If you find yourself looking to remove rust, a quick glance is to see multiple commercial products to pick from. The issue is that while these products will remove rust from metal, they are toxic to some extent and their key ingredient is either oxalic or phosphoric acid. If you do use one of these strong commercial cleaners, you will need to carefully follow the instructions as well as warnings and wear rubber gloves. Doing so will remove the rust while protecting you from toxic chemicals.
Luckily, you don't have to rely on these harsh products with toxic chemicals. You can learn how to remove rust with common household items which are completely safe to use.
How to Remove Rust from Metal
Perhaps the most common issue is how to remove rust from metal; there are a few effective options.
What You Need
-
White vinegar
-
Aluminum foil
-
A lime (or lemon)
-
Salt
-
Baking soda
How to Do It
-
If you are using white vinegar to remove the rust, begin by soaking the item in some white vinegar for several hours before scrubbing the rust off. If you can't fit the object in a container filled with white vinegar, pour a layer of vinegar on top of it or wipe it with a vinegar-soaked rag.
-
If necessary, use aluminum foil (dipped in the vinegar) to scrub the rust like a brush. It should be minimally abrasive but still work.
-
You can also use standard vinegar, but let the object soak a full day.
-
Another option is to use lime and salt. Sprinkle some salt over the rust and then squeeze lime juice over it. Let this mixture set two or three hours.
-
Use the lime rind for scrubbing off the mixture as this is a great method of how to remove dust without damaging metal.
-
A final option is to create a paste by combining baking soda and water. Spread the mixture on the metal and let it sit before scrubbing it off.
-
Scrub off the baking soda paste with a toothbrush and rinse it clean.
