Nobody wishes for their household items or any property for that matter to get rusty. But chances are, metal items will rust over time and you need to find out how to get rust off of metal so as to protect the integrity of the material. There are different ways you can do this and we will be discussing them shortly.
However, you need to know that some surfaces may be more delicate than others and not all methods are suitable for every surface. Hence, always test the remedy on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to the entire rusty surface. Also, these methods may not be suitable for removing heavy buildup of rust. In such cases, you may need professional help.
What Causes Rust on Metals?
Have you ever noticed a reddish-brown substance on a metal surface, like a nail or spoon? That is rust, and it happens when iron or steel metals react with oxygen and water. Let’s look at the chemistry a little bit.
When iron or steel metals are exposed to water and air, they undergo a chemical reaction called oxidation. This means that the metal atoms lose electrons and form ions, which then combine with oxygen in the air to form rust or iron oxide. This rust forms a layer on the surface of the metal, which can weaken the metal over time and eventually cause it to break apart.
Now, not all metals can rust. Rust only occurs on iron and steel metals, because they contain iron as a primary component. Other metals, like aluminium, brass, and copper, don’t contain iron and therefore can’t rust. However, these metals can still corrode or tarnish over time due to exposure to air and moisture.
Why You Should Get Rust off Metal As Soon as Possible
It’s important to learn how to get rust off of metal and apply the methods as soon as needed because rust can weaken the metal and cause it to break down over time.
When metal rusts, the rust forms a layer on the surface of the metal. This layer is brittle and porous, meaning that it can easily flake off and expose the underlying metal to more rusting. As rust continues to form, it can eat away at the metal, causing it to become thinner and weaker.
If the rust is left untreated for too long, it can eventually cause the metal to become so weak that it can’t support the weight or pressure it was designed to withstand. For example, a rusted car frame might become so weak that it can’t support the weight of the car, making it dangerous to drive.
Also, removing rust as soon as possible can also help to prevent the spread of rust to other areas of the metal. Rust can spread quickly, especially if it’s in contact with water or other sources of moisture. By removing the rust early, you can help to prevent it from spreading and causing even more damage. Below are some effective tips on how to get rust off of metal.
General Materials for Cleaning Rust
- Cleaning agents (white vinegar and baking soda, potato and dish soap, cola, lemon and salt, or baking soda and water)
- Bowl
- Stirring spoon/ spatula
- An old toothbrush or scrubbing pad
- Water
- Clean cloth/ paper towel
- Grater or knife (for potato)
How To Get Rust Off of Metal Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl or container to create a paste. For example, you can mix 1/2 cup of each. Then, stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the rusted area, making sure to cover it completely. Use an old toothbrush or scrubbing pad to work the paste into the rust.
- Let the paste sit on the rusted area for 2-3 hours, allowing the vinegar and baking soda mixture to break down the rust.
- Next, use the toothbrush or scrubbing pad to scrub the rusted area again.
- Rinse the rusted area with water to remove any remaining paste and dry the area with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- If the rust is not completely removed, repeat the process until the rust is gone. That’s how to get rust off of metal using white vinegar and baking soda.
How To Get Rust Off of Metal Using Lemon and Salt
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl or container. Remove any seeds that may have fallen in.
- Add salt to the lemon juice, creating a paste. Use 1-2 tablespoons of salt, depending on the amount of rust you want to remove. Then, stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the rusty area, making sure to cover it completely. Use an old toothbrush or scrubbing pad to work the paste into the rust.
- Let the paste sit on the rusty area for 5-10 minutes, allowing the lemon and salt mixture to break down the rust. Then, use the toothbrush or scrubbing pad to scrub the rusty area again.
- Rinse the area with water to remove any remaining paste and dry the area with a clean cloth.
- If the rust is not completely removed, repeat the process until you remove everything. That’s how to take the rust off metal using lemon and salt.
