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How To Remove Rust From Metal

When we leave metal objects outside, such as your first car (which you couldn't bear to part with) or the playground you bought your kids, it is just a fact of nature that they will begin to corrode over time. If you have noticed that your metal objects have developed a layer of rust in some places, you may be pleased to learn that with the right products and a little elbow grease you can remove it.

Step 1: Take a wire brush or a piece of steel wool and use it to scrub all of the loose rust from the metal’s surface. In the case of an overly large stain, this will remove about 50% of the rust.

Step 2: Take a bottle of white vinegar and, for smaller metal objects (like earrings), pour some into a glass. Pop the objects in and let them soak for a few minutes before rinsing them off with a rag. For larger metal stains (like a bike), soak a rag in the vinegar and use it to scrub the object down. You can finish off with the wire brush or steel wool.

Step 3: For heavy rust stains, you can add some baking powder and lemon juice to the vinegar to give it some added power. Apply to the metal in a similar fashion to the above step.

Step 4: Once you have removed the rust layer from your metal items, you will be able to prevent it from reoccurring by applying a finishing wax or even painting the surface of the object.

Whilst there are a number of commercial rust removers on the market, caution should be exercised when using these sorts of solutions, as they can be toxic to humans. If you choose this option over the vinegar one, make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area, as well as wear rubber gloves and a mask.