If the object is too big to soak directly in the white vinegar, pour a layer over the top and allow it time to set. You can also wipe it down with a rag soaked in vinegar. Try dipping aluminium foil in the vinegar and using it as a brush to scrub off the rust. It is less abrasive than steel wool, but will still do the trick in removing the rust. You can use regular vinegar and simply allow your rusty metal objects to soak in it for up to 24 hours before rinsing. This method should not require as much scrubbing.
Use the rind from the lime to scrub the mixture off. It is strong enough to remove the rust without further damaging the metal. A lemon can also be used instead of a lime.
Try using a toothbrush to scrub the baking soda off, and rinse with water. The baking soda mixture can be watered down as much as you would like, there is no exact recipe.
To reapply, simply cut off the used end of the potato and add more soap, letting it soak into the metal for more time. If you don’t have dish soap, you can use baking soda and water instead with the potato. [3] X Research source
Wash the rusted item with washing-up liquid rinse and carefully dry. Mix about 25ml (a teaspoon is 5ml) of oxalic acid with 250 ml of warm water. Soak the item for approx 20 minutes or clean down the item with a cloth or brass brush. Wash fully and dry the item when rust removal is finished.
Follow the directions for your rust-removal product, as application may vary between products. These chemicals often need to set for a long time and require scrubbing afterwards, so be ready for a little extra work. These products can be expensive and only work for small-scale projects, not larger rusted items. [4] X Research source
Although this stops rust from expanding, it may not be as effective as completely removing the rust from the metal. This is only an option if you plan on painting over the metal. It will also leave a rough texture under the paint, as you are essentially just adding a covering to the rust.
Steel wool is easy to use and something you may already have in your home. Use an electric sander to remove rust on large pieces. Always start with the roughest grain and slowly move to finer grains to minimize the roughness of the metal. Any metal tool can be used to scrape metal, but use a fine grain sandpaper afterwards to try to remove any marks the scraping may have made.
Put some citric acid in a plastic container and pour in hot water, enough to cover the item being cleaned. For fun you can watch the bubbles reacting! Leave overnight then rinse and dry.
Apply lemon juice to the affected area, but don’t let it dry. Use water to rinse the juice and rust away. Wash the article of clothing after using the lemon juice to aid in removing the rust. For heavier fabric with a worse rust stain, you can also apply salt to the area in addition to lemon juice.
Spread the paste over the rust-stained area and leave it to harden. When it does, use a metal tool to scrape it off. If the stain has not been fully removed, use the same method and apply the paste again. Go over it as much as you can to get it off.
Don’t use this method on ceramic cookware, as it will damage the material with scrapes. Dry off the ceramic or porcelain afterwards to prevent new rust from forming. [6] X Research source
Remove the soaking tool from the can. Brush if needed, using a brass brush (from Dollar stores, size of a toothbrush). Clean it with an old rag before using, and behold, the tool will work again. Put the lid back on the diesel can and use again for future rusty tools.
Try to keep the metal in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup. [8] X Expert Source James SearsHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 28 August 2019. Always thoroughly dry metal after it comes in contact with water.
If the surface of the metal is smooth, you can use any spray-on primer. A rough metal surface needs to be primed with a “filler” primer which will work to fill in any divots or pocks in the metal.
Spray paint works well for metal, but applying paint with a brush will help it to stick better. Seal the paint with a clear top coat to reduce the rate of oxidation. [9] X Research source
