How to Remove Rust Stains (2024)

FAQs

How to Remove Rust Stains? ›

For small objects affected by rust (like keys), soak in a bowl of white vinegar for up to 24 hours and then rinse clean and dry. For larger objects, apply vinegar directly to the rust-affected area and sprinkle with salt. Use a wad of aluminum foil to scrub the rust away.

Applying vinegar to rust dissolves the oxide and leaves behind a water-soluble salt that you can remove easily. It is called neutralisation, and this reaction happens between rust and acetic acid, which is why cleaning vinegar helps remove iron oxides from household surfaces and objects.

Bar Keepers Friend is a GH Cleaning and Kitchen Appliances Lab favorite. We've used it for years to clean and shine grimy cookware and stainless steel sinks. Because it contains oxalic acid, it works to remove rust and other stains all at the same time so you'll have fewer products to buy and store.

A common method of dealing with rusted screws and bolts implies removing them from their sockets and leaving them to soak in a hydrogen peroxide solution overnight. Hydrogen peroxide is known to dissolve accumulated rust from metal surfaces and can even break up the entire tarnish in some cases.

Most people know WD-40 Multi-Use Product as a lubricant, but it was originally used as an anti-corrosive by the aerospace industry to prevent spacecraft from rusting. WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint.

Vinegar and Baking Powder:

Baking powder can work wonders with rust. It makes an effective paste mixed with vinegar. Rub the paste onto the rust spots and leave to work for at least 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Allow the object to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes.

Much like brass cleaners, chemical rust removers can be found in any hardware store. But many household cleaning items—like baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and even soda—can do the trick. Once you learn how to remove rust, that wrench or expensive chef's knife will look brand-new.

Put a bit of dish soap onto a damp white cloth and dab the rust stain several times. Get the stain area soapy and let it sit for 10 minutes. Press a dry white cloth or paper towel over the dampened stain to absorb the soap and rust.

What removes rust without scrubbing? ›

One way to remove rust stains easily at home without any scrubbing or chemicals is to use natural acids such as lemon juice or vinegar. Here's how: Cut a lemon in half or pour some vinegar into a spray bottle. Apply the lemon juice or vinegar directly to the rust stain.

Don't use it to clean rust

OxiClean is not recommended for use on rust. Oxygen is a major ingredient in OxiClean and an essential contributor to rust. Better to go with a product like Whink Rust Stain Remover to clean rust from metals and rust stains from fabrics.

There are a few ingredients you can use to restore a rusty camp oven or skillet, including a household favourite - Coca Cola! co*ke contains phosphoric acid, a chemical found in commercial rust removers that helps break down rust. You've got to love an affordable and easy hack, right?

White Vinegar + Aluminum Foil: One smart reader dipped aluminum foil in white vinegar and scrubbed away the rust. 3. Baking Soda + Water: Put baking soda directly onto the rust, and then with a toothbrush apply water and scrub. This Re-Nest reader suggests going with the grain depending on what you are cleaning.

A combination of vinegar and baking powder can be a potent rust remover. Create a paste using the two ingredients, then rub it onto the affected areas. Let the paste work for over 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Allow the object to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Check the progress. Excessive amounts of rust will require longer soaking, up to two hours.

Don't use it to clean rust

OxiClean is not recommended for use on rust. Oxygen is a major ingredient in OxiClean and an essential contributor to rust. Better to go with a product like Whink Rust Stain Remover to clean rust from metals and rust stains from fabrics.