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How to remove rust with vinegar


How to Remove Rust From Metal Surfaces—From Garden Tools to Vintage Finds

Outdoor garden tools, kitchen knives, and other metal objects are all susceptible to corrosion, especially if they are exposed to the elements. Learning how to remove rust can help them work better, last longer, and look sparkly. Luckily, rust removal—if it’s just banishing surface rust—just takes a bit of time and elbow grease. “It is not something to worry about because there are ways you can get rid of rust,” says Jamie Penney, home improvement and outdoor design expert and CEO of The Backyard Pros in Vancouver. 

Much like brass cleaners, chemical rust removers can be found in any hardware store. But many household cleaning items—like baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and even soda—can do the trick. Once you learn how to remove rust, that wrench or expensive chef’s knife will look brand-new. Here, expert advice on how to remove rust, the best way to remove rust quickly, and the best homemade rust removers.

What causes rust?

Ferrous metals—like cast iron, carbon steel, and wrought iron—are used to make a bevy of items you frequently use around the house, in your backyard, and on the outdoor patio. Knives, skillets, garden tools, yard equipment, fireplace tools, and nails are just a few examples of the everyday metal items that contain iron. When these household objects are neglected or not properly cleaned or dried, corrosion takes place and your beloved goods are covered with reddish-brown rust. This happens because ferrous metals don’t mix with acidic substances, water, and oxygen. Rust is persistent, and when left unattended, more rust forms, making rust removal a chore that could take a couple of hours and a whole lot of elbow grease to complete. 

How to prevent rust in the first place?

To keep your metal objects rust-free, steer clear of water, which is the main culprit when it comes to corrosion. That means you have to dry your garden tools after you take care of the vegetable beds and wipe down the putty knife after caulking any leaks in the gutters. Kitchen knives should be washed and dried as soon as possible. Don’t let the cutlery sit in the sink, and avoid placing them in the dishwasher. Store metal objects, including home improvement tools, in a dry area with low humidity, and you won’t have to clean rust anytime soon.

You can also apply a protective coating to prevent rust from forming on metal surfaces. For an item like a pocket knife, use a soft cloth to apply a small amount of mineral oil two to three times per year. Tools and lawn equipment can be treated with products like paste wax or WD-40 to help slow and prevent rust stains. If you happen to have a metal item with a little—or a lot—of rust, here are seven proven removal method hacks to try.

What is the best homemade rust remover?

1. Remove rust with white vinegar

Is there anything white vinegar can’t clean? This powerhouse ingredient can work wonders on many metal items that have succumbed to rust. “White vinegar may be the most accessible and reliable option,” says Steve Elliott, franchise owner of Restoration1, a water-damage company in Waco, Texas. “Put your rusty metal pliers [or other small metal items] in a jar of white vinegar for a few minutes, and the degrading brown coating may be easily scraped away.” If you’re attempting to remove rust from a bigger metal object, such as a shovel, pour white vinegar directly onto the rusted region, give it sufficient time to cure, and brush the shovel with a cloth, he adds. 

To tackle items with significant corrosion, submerge your rusty tools or knives in a bowl of white vinegar and let them sit overnight or as long as 24 hours. Once they have had a good soak, remove them from the vinegar and scrub the rust off with steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush. Don’t be gentle when trying to remove rust stains, this is likely going to take some serious elbow grease. If there are some remaining rust spots, repeat the process, soaking the object for longer than you did the first time. Once all the rust has been removed, clean the item with a mild dish soap and water, and make sure you dry it thoroughly.

2. Remove rust with baking soda

Baking soda works well on items with light rust stains. It also works well on items made out of thin metal, like knives. To use this method, simply mix enough water into baking soda until you are able to form a thick paste. Use your hand or a toothbrush to spread the paste all over the metal, making sure that rusty spots are well covered. Let the paste sit on the object for an hour or so. Use steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush to scrub the object and remove the rust. Rinse the paste off with water and repeat if needed. Dry thoroughly.

