Take rust off stainless steel
How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel — Advice from Bob Vila
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At its best, a kitchen furnished with shiny stainless steel appliances and surfaces is the picture of a pristine, professional atmosphere. But when the thick, seemingly impenetrable metal making up your kitchen sink, counters, and pots and pans begins to rust, the expensive aesthetic looks worse than it does if it were actually damaged.
Homeowners dealing with these blemishes may ask: Isn’t stainless steel supposed to be, well, stainless? Though its name is somewhat misleading, any appliance made up of the chromium-based metal can easily corrode if not cared for properly. Luckily, the blemishes are easily banished.
If you have accidentally left utensils or frying pans soaking in the kitchen sink longer than you care to admit, don’t throw in the towel on removing unsightly surface stains just yet. In fact, the solutions—yes, there are a few—are so simple that they’re probably staring you right in the face if you happen to be in the kitchen.
Read on for how to remove rust from stainless steel all throughout the kitchen and home.
METHOD 1: Use Baking Soda to Rub Out RustSUPPLIES– Baking soda
– Soft cloth
– Soft bristle brush
– Paper towels
How to Remove Small Rust Spots on Stainless SteelSTEP 1: Mix a baking soda paste.When removing only a few unsightly spots from the side of a pan or the front of your dishwasher, mix a paste of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of water. (For larger rust spots, skip ahead to the next set of steps.)
Baking soda is a very mild abrasive, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re conquering corrosion in a completely chemical-free way that will clean rust off stainless steel without scratching it.
STEP 2: Rub the paste into the grain of the stainless steel.Rub the paste onto your stainless steel surface in the direction of the grain using a soft, clean cloth.
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STEP 3: Rinse and wipe.
Finally, rinse and gently wipe the affected area with a damp paper towel.
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How to Get Rust off a Stainless Steel Sink or Any Large AreaSTEP 1: Rinse and coat with baking soda.Rinse the larger surface area thoroughly—be it the basin of your sink or a section of your stainless steel counters—to remove any debris and dampen the surface. Immediately after, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the surface, making sure to coat the entire rusted region.
STEP 2: Let it sit.Let the layer of baking soda sit for between 30 minutes and an hour.
STEP 3: Scrub rust away.Roll up those sleeves and start scrubbing! You can scrub with a soft bristle brush, or—if you’re fresh out of cleaning brushes—use an old toothbrush that you may have saved for these sorts of cleaning purposes.
STEP 4: Rinse and dry the surface.Rinse and carefully dry the sink or other stainless steel surface with a paper towel.
If you’ve ever left cast-iron pots in the sink while wet, it is likely you’ve woken up to the menacing sight of rust marring a once perfectly varnished stainless steel sink. This is a forgivable gaffe indeed. But how do you treat it? You may wish to bump up your cleaning ammo by employing a cleaner containing oxalic acid such as Bar Keepers Friend or a powdered form of oxalic acid that can be mixed with water.
It’s true that not all stainless steel behaves the same way. So when a baking soda bath does not do the job to your satisfaction, oxalic acid-based cleaners offer a very effective alternative method for dissolving rust and cleaning stains.
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SUPPLIES– Cleaner that contains oxalic acid, such as Bar Keepers Friend
– Soft sponge
STEP 1: Choose and apply an oxalic acid rust remover.Apply a generous amount of cleaner containing oxalic acid onto the affected area, following the package’s instructions.
Appliance manufacturer General Electric recommends Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser (a liquid cleanser free of grit), which you also can pick up at your nearest home improvement store.
Kleen King Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner is another highly effective, rust-busting cleaner containing this key ingredient; you can find it at your local grocery store.
Avoid using any caustic cleaners that contain chlorides, as the abrasive nature of these products will only further damage the steel’s chromium film (the protective layer).
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STEP 2: Rub into the grain of the stainless steel.Once set, rub the cleaner in the direction of the metal grain lines using a soft, slightly damp sponge. Again, this requires a little bit of elbow grease but is well worth it for the sparkling finish that awaits you.
STEP 3: Rinse and dry.Finally, rinse clean with fresh water and gently towel dry. If the stain persists, rinse the cleaner using warm water and repeat the process.
