3 Effective Ways to Remove Rust From Metal Surfaces

Rust—it's not a word you'd want to associate with anything other than the color of your cozy autumn sweater. Yet, it tends to show up on items around the house, garage, or even on outdoor furniture. To help with this, we reached out to Holly Murry, president of FRSTeam, a company specializing in residential and commercial restoration services after floods and water-related issues, for expert tips on cleaning rust off metal.

But what causes rust on metal? According to Murry, rust forms when metal undergoes oxidation, resulting in the creation of iron oxide. This happens when metal is exposed to moisture, including humidity in the air. This chemical reaction can affect all types of metal, even those hidden inside electronic gadgets. For instance, if you've ever opened a remote control after a long time and found rust around the batteries, it's likely due to the moisture in your home's atmosphere.

Regardless of the rust's origin, there are plenty of effective methods to get rid of it. 'Each technique requires time and a bit of elbow grease,' says Murry, who stresses the importance of letting the rust fully react to the cleaning agents before scrubbing or polishing the area. Below, discover three ways to remove rust from metal.

What You Will Need

Tools and Equipment

Required Materials

Instructions for Use

Steps to Clean Rust Off Metal Using Baking Soda

Chances are you already have a box of baking soda in your pantry or kitchen cabinets, making this an affordable option for rust removal.

Make a Paste

Depending on the size of the rusted object, pour some baking soda into a cup, bowl, or large plastic container. Add a few tablespoons of water and mix until a paste is formed.

Apply the Paste

Dip the toothbrush, wire brush, or steel wool into the paste and apply it to the rusted area. 'Leave it for an hour to let the mixture fully penetrate the rust,' advises Murry.

Scrub the Surface

After an hour, use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush or wire brush, to scrub the area clean.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse the object with water and dry it thoroughly using a microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Rust Off Metal with Vinegar

White vinegar, a common kitchen item, can be used effectively to eliminate rust from metal. Here's a guide for cleaning smaller items that can easily fit into a bowl or a large plastic container.

Set up the Vinegar Soak

Depending on the size of the rusted object, fill a cup, bowl, or larger container with vinegar. Ensure the vinegar fully covers the rusted area or the entire rusted item.

Immerse the Object

Place the rusted object into the vinegar, ensuring that every rusted portion is fully submerged. If necessary, you can weigh it down with a heavy object or bowl to keep it submerged in the liquid.

Allow it to Soak

“[The rusted item] should soak for at least one to two hours, though the longer it sits, the less elbow grease you'll need to scrub off the remaining rust,” says Murry.

Scrub Clean

Once the item has finished soaking, use a toothbrush, wire brush, or steel wool to scrub off any remaining rust.

Rinse and Dry the Item

Rinse the item thoroughly with water and then dry it completely using a microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Rust from Metal with Lime/Lemon Juice and Salt

Another set of common items found in your kitchen—simple salt and either lime or lemon juice—can work as an effective remedy for removing rust from metal surfaces.

Apply Salt

Generously cover the rusted spot with salt, ensuring you don't leave any parts uncovered.

Add Juice

Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the salted area to create an effective rust-removing mixture.

Allow to Sit

“You’ll need to wait a couple of hours once more to ensure the solution effectively dissolves the rust,” says Murry.

Scrub Off the Rust

Use a toothbrush, wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper to scrub away the remaining rust.

Rinse and Dry the Item

Rinse the item thoroughly with water, then dry it using a microfiber cloth.

Commercial Rust Removal Products

If you'd prefer not to mix your own solution, there are plenty of commercial rust removers available for purchase online or at your local grocery or big box store. “These products usually contain an acid to dissolve the rust, so exercise caution when handling them and carefully follow the instructions provided,” says Murry.

“Many products require soaking or applying the chemical to the rusted area for an extended period, followed by scrubbing with a white cleaning cloth or steel wool,” she adds. If you opt for a stronger chemical, make sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear.

Examples of commercial products include WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak and Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver Gel. Each product has specific instructions, but generally, you'll soak the item for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours and then use a toothbrush or wire brush to scrub away the remaining rust.

Removing Rust From Electronics

When dealing with electronics, Murry advises extra care. “For items like TVs or computers, it’s essential to use an electronics cleaner, as these devices are more sensitive to water-based cleaning methods.”

She suggests enlisting the help of a professional who specializes in cleaning electronics, as they will know how to properly disassemble, clean, and dry the items in a climate-controlled environment before reassembling and testing them.

Keeping Metal Objects Rust-Free

While this article focuses on removing rust from metal, the best approach is to prevent rust from occurring in the first place. “The key is to keep metal items dry and protected from moisture,” says Murry. She also suggests applying rust-resistant paint as a proactive step to protect against future corrosion.