repeat soaking in coke until you’re satisfied with the result.
5. Finally, use a dry cloth to remove the water from your tools. Make sure that you place them in a dry storage area to prevent corrosion.

In the case of rusty furniture or bulky objects, soaking in coke may not be possible.

Instead, here’s what you need to do:

1. Dip a sponge in coke and scrub the rusty surface.
2. You can also use aluminum foil for scrubbing. Simply crumple a piece of foil and dip it in coke. Rub the rusty area with the ball of foil to remove rust stains.
3. Rinse your tools and thoroughly dry them.

How To Clean Rusty Tools With WD-40

Inarguably one of the most popular methods to remove rust from metal surfaces is WD-40.

WD-40 is a multi-purpose spray you can use to lubricate, displace water, and prevent and remove rust.

It can permeate the rust and loosen it so that rinsing or scrubbing will easily lift the rust away.

If you’re wondering how to remove rust from metal with WD-40, here’s our step-by-step guide.

1. Spray WD-40 generously on your rusty tools and metal objects.
2. Let the product sit for a few minutes.
3. After that, use steel wool or brush to scrub the rust away. You would instantly see the rust being lifted from the surface.
4. Rinse your tools with water and then use a dry towel to remove the water.

How To Remove Rust From Power Tools

If you notice parts of your power tools start corroding, you should act and remove the rust.

Unless you can remove these rusty hardware components, you have no other choice but to clean them individually.

To remove rust from your power tools and equipment, follow these steps.

1. Sand the rust with sandpaper.
2. Put white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz liberally onto the rusty surface and leave it there for a few minutes.
3. You can also use WD-40 to remove rust from cast iron and metal hardware. Spray WD-40 on the rust and let it sit for some time.
4. Use steel wool or a scouring pad to scrub the rust away.
5. Wipe with a damp cloth, and then dry with another cloth.

The good thing about corrosion is it can easily come off.

Even if you haven’t cleaned your tools in years, you can still get rid of the rust in simple steps.

However, you shouldn’t wait that long.

Clean your metal tools immediately when you notice rust on the surface.

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