Don’t leave the cleanser on for more than about a minute; increase elbow grease instead to cut through the remaining stain.
Removing rust from metal requires some scrubbing. However you choose to remove rust from stainless steel, stay far away from steel wool, steel brushes, or any cleaner that contains fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine (to name but a few elements in the chloride family). Remember, chlorides are so abrasive that they’ll mar the “stainless” surface, making it susceptible to corrosion. In addition, rust removers meant for other metals or harsh cleaners and scrubbing pads like steel wool can cause damaging scratches—or worse, leave a pesky remainder of particles that can lead to yet another unpleasant rust encounter.
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Of course, to avoid rust in the future, it’s best to minimize moisture around any stainless steel appliance.
Refrigerators are particularly vulnerable if you live in coastal areas with salt-laden air, or if you happen to share the kitchen with plenty of small, impatient fingers that tend to spill liquids into the nooks and crannies of your fridge! If you spot a splash or spill, don’t tell yourself you’ll get to it later—grab a mop or an absorbent paper towel and get to work. Your gleaming stainless steel-enhanced kitchen will thank you later.
For everyday cleaning and upkeep—and to maintain that glowing luster throughout your kitchen—wipe away smudges and fingerprints regularly with warm water mixed with a mild soap or dish detergent. Then give these stainless steel surfaces a quick rinse with a cloth dampened with fresh water, and don’t skimp on the drying.
Remove standing water or leftover droplets with another clean cloth, and you can eliminate moisture before it starts the problematic cycle all over.
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Final ThoughtsPrevention is the best way to keep stainless steel surfaces rust-free.
Likewise, regular maintenance can keep these surfaces in good shape, so a good understanding of how to clean stainless steel is helpful. When rust appears, start with staples like baking soda, vinegar, and a soft cloth. Or grab your stainless steel cleaner and rust remover (with oxalic acid for best results), a soft cloth, and ready your elbow.
When the rust comes off, be sure to rinse the surface with warm water and dry it. You might have to repeat the process if some rust remains. When stripping rust from stainless steel, be sure to use the right cleaners and cloths or scrubbers. Certain chemicals and hard materials (like steel wool) can damage stainless steel. The first step is to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how to remove rust from stainless steel appliances.
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FAQs About Removing Rust from Stainless SteelThere are plenty of household products and some easy-to-find specialty cleaners that will remove rust from stainless steel.
Below are frequently asked questions about using household items, along with our answers.
You can use vinegar to remove light spots of rust on some stainless steel finishes, and it is a handy starting point, with a caveat: Some stainless steel has an oleophobic, or oil-repellant, coating to resist fingerprints. Do not use vinegar on stainless steel with this finish; the vinegar can strip away the coating.
Also, mix vinegar with baking soda for more effect. Just know that you probably can’t get all the rust off with vinegar, even on stainless surfaces without this coating.
Q. Does toothpaste remove rust?Toothpaste is a handy all-around cleaning solution and might remove some small rust spots, like on stainless steel cutlery, if mixed with baking soda. However, it is not as effective as a commercial cleanser, especially on larger surfaces like stainless steel sinks.
Q. Can lemon remove rust?Lemon also can dissolve some rust on stainless steel, especially when poured on top of sprinkled coarse salt or when mixed with vinegar.
Lime has similar acidic qualities. Let it sit for an hour or two before rubbing the residue with the lemon rind, then rinsing and drying. However, know that lemon juice that sits too long on stainless steel can damage the surface.
Avoid using bleach on stainless steel. The strong solution can stain and damage the surface. Bleach compromises the outer layer of stainless steel, actually making it more susceptible to rusting or staining.
Q. How do you remove rust without scrubbing?Scrubbing with abrasive brushes or steel wool can scratch stainless steel, actually making it more susceptible to future rust. The best cure is an ounce of prevention—keeping the surface free of standing water and stains and cleaning it with the proper gentle cleansers and cloths or brushes.
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You can try soaking small items like cutlery in a vinegar or rust-removing solution and rinsing. Sinks and other surfaces likely need a little elbow grease to remove rust spots, however, and scrubbing speeds up the rust-removal process.