3. Remove rust with lemon and salt

This cleaning hack might seem a bit more like ingredients in a salad dressing than a serious rust remover, but it definitely works. When the acidity of the lemon (or a lime) combines with the abrasiveness of the table or kosher salt, magical things can happen. To try it on your garden tools, simply cover the rusted areas with salt and then squeeze fresh lemon juice (stay away from bottled lemon juice, you want the real deal) over the layer of salt. Don’t discard the used lemon. Let the salt and lemon mixture sit for about two hours, then use the lemon rind as a scrubber to remove the rust. If there are particularly stubborn rust stains, break out the steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush. When done, rinse off the lemon juice, salt, and rust residue, and dry the metal item thoroughly.

4. Remove rust with dish soap and a salted potato

You read this right: A potato can treat a rusted area. All potatoes contain oxalic acid, which you may be surprised to learn is a key ingredient in many cleaning products. Oxalic acid also dissolves rust. To try this technique, slice a potato in half, cover the cut section with dish soap, and sprinkle salt (or baking soda) onto the potato. Both the salt and baking soda will act as a mild abrasive to help scrape the rust off the metal surfaces as it dissolves. Rub the rusted area with the potato until the corrosion is gone. Rinse and dry well. This technique works best for pieces of metal without detailing or relief work.

5. Remove rust with citric acid

Citric acid, which can be found in health food stores and in the baking aisle of some supermarkets, works like a charm when it comes to removing rust, but it will also remove paint and other coatings, so it may not be the best method for treating a rust stain on metal surfaces that you painted for a DIY project. To try this method, add three tablespoons of citric acid to a bowl of hot water and submerge rusty metal objects and leave them to sit overnight. The next day, scrub the freshly dissolved rust using steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush, and dry thoroughly.

6. Remove rust with aluminum foil

Maybe the easiest DIY rust removal method: a crumpled sheet of aluminum foil. “A simple aluminum scrub will ensure that your items don’t get damaged or retain any scrub marks,” says David Lee, founder of Neutypechic, a mirror retailer. This hack works wonders on hard to reach places with nooks and crannies, like antique mirrors, a vintage vanity, or a dingy medicine cabinet.  

7. Remove rust with Cola

You can use Coca-Cola to remove rust from metals like iron, steel, and copper. “This household staple contains phosphoric acid, which is a powerful rust remover,” says Pulkit Damani, founder of OffbeatBros, a blog about home improvement tips including home cleaning, organization, and decor. Just pour it over the rusted surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a brush to scrub away the rust. 

What is the easiest way to remove rust quickly?

Don’t feel like raiding your kitchen for a rust-removal solution? No problem. You can also remove rust from metal with a store-bought chemical rust removers like Metal Glo. It’s formulated for safe use on knives, silverware, cookware, and even jewelry. When cleaning your knives, make sure to rub any solution along the grain pattern to avoid scratching the metal.

3 Easy Ways to Remove Rust From Metal

By

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

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Updated on 08/08/22

Reviewed by

Amanda Rose Newton

Reviewed by Amanda Rose Newton

Amanda Rose Newton holds degrees in Horticulture, Biochemistry, Entomology, and soon a PhD in STEM Education. She is a board-certified entomologist and volunteers for USAIDs Farmer to Farmer program. Currently, she is a professor of Horticulture, an Education Specialist, and pest specialist.

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In This Article

Project Overview

Rust can form on some metal surfaces when iron, oxygen, and moisture collide. It's best to remove the rust as soon as you see a small spot because it will continue to corrode the metal the longer it stays on the surface. While there are dozens of commercial rust removers, the acids found in pantry products, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and potatoes, can break the bonds of small amounts of rust from some metals. Add the abrasive action of borax, baking soda, or salt, and you may never need to buy a commercial remover.

Here are three ways to remove rust from metal.

