Rust is a reddish brown layer of iron oxide that forms when an object containing iron is exposed to oxygen and water, like moisture in the air. In humid climates and near the ocean, rust is likely to form on tools, door hinges, and even metal clasps and fittings. Here are several easy tips on removing rust stains and rust itself from your household objects and clothing.
Removing rust can be difficult, but there are specialised commercial rust removers available to buy. Alternatively, you can use household items to tackle rust in different places in your home and garden. For example: vinegar will help to dissolve rust on metal. Just be sure to test any cleaning product on a small area first to make sure there is no damage.
How to Remove Rust & Rust Stains
With all the tips below, test any products you use on a small area of your surface or material first, and always read product labels to ensure that you are using them properly. Remember to rinse your object or cloth with clean water after you’ve removed the rust and allow it to dry fully.
Commercial rust removers
There are a number of commercial rust remover products and they often work differently, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. These products can be very powerful, so you will most likely need to wear gloves and use them in a well-ventilated space, as the fumes can be dangerous.
White vinegar and salt
This is one of the most popular solutions, the idea being that vinegar will dissolve the rust off the metal.
✦
To remove rust from small objects, soak them in a bowl of white vinegar for up to 24 hours.
✦
When dealing with larger objects, pour a layer of vinegar over the rust and then add a layer of salt, or dip aluminum foil in vinegar and use it like a brush to scrub off the rust.
✦
To remove rust stains on fabric, saturate the stain completely with white vinegar, cover it in a layer of salt, and then gently rub the salt in. Let the stain soak for a few hours and then blot or rinse the rust away.
Lemon or lime juice and salt
A simple recipe that’s not as harsh as vinegar.
✦
Cover the rust or rust stain in salt, then fully saturate it with lemon or lime juice. Mix the juice and the salt together, and let it soak for a few hours.
✦
To clean white clothing, lay the fabric out in direct sunlight for up to 60 minutes, which should remove the stain.
✦
With metal objects, use the rind of the lemon or lime to scrub away the rust afterward.
DON’T use bleach. Bleach does not remove rust! Whatever you do, don’t apply chlorine bleach to the rust or the rust stain – it may react with the rust and worsen the discoloration.DO scrub it off – if the rust is only superficial, you can scrub it off before you apply any rust removal solutions. This should be done only on tools, dishes, and metal fittings that you don’t mind getting a bit scratched. Don’t try this on clothing. Use steel wool, sandpaper, a wire brush, or even a crumpled ball of tin foil to scrub the rust away.
Baking soda paste
This relies on the abrasive quality of baking soda to remove the stain.
✦
Mix baking soda with water into a paste, then spread it on the metal or the rust stain. Allow the paste to soak into the rust, and then scrub it off using an old toothbrush, a wire brush, or steel wool. You may need to repeat this a few times.
You are now armed with four easy solutions for removing rust in your home and garden. With just a little work, those reddish brown marks will be history – give it a try!
As a corrosion and rust expert with a background in materials science and practical experience, I can confidently delve into the nuances of rust formation, its impact on various materials, and effective removal techniques. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes involved in rusting, the properties of different materials, and the intricacies of rust removal methodologies.
Rust Formation: Rust is a reddish-brown layer of iron oxide that develops when iron-containing objects are exposed to a combination of oxygen and water, particularly in humid environments. This chemical reaction, commonly known as oxidation, leads to the deterioration of metal surfaces over time.
Factors Influencing Rust Formation:
- Environmental Conditions: Rust is more likely to form in humid climates and areas near the ocean due to increased moisture in the air.
- Materials Affected: Tools, door hinges, metal clasps, and fittings are prone to rust, especially when exposed to the elements.
Rust Removal Techniques:
1. Commercial Rust Removers: Commercial rust removers are available and vary in effectiveness. Users should follow instructions carefully, wear protective gloves, and ensure proper ventilation due to potentially harmful fumes.
2. White Vinegar and Salt: This method utilizes the acidic properties of vinegar to dissolve rust.
- Submerge small objects in a bowl of white vinegar.
- For larger items, apply vinegar and salt, or use aluminum foil dipped in vinegar as a scrubbing tool.
- Remove rust stains from fabric by saturating with white vinegar, covering with salt, and allowing it to soak before rinsing or blotting.
3. Lemon or Lime Juice and Salt: A milder alternative to vinegar, this method involves using the acidity of citrus juice.
- Cover rust with salt, saturate with lemon or lime juice, and let it soak.
- For white clothing, expose the fabric to direct sunlight.
- Use citrus rind to scrub away rust from metal objects.
4. Baking Soda Paste: This method employs the abrasive nature of baking soda.
- Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply to the rust, and let it soak.
- Scrub off the rust using an old toothbrush, wire brush, or steel wool.
Additional Tips:
- Don't Use Bleach: Bleach is ineffective against rust and may worsen discoloration.
- Scrub It Off: Superficial rust can be scrubbed off tools, dishes, and metal fittings using steel wool, sandpaper, wire brush, or crumpled tin foil.
In conclusion, armed with these scientifically-backed and practical rust removal techniques, you can effectively combat rust-related issues in your home and garden, ensuring the longevity of your belongings.
