Rust arises from the oxidation of iron. The most common cause is prolonged exposure to water. Any metal that contains iron, including steel, will bind to the oxygen atoms contained in the water to form a layer of iron oxide, or rust. Rust will continue to increase thereby accelerating the corrosion process, therefore it is very important to carry out maintenance. But basically removing rust is not a difficult job. This article will show you how.
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Method 1 of 5: Acidic Liquid
Step 1. Soak in vinegar
This non-toxic household acid is among a number of household applications capable of dealing with rust. Simply soak the rusty material in the vinegar overnight, then scrape off the rust in the morning.
- It is better to use apple cider vinegar than white vinegar. While white vinegar can also be used, it is not as effective as apple cider vinegar.
- While vinegar is effective, it is relatively mild. You may need to soak the item longer than just overnight; soak in a day might be better. After removing the rusted item from the vinegar, dip the aluminum foil polisher in the vinegar and scrub the item and remove the rust easily.
Step 2. Use lemon or lime
Lemons or limes work great for removing stains from clothes, but they are also quite effective at removing rust from metal if allowed to work for a long time. Sprinkle salt over the rusty area, soak it with lemon or lime, and then scrape it off with an aluminum scouring ball.
Step 3. Use phosphoric or hydrochloric acid
Phosphoric and hydrochloric acids are common household items that are inexpensive and excellent for dealing with rust. Here's where you can find the ingredients, and how to use them:
- Phosphoric acid is actually a rust "converter" because it converts iron oxide (or rust) to ferrous phosphate, a black coating. Soak the rusty material in phosphoric acid and leave it overnight. Then let dry. Scrape off the iron phosphate after the surface is dry. Phosphoric acid can be obtained from cola drinks, seaweed, and molasses.
- Hydrochloric acid is often used in the steel industry to "preserve" steel by removing rust or scale. Hydrochloric acid can be found in some household cleaners, most of them in toilet cleaners.
- Hydrochloric acid continues to work, even after you rinse and dry it. The vapors can affect other metallic objects in the same room, as well as change their color. One way to prevent this from happening is to heat an object that has been treated with hydrochloric acid in an oven or over a flame. You can also use a neutralizing lime paste, or lime.
Step 4. Use potatoes
The oxalic acid in potatoes helps remove rust buildup. This method is especially useful for small rusty objects, such as knives. There are two ways to use potatoes to remove rust:
- Simply pierce a knife into the potato and leave it for a day or overnight. (Be careful when stabbing the potatoes). Remove the knife from the potato and scrub away the rust.
- Slice the potato in half, coat the inside with an adequate amount of baking soda, and vigorously rub the rusted surface with the baking soda-coated potato. Then scrub with an abrasive, such as steel wool.
Step 5. Check to see what other acids are available in your home
Often, you can make your own rust remover without even leaving the kitchen. Actually anything that is acidic will be able to release rust and eventually remove the iron oxide. Liquids made from household ingredients work very well on small rusty items.
- The active ingredient in most store-bought chemicals is some form of acid, usually phosphate or chloride, and most acids found in your home can do the same trick.
- If you have questions about acid or chemical interactions, do a little research before using them. While most household items are okay to use as a mix, some combinations are best avoided.
Step 6. Remove rust with a cola drink
Place the rusty item in a glass or larger container filled with cola. Let it soak or just dip it. Check every half hour to check the result. Kola should be able to work well.
Method 2 of 5: Pasta
Step 1. Make a baking soda paste
Mix baking soda and water to form a paste that is slightly thicker than toothpaste. This mixture will require slightly more baking soda than water. Once the paste is mixed, apply it to the rusty item and start scrubbing with a rough object, such as steel wool or a toothbrush. Clean and inspect the item.
You may need to use the paste several times to get the results, but it will pay off
Step 2. Make a paste of hydrogen peroxide with cream of tartar
Get the same consistency as a baking soda paste by using more cream of tartar than hydrogen peroxide. Apply it to the rusty object, scrub with an abrasive scrubber, then clean.
If you don't have hydrogen peroxide on hand, you can also use water for the same effect. The active ingredient for removing rust is cream of tartar
Method 3 of 5: Mechanical Abrasion
Step 1. Get an electric grinder or an electric sander, if you don't already have one
Usually available at any heavy equipment store. Since these things are power tools, they tend to be quite expensive. Many hardware supply stores such as Ace Hardware and Home Depot rent out tools like these for a relatively low cost. Electric grinders are especially useful for very large areas of rusty surfaces such as old cars.
Step 2. Install the grinder with the coarsest disc available
Electric grinders are equipped with discs that can be disassembled so that they are easy to replace and replace after they are worn out and can no longer be used. Grinding discs, fibers and flaps work very well against rust.
It is best to grind away the rust using the largest and strongest disc to remove the most severe rust quickly, and to prevent the smaller and more sensitive discs from unnecessary wear
Step 3. Secure the rusted material so it doesn't move when you grind the rust off
Hold it in with a vise if you can, or make sure that the object is heavy enough to stand still while you grind it.
