Rusty metal items can be cleaned with ease. If you don’t want to use an abrasive product to remove rust, you can simply scrub it away with your hands. However, if you have heavy rust build-up, you may want to use a specialized chemical cleaner. A chemical remover is generally made of phosphoric acid, which eats away at the rust, without damaging the metal. These products are available in a liquid or gel form. They are usually purchased at a local hardware store or paint department of a home center.
For smaller rusty pieces, you can try using vinegar to soak the area. Vinegar is a natural cleaner, so it can be a good option for removing rust. Rinse the rust with a cloth after soaking to remove any leftover dirt. Then, you can dry it off with a soft cloth.
Another common solution is to use baking soda. Baking soda has scrubbing properties. By mixing it with water, you can create a thick paste, which you can spread over the rusty area and scrub off. This method is particularly effective on kitchen appliances.
You can also mix lemon juice and salt together to get rid of rust. The salt has an abrasive quality that will help to remove rust, while the lemon’s acid will help to dissolve the rust. Be sure to rinse off the salt and lemon mixture well to ensure you are not left with any traces of rust.
Rust can also be removed by scrubbing it with a wire brush or steel wool. Scrubbing is the fastest way to remove rust, and if you have a tough rust stain, you can use a scouring pad to get the job done. Depending on the thickness of the rust, you may need to scrub multiple times.
An alternative to scrubbing is to apply a paste of baking soda and water. Leaving the paste on for several hours will cause it to take off the rust. Once the paste is applied, you can scrub it off with a scrubbing brush or toothbrush. While the method is less thorough than a scrubbing brush, it is a simple and cost-effective approach to removing rust.
If you have a large rusted piece, you can try a more intensive scrubbing technique. Using a scouring pad or a putty knife, you can try scrubbing the upper, thick layers. Sandpaper can be used to remove any marks from the scraping process.
For an even more intense method, you can try using a chemical remover. Rust remover chemicals are sold at a home improvement or paint department of a home center. These chemicals are typically made of phosphoric acid and give off strong fumes, so it’s best to wear protective clothing when using these products.
WD-40 is a good way to remove rust. It has many other uses, including removing squeaks from doors and cabinets. Use it to remove rust from a rusty metal shovel.
Also Read: How to Get Rust Off an Old Axe Head