How to Remove Rust Stains from Metal

When metal gets rusty, it's not always necessary to throw it away and replace it with new tools. Instead, you can save money by removing the rust stains yourself.

Use white vinegar. Vinegar reacts with rust and makes it disappear. To use, soak the metal item in white vinegar for a few hours, then begin scrubbing the rust stains.

• If the item is too large to soak directly in the vinegar solution, you can pour a layer of the solution over the item and leave it for a few hours. You can also use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe off the rust stains.
• Try soaking aluminum foil in vinegar and use it as a scrubber to clean off the rust. While aluminum foil is less abrasive than steel wool, it will still help remove the rust.
• You can use regular vinegar and simply soak the metal item in the vinegar for about 24 hours before washing it off. There's no need to scrub the item.

Use lemon and salt. Sprinkle salt over the rusty area until it is fully covered, then squeeze lemon juice onto it. The more lemon juice, the better. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 hours before scrubbing.

• Use lemon peel to scrub the mixture. The peel helps remove rust without damaging the metal.
• You can also use yellow lemons instead of the typical green ones.

Create a paste using baking soda. Mix baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste, then apply it to the rusty metal. Leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing the rust away.

• A toothbrush can be used to scrub off the baking soda paste, followed by rinsing with water.
• The ratio of baking soda to water is flexible, there’s no need for an exact measurement.

Use potato and dish soap. Cut a potato in half and dip the cut side into dish soap. This method triggers a chemical reaction against rust, making it easier to remove. Place the potato on the rusty metal and leave it for several hours.

• You can repeat this method by cutting away the used potato surface, adding more dish soap, and letting it sit on the metal for a few more hours.
• If you don't have dish soap, you can try using the potato with a baking soda and water mix instead.

Use oxalic acid. Be cautious with this method – wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Do not smoke or inhale the fumes of the acid directly.

• Clean the rusty object with dish soap and dry it thoroughly.
• Mix 25 ml (one teaspoon equals 5 ml) of oxalic acid with 250 ml of warm water.
• Soak the item for about 20 minutes or use a piece of cloth or a copper brush to scrub it clean.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry the object once the rust is gone. Job complete!

Use chemicals to remove rust. Different types of chemicals can be used to clean rust stains. These are typically made from phosphorous and oxalic acid, but they can be harmful to your skin. Always exercise caution when using chemicals to remove rust.

• Follow the instructions on the product packaging, as each product has a different method of use.
• These chemicals need to sit on the metal for several hours and must be scrubbed off afterward, so be prepared to put in some elbow grease during the cleaning process.
• These products can be costly and are typically effective only for removing small rust stains, not for large rusted surfaces.

Convert the rust. Look for a rust converter to prevent further rusting. A rust converter works like a primer, turning the rusted surface into a stable, paintable base.

• This method only prevents additional rusting; it doesn’t remove the rust itself from the metal item.
• It is a temporary solution, especially if you plan to repaint the item. It will also make the surface rough, as you’re essentially applying a protective coating over the rust.

Use abrasive tools to scrape off the rust. This method requires a bit of effort, but it is highly effective in removing rust by scraping it off. Use common household tools like a screwdriver, or you can rent specialized equipment from hardware stores.

• Steel wool is easy to use and is often available in most households.
• An electric sander is ideal for removing rust from larger items. Start with the heavy rust areas, then gradually move to lighter spots to minimize metal abrasion.
• Any metal tool can be used to scrape off rust, but make sure to follow up with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any scraping marks.

Use citric acid. Pick up a small packet of citric acid from your local baking ingredients aisle.

• Mix a small amount of citric acid in a plastic container and add hot water until the rusted item is submerged. You’ll even notice some bubbling if you like!
• Let the item soak overnight, then wash and dry it thoroughly.

Remove rust stains from clothes. If your clothes accidentally come into contact with rust, you can remove the stain using a mixture of lemon juice and water.

• Apply the lemon juice mixture directly onto the rusted area, but avoid letting it dry out. Rinse the area with water to wash off the lemon and rust stain.
• Wash the clothes thoroughly after using lemon juice to help remove the rust.
• For thicker fabrics with stubborn rust stains, you can add a bit of salt along with the lemon juice for better results.

Remove rust from tiles or concrete. Prepare a mixture of 7 parts glycerine (without lime), 1 part sodium citrate (available at pharmacies), 6 parts warm water, and enough calcium carbonate (chalk) powder to form a thick paste.

• Apply the paste onto the rusted area and let it dry hard. Afterward, use a metal tool to scrape it off.
• If the rust stain isn’t completely removed, you can repeat the process again.

Remove rust from porcelain or ceramics. Create a paste using borax and lemon juice, then apply it to the rusted area. Use a pumice stone to scrub, and repeat the process if necessary.

• Avoid using this method on kitchen ceramics, as it could scratch the surface of your items.
• Immediately dry the porcelain or ceramic after cleaning to prevent new rust from forming.

Remove rust from stainless steel. Use fine sandpaper (like the kind used for nail filing) to gently rub the rusted stainless steel item. Afterward, rub it with a slice of onion and rinse with hot water.

Remove rust from tools using diesel fuel. Take 1 liter of diesel (ensure it’s real diesel, not a common fuel additive). Pour the oil into a container and soak the rusty tools (such as pliers, screws, etc.) for a day.

• Afterward, remove the tools from the container.
• If necessary, scrub the tools using a brass brush (these can be found in hardware stores and are the size of a toothbrush).
• Wipe the tools clean with a cloth before use, and they will be restored to their original condition.
• Seal the diesel container to reuse it for future rust removal tasks.

Keep metals dry at all times. Rust is a chemical process where iron oxidizes and begins to flake off the metal surface. This happens when metals are exposed to water or frequently come in contact with moisture.

• Store metals in dry, well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture build-up.
• Always wipe off metals after contact with water.

Apply a primer coat. If you plan to paint your metal items, first apply a primer coat to make the final paint layer more durable and to protect the metal from moisture.

• If the metal surface is smooth, you can use a spray primer.
• For rough metal surfaces, use a brush to apply primer to ensure it reaches small gaps or holes in the metal.

Add a topcoat of paint. A top layer of paint over the primer will help prevent moisture from accumulating on the metal. Be sure to use high-quality paint for the best results.

• Spray paint works well for metal items, but brushing on the paint will provide a more durable finish.
• Apply a final coat of paint to slow down the oxidation process.