Step 4. Turn on the electric grinder and rub the rotating disc on the rust slowly but firmly
Make sure to keep it in constant motion to avoid prying the metal.
Step 5. Use electric sandpaper to complete the rust removal
If there is still some rust left, regular sanding can clean it up. Electric sandpaper works the same way as an electric roller, but it moves with vibration instead of turning the disc.
The finer detailing electric sanders are specifically designed for hard-to-reach areas, and should be used for rust on corners and uneven surfaces
Method 4 of 5: Electrolysis
Step 1. Prepare the electrolyte solution
First of all, this method is easier than it sounds. Fill a plastic bucket with enough water to submerge the rusty object and mix one tablespoon of baking soda per 4 liters of water. Stir until dissolved.
Step 2. Use an unused piece of steel as the anode
The electrolysis process will pick up the rust from the object you want to clean and eventually attach itself to the metal. The anode must be large enough so that half of it is submerged and the other half – the half connected to the positive terminal – is above the water. This is very important.
- A piece of steel can work well as an anode, as long as it is large enough for some of it to emerge from the surface of the water.
- Make sure the anode can is magnetic to avoid confusion with aluminum. You no want to use aluminum or stainless steel as anode for electrolysis.
Step 3. Connect the negative terminal (black color) of the battery charger to the rust-free part of the corroded object for a good connection
You may have to scrape some rust off to do this. Submerge the rusted object completely, being careful to keep all wires out of the water.
Warning: Make sure this rusty object no touch the anode to prevent a short circuit.
Step 4. Connect the red positive terminal of the car battery to the anode
Remember not to completely submerge the anode, or you risk eating away at the positive terminal, which you don't want to happen.
If the anode metal is completely submerged, consider using another wire as a mediator between the anode and the car battery lead to keep the charging terminals and connections dry
Step 5. Plug in the battery and turn it on
The electrolysis process will gradually begin to work to remove rust. Leave it for 12-20 hours.
Warning: If you want to check the status of your rusty object, be sure to turn off and disconnect the battery cable first. You will see bubbles rising to the surface and dirt gathering on the surface. Both of these things are normal.
Step 6. Disconnect the car battery and remove the lead from your object
When removed, your rusty object should be rust-free, but still need a bit of cleaning. Use a Scotch Brite scrubber to remove mud on objects and a bristle brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Method 5 of 5: Commercial Chemicals
Step 1. Purchase a rust removal chemical
Yes, cleaners like this exist, but often the main component is a form of acid that can cause the fumes to be toxic or semi-toxic. Rust remover can be purchased at any hardware store and some auto supply stores.
- Some of the brand choices are Evapo-rust, Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath (safe for paint, plastic, and leather), Acid Magic, The Works (20% HCL, hydrochloric acid), The Works Basic (9.5% HCL, hydrochloric acid) and WD-40 (light oil).
- Wear protective clothing when using commercial rust removers. Wear protective equipment including goggles, gloves, and a face mask or respirator.
Step 2. Apply the solution
This is where you need to spend some time on the cleaners and let them do the hard work of showing off their skills. You can do this a few different ways:
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Some chemical solutions come in the form of a spray. Spray lightly and precisely on the rust, then let sit overnight for heavy rust.
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Other liquids need to be applied using a brush. Scrape off any rust that can be removed and spread the solution evenly. Leave it overnight.
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Another method is thorough immersion. If the item is small, find a plastic paint bucket or other container and place the rusty item in it. Pour enough rust-removal liquid to completely submerge it and leave it overnight.
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Step 3. Rinse with water and pat dry
Try to remove the rust remover from your items as cleanly as possible. Dry the item in a dryer, if possible, until the item is completely dry and rust cannot resurface.
Step 4. Scrape off any remaining rust
Most of the rust should have loosened overnight and the rest will peel off easily.
Step 5. Repeat this process if needed
The amount of waiting time it takes to remove rust depends on the item in question, how severe the rust is, and how well the product works. Sometimes metal has to be soaked with the solution more than once, especially if rust occurs on a standing object.
Tips
Once rust is removed, it can reappear. Prevent this by coating your metal tools with oil or grease. For other items, consider a coat with a strong primer. If you want to paint it, make sure to coat it with at least one coat of primer first for extra protection
Warning
- Be careful when using electrolysis to remove rust. You use an electric current. Make sure your receptacle is not conducive (plastic is best), wear gloves and don't let the negative and positive wires touch.
- Avoid inhaling the fumes of strong acids; always provide adequate ventilation when working with acids. This substance can irritate the throat and lungs, especially in people with asthma or lung disease. Consider wearing eye and mouth protection such as goggles and a face mask. When working with store-bought acid products, always wear protective gloves.
- Determine the metal of your object properly. Rust is another word for iron oxide, which only forms on iron or metals that contain iron, such as steel. All metals corrode, though in different ways, and other metals have their own 'version' of rust. Some of the methods described above, such as electrolysis, are specifically designed to remove rust and should not be used to clean other metals.
- Even grinding and sanding can grind the metal itself. If the object you want to free from rust is valuable enough, consider using a chemical solution or electrolysis.