Tip

Caring for your tools and equipment properly can prevent surface rust. Be sure to clean and oil garden tools before storing, hand-wash and dry kitchen knives instead of putting them in the dishwasher, and store metal items where they'll be protected from excessive moisture.

Illustration: The Spruce/Daniel Fishel

Click Play to Learn How to Remove Rust from Metal Quickly and Thoroughly

Before You Begin

Every type of metal reacts differently when cleaned. Before you begin any type of rust removal, consult the manufacturer's manual if you have one. If the item is valuable or an antique, consult an expert or test your homemade rust remover on an inconspicuous area first.

When you are cleaning rusty items, protect countertops and wooden surfaces with a plastic drop cloth or tarp to prevent staining or damage.

Keep all rust-removal ingredients away from children and pets. Although these ingredients are less harsh than most commercial rust removers, they still can pose risks if not handled properly.

The 9 Best Rust Removers of 2022 to Use on Any Surface

Equipment / Tools

Materials

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How to Remove Rust With Vinegar

  1. Cover Object in Vinegar

    Submerge the rusted object in undiluted distilled white vinegar. If the object is large or has electrical components, liberally spray vinegar on the rusty area or place a cloth saturated with vinegar over the rusted area. 

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Allow to Soak

    Allow the object to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Check the progress. Excessive amounts of rust will require longer soaking, up to two hours.

    Warning

    Metal objects may appear black after soaking in vinegar or lemon juice, but they should return to their original color after rinsing in water.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Scrub Surface Rust

    Remove the item from the vinegar and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the rusty areas. An old toothbrush works well for pieces that have detailed carvings or small nooks and crannies.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  4. Rinse and Dry

    Rinse the metal well with water and dry it thoroughly with a soft, microfiber cloth. Repeat the process or try another cleaner if any rust remains.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Rust With a Lemon Juice Paste

  1. Make a Paste

    Mix two parts old fashioned borax or baking soda and one part lemon juice in a small bowl to form a paste. The paste should be easily spreadable but not too runny. You may need to adjust the proportions of the ingredients.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Apply the Paste

    Use a sponge to thickly apply the paste to the rust, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If the paste begins to dry out, spritz it with a bit of water to hydrate it. If there is a large area of rust, mix more paste.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Scrub the Rusty Area

    Use a brush to scrub the rusted metal. The scrubbing will help lift the rust from the surface. If any rust remains, repeat the steps.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  4. Rinse and Dry

    Rinse the item well and dry completely before using or returning the item to storage.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Rust With Baking Soda and a Potato

Raw potatoes contain oxalic acid, a common ingredient in commercial rust removers. When a potato is combined with a gentle abrasive, it can be an effective natural rust remover.

  1. Prepare the Potato

    Slice the potato in half, and sprinkle the cut side with salt or baking soda.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Rub the Potato on Rust

    Rub the cut side of the potato over the rusted area. Add more salt or baking soda to act as an abrasive as you scrub the rusty spots.

    Tip

    If you have rusty spots on your kitchen knives, plunge them into a potato and let them sit for at least a few hours. When you pull the knives out of the potato, the rust should wipe right off.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Rinse and Dry

    Rinse the object with water and dry thoroughly. If rust stains remain, try another method of removal.

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

How to Remove Rust Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

Originally written by

Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a frugal living expert who has been writing for over 10 years about easy ways to save money at home. She's covered money-saving advice and tricks for numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Forbes, among others. She is the owner of "My Frugal Home," a money-saving, frugal living how-to guide.

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Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products. New Mexico State University.

Remove rust with vinegar. 5 Proven and Reliable Home Methods for Rust Removal

When water gets on the surface of a metal tool and stays there for days on end, the result can be an oxidation process and your tool will rust. But this does not necessarily mean that it is time to send the tool to a landfill. With simple home remedies, you can almost completely get rid of rust. After that, you only need a little lubrication and the tool will be like new. nine0003

Some of these rust removal methods may seem far-fetched, but fear not, dear readers - each method has been tested and proven to work!