Check out the articles below for more household cleaning tips and guidelines
How To Get Rust Off of Metal Using Cola
- Pour cola into a bowl or container. The amount of cola you’ll need will depend on the size of the rusty area you want to clean.
- Dip an old toothbrush or scrubbing pad into the cola, making sure to saturate it well.
- Scrub the rusty area thoroughly with the toothbrush or scrubbing pad, making sure to cover the entire area.
- Allow the cola to sit on the rusty area for a few minutes. This will give the cola enough time to break down and loosen the rust.
- Next, use the toothbrush or scrubbing pad to scrub the rusty area again.
- Rinse the area with water to remove any remaining cola and dry the area with a clean cloth.
- If the rust is not completely removed, repeat the process until the rust is gone. That’s how to take rust off of metal using cola.
How To Get Rust Off of Metal Using Baking Soda and Water
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with enough water to create a paste. The amount of paste you’ll need will depend on the size of the rusty area you want to clean.
- Next, stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. Then apply the paste to the rusty area, making sure to cover it completely. Use an old toothbrush or scrubbing pad to work the paste into the rust.
- Let the paste sit on the rusty area for 10-15 minutes, allowing the baking soda mixture to break down the rust.
- After that, use the toothbrush or scrubbing pad to scrub the rusty area again.
- Rinse the area with water to remove any remaining paste. Then, dry the area with a clean cloth.
- If the rust is not completely removed, repeat the process until the rust is gone. That’s how to remove rust metal using baking soda and water
How To Get Rust Off of Metal Using Potato and Dish Soap
- Wash the potato thoroughly and peel off the skin.
- Next, grate the potato or cut it into small pieces.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl or container of warm water.
- Soak the grated or cut potato pieces in the soapy water for a few minutes.
- Take an old toothbrush or scrubbing pad and use it to scrub the rusty area with the potato and soapy water solution. Apply a moderate amount of pressure while scrubbing.
- Keep scrubbing until you remove the rust from the surface.
- Rinse the area with clean water to remove any remaining potato residue. Then, dry the area with a clean cloth.
- If the rust is not completely removed, repeat the process until the rust is gone. That’s how to get rust off of metal using potato and dish soap.
How To Prevent Metal From Rusting
Prevention they say is better than cure. If you have metal items that are not rusted and you wish to keep them that way, here are some helpful tips to employ.
1. Keep Metal Surfaces Dry
Rust forms when metal is exposed to moisture, so one of the best ways to prevent rust is to keep metal surfaces dry. If possible, store metal items in a dry place or use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air.
2. Use Rust-Resistant Metals
If you’re purchasing metal items, look for ones made from rust-resistant metals, such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, or aluminium. These metals are less likely to rust than iron or steel.
3. Apply a Protective Coating
Applying a protective coating, such as paint, wax, or oil, can help to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the metal surface. Be sure to choose a coating that’s appropriate for the type of metal you’re working with.
4. Keep Metal Surfaces Clean
Dirt and debris can trap moisture against metal surfaces, which can promote rust formation. Regularly cleaning metal surfaces can help to prevent this. Use a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris from metal surfaces.
5. Use Rust Inhibitors
Rust inhibitors are chemicals that are designed to prevent rust formation on metal surfaces. These can be applied as a spray or as a coating and can be especially useful for metal items that are exposed to moisture, such as outdoor furniture or tools. You can also use this inhibitor after you finish with any of the steps on how to clean rust off.
6. Store Metal Items Properly
If you’re storing metal items for a long period of time, be sure to store them in a dry place and wrap them in a protective material, such as plastic or cloth. This can help to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the metal surface and promote rust formation.
Finally
Removing rust from metal surfaces is an important part of metal maintenance. With the right materials and methods, you can restore the appearance and functionality of your metal objects, from tools to furniture and everything in between. By following this step-by-step guide on how to get rust off of metal, you can say goodbye to rust and enjoy the benefits of a clean and well-maintained metal surface.
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