If your metal items are all rusty, do not throw them away! There are many ways to remove rust from metal objects, from home remedies to store-bought rust removers. We’ve compiled some rust treatments below so you can learn how to get rid of rust easily!
What Is Rust?
Rust develops when metal is exposed to water for an extended period and mixed with oxygen in a process known as oxidation. The process corrodes the metal, causing it to slowly dissolve into a powdery reddish-brown heap.
Keeping metal surfaces dry is the best method to deal with rust. This isn’t always doable, though. You may buy rust-removal solutions that include poisonous chemicals that are terrible for the environment as well as unsafe to have around small children and pets. However, there are numerous safer alternatives, and you most likely already have everything you need at home. To get you started, here are six simple and safe rust removal methods.
At-Home Remedies.
No time for shopping? That is not a problem; there is a large range of natural products that you probably already have at home that will allow you to remove rust. We’ve listed a few of these ingredients to help you out.
White Vinegar
Soak the rusted metal object in white vinegar for a few hours before wiping the rust away. If it is a large object, pour the white vinegar evenly over the rusted surface and let it sit for a few minutes, or you can clean the object with a towel soaked with white vinegar.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is great for cleaning many household messes, but have you tried it on rust? Make a paste using baking soda and water, make sure that it’s thick enough to stick to the rusted surface. Let it sit for a while and then scrub it off with steel wool or a wire brush. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get your desired result.
Lemon Juice
Another great option is using lime or lemon and salt. Sprinkle some coarse salt over the rusted part of the object and make sure it’s thoroughly coated. Continue by squeezing some lime or lemon juice all over the surface. Make sure to squeeze out as much juice as possible, then let it rest for 3-4 hours before scrubbing it away. Scrubbing the surface with the leftover lemon skin is also beneficial. Lime and lemon juice has the power to remove rust from metal without causing any damage.
Potatoes
You didn’t see this one coming, did you? Potatoes contain oxalic acid that turns out to be a miracle worker when it comes to rust removal. Simply split your potato in half and apply baking soda to the rusty region before cleaning. Cut a thin slice from the potato surface as it becomes more rust-colored, then repeat the process until the rust is completely gone.
COCA-COLA?
Have you ever put a penny in a glass of Coca-Cola? If you, did you should have noticed how clean it came out and I bet you were very impressed (or frightened). Cola and other soft drinks contain a high amount of phosphoric acid, which may be used to remove rust. However, cleaning it up after maybe trickier because of its sticky texture, so you might want to try a different method first.
After you’ve finished, clean and dry all surfaces thoroughly—do not leave them damp or they’ll rust again! Bicycles, lawn furniture, and any other surface that will be exposed to water for an extended period should be primed and repainted. Rust can be prevented, and you should try to do so. Let us know in the comments what you think about these tips…
