How To Remove Rust - Home Remedies

Home Remedies for Rust

How To Remove Rust - Home Remedies

Rust is an irritating thing that leaves ugly marks on many household items. Home remedies for rust are ideal to get rust off metal, stainless steel, sink, colored clothes, and other tools. There are different forms of rust but the most common one found in household items is the rust that comes from iron oxides. Such type of rust occurs when metal is exposed to air moisture or water and it becomes oxygenated. If you are interested in carpet cleaning, here are home remedies for carpet cleaning. There are lots of commercial rust removers available with countless toxins. That’s why home remedies for rust are perfect to get of rust stains from household items.

Useful Tip

Most people use abrasive brushes and steel wool to remove rust but they cause further damage in many cases. So, a wise idea is to grab an old toothbrush for a particular purpose. But before probing into the home remedies for rust stains, let’s take a look at the causes of rust stains.

What Causes Rust Stains

Here are prime causes of rust stains.

  • Rust commonly develops on non-galvanized pure iron.
  • Human surroundings are another cause of metal rust.
  • Fuel oil or steel tanks rust due to oil leaks.
  • Excessive snow may cause rust on unprotected roofs.

How to Remove Rust with Vinegar

White vinegar is an excellent stubborn rust stain remover. Vinegar contains acetic acid which dissolves rust. If you are looking to remove rust from metals, white vinegar is an ideal home remedy for removing rust from metal. Soak rusted earrings, bolts, nuts, screws, and nails in white vinegar. Leave it for about 24 hours or so. Use a clean rag to wipe away the surface rust.

Pour some vinegar on large objects rusty surfaces that cannot be soaked in vinegar. Leave it for a few hours and then clean it with a rag. Repeat the process if necessary. Don’t leave the vinegar on the metal for a long time as it can damage the surface too.

How to Get Rust off Metal and Tools

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix hydrogen peroxide with lime or bleaching powder to create a powerful abrasive agent. It works effectively and quickly to get the rust off metal.

Potato and Soap

Potato scrub is one of the easiest and most effective home remedies for rust removing from metal. Use soapy water to soak a metal. Take potato slices to scrub off the rust.

Citric Acid

Citric acid effectively reacts with rust. Soak metal nails and metal pieces in the citric acid solution to get off the rust from metal.

Chemical Rust Remover

Winks is a professional rust stain remover. This product contains oxalic acid which works effectively to remove rust.

Baking Soda Rust Removal Remedy

Baking soda is one of the most used household items for creating effective home remedies for rust and other cleaning remedies. This household product is easily available everywhere.

Mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste. Spread the mixture on the rusted metal surface. Scrub it off using an old toothbrush wire brush or steel wool after some time. Don’t let it dry as it can cause scratches to the surface. Repeat the process if needed. This is one of the most effective home remedies to remove rust from patio furniture, garden tools, car trims, and other metal surfaces.

Spray some white distilled vinegar on the rust stain and then sprinkle on baking soda. Use aluminum foil for scrubbing. The magical home remedy works perfectly for stainless steel sinks.

How to Get Rust of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel contains 10% chromium which is resistant to tarnish and rust. Sometimes the stainless steel household products like the sink, pots, and pans get rusted.

Here is a home remedy to get off the rust from stainless steel.

Baking Soda Method

Take one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with two cups of water to create a mixture. Baking soda is a non-abrasive in nature. It helps to get off rust stains from stainless steel appliances. The best thing is it doesn’t damage the grain of the stainless steel. Use a wet paper towel to rinse and wipe the rust spot.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Method

Mix the same amount of baking soda and lemon juice to create a paste. Now coat the rust with this paste and then scrub the rust away using a damp sponge. Repeat the process if stains don’t remove properly. Give the paste some time (15-30 minutes) and scrub it away with the help of a damp sponge.

You can use lime juice as a substitute for lemon juice.

Vinegar Method

This method is ideal for stainless cutlery or jewelry. Submerge such things into vinegar and wait for five minutes. Use a damp sponge to wipe the rust. Distilled white vinegar can be the best choice.

For large stainless steel objects, pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray onto the rusty stainless steel object. Use a soft scrubbing pad or rag to wipe away the rust.

Cream of Tartar Method

Mix 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar with some drops of lemon juice. Use the paste to cover the rusty spot of stainless steel object. Take a soft sponge and rub the paste firmly over the spot. Use a damp sponge to wipe away the stain. Now dry it using a dishcloth.

Light Fluid Method

Squirt some lighter fluid on a clean dishcloth. Use the cloth to scrub the stainless steel rust spot. Be careful, as lighter fluid is flammable. Use a damp cloth to thoroughly wipe the lighter fluid away after cleaning the rust.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Colored Clothes and Fabrics

Sometimes colored clothes and fabrics get rust stains from a washing machine or cast iron future. Here are home remedies for rust removing.

Dishwashing Liquid Method

Add 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to a warm water glass to create a rust removal mixture. Apply it on the affected area and leave for a few minutes to dry. Scrub it off and use cold water for rinsing.

Lime Juice with Salt Method

Apply the paste of lemon juice and salt on the rust stain. Leave the fabric under the sun to dry and use cold water to rinse it. This home remedy for rust is ideal to remove stains from old bedsheets, carpets, toys, and curtains.

White Vinegar Method

Mix some salt and white vinegar to create a mixture. Soak the piece of cloth for about 24 hours. Then leave the cloth to dry. Rust stains will dissolve away. You can also add lime juice or baking soda for additional effectiveness.

Tamarind Water Method

Tamarind can be used to remove rust stains from rusted fabrics. Either wash rusted clothes with tamarind water or apply tamarind paste directly on the stains to remove rust from clothes.

How to Prevent Rusting

  • Keep your metal items away from the closed damp places.
  • Avoid cylinder or metal bottomed furniture directly on the floor.
  • Always use galvanized or special coated stainless steel, iron and alloys.
  • Protect your metal roofs and chimneys from the rain.

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