Baking soda

Method: Rinse metal object and wipe dry. Sprinkle with baking soda (it will stick to wet areas), don't forget to coat any rusty areas. Leave the item for an hour or so, then scrub with a steel wool or wire brush, removing the rust down to the metal. When cleaning the pan, use a dishwashing sponge. Rinse and dry with a towel. nine0003

Effective for light rust on trays, thin metal, etc.

Pros: is a simple method using one cheap common tool.

Cons: takes at least an hour before you can actually start removing rust. The key to removing rust is using a steel wool or dishwashing sponge, so be prepared to sweat.

Vinegar

Method: Soak item in vinegar and leave overnight. Remove the item and scrub with a wire brush or steel wool. If your tool cannot be completely submerged in vinegar, soak rags in vinegar and wrap the rusted area.

This method is best used on heavily rusted items made entirely of steel that can be dipped in vinegar without risk of damaging other surfaces.

Pros: Super easy "set it and forget it". It won't take too much effort to remove the rust after you take the item out of the vinegar container. nine0003

Cons: Product needs to be soaked overnight so it takes time to achieve results.

By the way, in this video you can see what happened to a rusty tool that was accidentally left in a container of vinegar for 19 months! 😊 ( video in English )

Potato and dishwashing liquid

Method: sounds crazy but works! Cut a potato in half and coat the cut with dish soap. Use a potato like a dishwashing sponge and watch the rust disappear. nine0003

This method works best on small, less stubborn rust stains on easily accessible surfaces.

Pros: is an easy and relatively quick way to remove rust. Works great with kitchen appliances. Uses ingredients that you most likely already have.

Cons: is probably the dirtiest rust removal method. Be sure to work on a sink or somewhere outdoors.

Citric acid

Method: You may not have citric acid available, but it is easy to find in most food stores. Add a few cups of hot water to a bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid. Immerse item in water and leave overnight, remove in the morning and brush off remaining rust stains, rinse and dry.

Best used on heavily corroded objects and tools that can be immersed in liquid without damaging other surfaces and coatings (citric acid removes paint!). nine0003

Pros: works great! Another "set and forget" method.

Cons: as we already wrote, you may not have citric acid on hand, but it is easy to buy in the nearest store.

Lemon and Salt

Method: Sprinkle a liberal layer of salt over the rusted area, cut the lemon (or lime) in half and squeeze the juice over the salt. Let the mixture stand, then wipe off the rust. If the rust remains, repeat the procedure and let the salt and juice stand for another hour or two until the rust is completely gone. Rinse, then dry. nine0003

Pros: Minimally abrasive process, uses ingredients you most likely already have at home.

Cons: If you clean rust from a kitchen knife, this process can be difficult, you can cut yourself. Be sure to wear protective gloves or work on a level surface to reduce the risk of accidents.

Tags: Potato, Citric Acid, Rust Cleaner, Baking Soda, Vinegar nine0000 How to remove rust from metal at home

Reading time: 4 min.

Contents

Each of us has metal items at home: kitchen utensils, decorative elements, wrought iron furniture or something else. All are at risk of corrosion damage. Also, in the bathroom, rusty smudges form on the plumbing due to improper care.

Therefore, you need to know how to remove rust from various surfaces and restore their former attractiveness. nine0003

Now we will tell you how to properly deal with corrosion at home so as not to harm metal products. Consider simple and affordable options, and also talk about special rust converters.

The folk remedies below are just one of the many remedies that can be found to combat rust. Note that these funds really show good results. They have stood the test of time and have proven themselves well in the kitchens and bathrooms of many housewives. nine0003

We wash rust with vinegar

The most popular folk remedy is vinegar. With its help, many housewives wash the mold and eliminate unpleasant odors.

