What is the Best Homemade Rust Remover?
Rust is a common problem that can tarnish the look of metal surfaces in your home. Removing the pesky stains is an important part of keeping your tools and other metal items in good shape. While some types of rust are difficult to remove, you can often get the job done using a variety of homemade products. Always test your chosen method on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the object, and be sure to wear protective gear when working with chemicals. Taking steps to prevent surface rust in the first place can also help to make the process much easier.
If you want a simple, affordable solution for removing surface rust, try white vinegar. This household staple can be used to clean a wide variety of materials, and it is usually safe to use on painted objects. Vinegar is ideal for removing small stains, but you may need to leave it on the item for a couple of hours if you’re trying to get rid of a lot of rust.
Other effective rust removers include citric acid and oxalic acid. You can buy these chemical solutions online or at your local hardware store, and they are great if you need to remove rust in a hurry. Be sure to use protective equipment when working with these strong chemicals, and dilute the acid before spraying or dipping your items in it. Oxalic acid is particularly useful for removing rust from metal tools, as it is able to penetrate the coating and dissolve it.
Another oxalic acid-based option is rust converter, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. It works similarly to the oxalic acid, but is designed specifically for use on metals and other materials. It kills the rust, and then it dries into a primed surface that is ready for paint.
You can also find rust removers in your pantry, such as cream of tartar and baking soda. You can combine these items to create a paste that can be rubbed onto the rusty surface. This paste can be left on the item for an hour, and you can scrub it off with a brush when it’s dry.
Ketchup is another common household ingredient that can be used to remove rust from items in your house. This rust remover works well for small areas of rust that aren’t too deep, and it is an excellent option for removing rust from metal kitchen appliances and other metal tools and toys. You’ll need to use the ketchup in combination with washing soda, though.
Other common household ingredients, like cola and iron, can also be used to remove rust. If you have metal furniture or other large items that can’t be submerged in liquid, try creating a paste with these ingredients and rubbing it on the rusted areas. This method can take longer, but it’s an easy way to remove rust from most metal furniture. Alternatively, you can dip the rusty item into a cola-based solution and let it sit overnight.
