How do I remove rust from metal?

With time or lack of proper maintenance, rust tends to settle on metal objects. However, it is not always easy to remove it on this type of more or less fragile surface. Some substrates are difficult to clean and not all methods or products are suitable. So to remove rust from metal and prevent it from reappearing, discover our simple and natural tips.

How do I remove rust from metal?

Tips for removing rust from metal

Baking soda

Form a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the metal object and let it act for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, get a stiff bristle brush and scrub the surface, then rinse with clean water and dry.

White vinegar and baking soda

Baking soda can also be combined with white vinegar to remove rust from metal. To do this, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a little white vinegar in a bowl. The mixture starts to foam immediately. Apply it immediately to the rusty surface and leave for about 15 minutes. All you have to do is rinse with clean water and dry.

Be careful, to make this mixture, protect yourself with gloves and ventilate your room well, or act outdoors.

White vinegar and coarse salt

In a bowl, mix the same amount of white vinegar and coarse salt. Apply this mixture in a thick layer on the rusty object. Leave to act while the chemical reaction takes place, then rub with a scraping sponge. Finish by rinsing with clean water and drying.

Also in this case, remember to wear gloves and ventilate your room well or operate outdoors.

Salt and lemon

Acidic, lemon is effective in maintaining metal and removing rust. Pour a little fine salt on the spots, then a few drops of lemon juice. Leave the mixture on for at least 3 hours before rubbing vigorously. Finish by rinsing with clean water and drying.

Citric acid

Citric acid acts like lemon, in its acidity, and helps remove rust from the metal. On the other hand, it is much more aggressive and it should therefore not be used on certain more sensitive metals, such as aluminum. Protect yourself with gloves when using it and ventilate your work room.

Dilute 2 tablespoons of citric acid in ½ liter of hot water. Apply the mixture to the rusty area and scrub vigorously before rinsing with clean water and drying.

Alcohol and Blanc de Meudon

In a bowl, mix a spoonful of methylated spirits and Blanc de Meudon until a thick paste is formed. Spread it on the rust and let it sit until completely dry. Then shine by buffing the surface with a clean microfiber cloth or chamois leather.

Soda crystals

Sprinkle soda crystals on a damp sponge with lukewarm water. Use gloves and scrub the rusty surface with the sponge. Rinse with clean water and pat dry.

Onion and potato

Onion and potato are natural anticorrosives. Cut an onion or a potato in half and rub the magic food on the rusty surface. Finish by rinsing with clean water and drying.

Polish

A little less natural, but effective, recipe, car polish! Soak a clean cloth in this product and rub the rust on the metal before buffing the surface with a chamois or a clean microfiber cloth.

Manual cleaning: sandpaper or brass brush

To remove rust from metal without product, you can simply scrub the stained area with a brass brush or sandpaper. Be patient and meticulous and you will quickly see the results of your efforts. Finish by rinsing and drying or simply polishing.

Solutions to prevent rust from reforming

Just because you have removed the rust from a metal object does not mean that it will not be able to reform there. Indeed, depending on the storage conditions of your object, it can easily reappear. It should be noted that rust forms very easily in humid environments.

For a natural treatment indoors or on a fragile object, you can regularly apply wax or vegetable oil to your object. These two substances will prevent moisture from attaching to the metal and forming rust. On the other hand, for an object outdoors or less fragile, apply an anti-rust product on its surface. This solution is recommended for gates and all other metal structures particularly exposed to humidity.