To remove rust from objects:

It is better to take apple or wine vinegar, it is more aggressive, which means it will cope with rust more effectively; Vinegar should not be used on aluminum surfaces as it may damage their protective layer

Removing rust stains in the toilet bowl

Use vinegar to remove running water tracks in the toilet bowl.

The surface of the toilet bowl is designed for daily use of disinfectants and the use of aggressive chemicals. However, this should not be abused, violation of the top layer of the glaze structure will lead to faster contamination and a deterioration in appearance. nine0003

During the general cleaning of the apartment, rust and other difficult dirt are removed from the surfaces, regular cleaning helps to prevent its occurrence. Also, to keep the plumbing clean, you can use blisters for the toilet. They will prevent rust.

A gentle way to remove rust with salt and lemon

Using rusty kitchen utensils, you risk worsening your teeth, getting problems with the intestines, gallbladder and kidneys. This method will help remove rust from dishes and cutlery, help clean a metal sink. It will turn out economically, simply and effectively. And most importantly, it allows you to get to hard-to-reach areas. nine0003

This method is effective for small rust spots. For example, at a construction site, a stain from a rusty nail will be removed. With deep penetration into the surface, the method may be ineffective. nine0003

An effective way to remove rust with baking soda

Mix water and baking soda to a paste. This paste should be applied to the surface for 20-30 minutes. And after the time has passed, clean everything with a hard sponge or brush.

It is worth noting that this method is not suitable for the case when rust has already thoroughly eaten into the metal.

Removing rust in the bathroom with household chemicals

There are many chemicals on the market today, the action of which is aimed at removing rust. nine0003

Comet, Domestos and Sanox will do a great job of removing rust from a toilet bowl.

The last resort is effective despite its budgetary cost.

In the product lines "Cillit BANG", "Mr. Muscle", "Unicum" there are sprays designed for gentle cleaning of surfaces, both for bathtubs and toilet bowls.

For direct cleaning of the bathtub, choose products marked “bath”. The use of harsh chemicals can ruin acrylic surfaces just as well as abrasive products. nine0003

Choose your cleaning products responsibly when cleaning your home. Do not use toilet bowl cleaners when cleaning bathtubs. This common mistake leads to surface damage, loss of appearance and the growth of dangerous bacteria.

Mechanical rust removal

If you do not want to use chemicals or the above methods, you can resort to a more radical solution - metal cleaning by mechanical methods.

The first option is sandpaper cleaning. First, the surface is cleaned with sandpaper of a higher grit, and then fine-grained. The main thing is to thoroughly clean everything and not miss a single area with rust - otherwise it will quickly appear again.

The second option is to use a manual or mechanical brush with metal bristles. When cleaning, the product must be securely fixed in a vice. How long it takes to clean the surface depends on the degree of damage. We recommend using brushes with brass-plated wire. They are the most effective in the fight against corrosion. nine0003

These procedures must be completed by degreasing with kerosene and applying a special anti-corrosion primer to the metal. And, of course, everything needs to be painted with enamel and acrylic paint to protect the metal from corrosion.

These methods are great for removing rust from wrought iron or garden furniture. They are also good for metal interior elements.

Household chemicals: rust converters

Now it's time to talk about special anti-corrosion agents called rust converters. And here are the most effective ones. nine0003

Tsinkar

Russian made converter with highly effective rust control formula on ferrous metals. The composition contains zinc salt compounds. They not only remove corrosion, but also protect the cleaned area from its reappearance. You can buy the product in a jar or in the form of an aerosol.

After use, the product must be washed off with concentrated soda solution. Otherwise, the metal will quickly rot.

Rust converter "Tsinkar" has high cleaning performance and affordable price. nine0003

Sonax

An imported product, quite popular among Russian motorists. It does an excellent job of removing rust from various metals.

Contains no aggressive acids. This means that the product can be used on paintwork and in places where metal comes into contact with rubber.

But it should be noted right away that this converter should be used with gloves and a respirator. The composition of the product is extremely toxic.

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