How to remove rust from stainless steel: a simple guide |
(Image credit: Mel Yates Interior / Designer: Rosalind Wilson)
Wondering how to remove rust from stainless steel for the best results? It is one of the most popular finishes for kitchen appliances, surfaces and backsplashes, but fingerprints and smears can accumulate as you use stainless steel appliances and compromise the pristine finish, making effective and easy solutions as part of the routine for cleaning stainless steel appliances a must.
Here, we take a look at the cleaning tips and remedies to rust on stainless steel and reveal the tactics the experts use to keep it looking clean and shiny.
How to remove rust from stainless steel
Often used to produce a range of household and industrial appliances and surface, stainless steel, an alloy of iron that contains ten percent chromium, is a resilient material.
The beauty of stainless steel, often used in chef's kitchens, is its resistance to rust and tarnish due to the chromium film on its surface.
However, if this chromium film is removed, the utensil or appliance will begin to rust.
When the time comes to clean a kitchen, stainless steel pots and pans are easily maintained, so they always look attractive, but corrosion can sometimes be also be caused by changes in atmospheric conditions. In the event that your stainless steel utensils and appliances do have rust on them, follow these instructions to remove rust from stainless steel with relative ease.
(Image credit: Lewis Alderson)
What is the best way to remove rust from steel?
The answer to how to remove rust from stainless steel is that you can do it with store-bought products, or with what you already have at home.
‘There are many brilliant and cost-effective specialist stainless steel rust removers on the market which are great for making your appliances rust and streak-free again,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor-in-chief of Homes & Gardens. 'But there could also be pantry staples that may already lurking in your kitchen cupboards.
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This simple solution is one of our favorite tried-and-tested methods for removing rust from stainless steel.
1. Create a solution using pantry staples
Before you begin cleaning rust from stainless, always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Not all steel finishes are the same.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water. Baking soda is wonderful non-abrasive way to remove rust and various other stains and blemishes from surfaces and appliances.
2. Use the solution to remove rust
Start by wiping away any smudges with a clean cloth – you may need to use a little bit of elbow grease. Alternatively, rub the baking soda solution on the rust stain using a toothbrush. Baking soda is non-abrasive and will gently lift the rust stain from the stainless steel. It also will not damage the grain of the stainless steel.
3. Rinse and wipe away
Rinse and wipe the spot with wet paper towel. You will see the rust on the paper towel.
(Image credit: Franke)
Does white vinegar remove rust from stainless steel?
Skip the store-bought stainless steel cleaners and grab a bottle of vinegar from your pantry instead. White vinegar is another household pantry staple that can be used to remove rust from stainless steel. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which works as a mild corrosive cleaner to chip away at rust, dirt and stains.
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Using a soft cleaning cloth or paper towel, wipe the vinegar on the surface until it’s dry. Rinse with water. However, be aware that this won't work on stubborn rust.
What is the fastest way to remove rust from metal?
Baking soda is one of the best ways to clean a kitchen due to its reliable cleaning power. Thanks to its mild abrasiveness and cleaning abilities, baking soda is also a wonderful option for cleaning laundry, tile grout and grills.
What to avoid when removing rust from stainless steel?
While it is important to know what to use, it is also crucial that we highlight what you must avoid when removing rust from stainless steel as well.
Using the wrong cleaning products can often result in long-lasting damage that will be simply irreparable.
Never use a metal abrasive, such as steel wool or brushed to clean stainless steel. These abrasive cleaners may scratch the surface, thus exposing your appliance or surface to even more rust.
We also recommend staying away from cleaners that contain fluorine, iodine, bromine, or any other chloride. Chlorides are far too abrasive and will often lead to dull discolorations on your stainless steel that can corrode and rust.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
How to remove rust from stainless steel: how to clean it from corrosion
The very name "stainless steel" indicates that products made from this material should not be exposed to corrosion. But what to do if oxidation does occur? What is the reason for this phenomenon and how to prevent further contamination of the steel? Everything is in order.
Causes of corrosion
Causes of oxidation of stainless steel can be:
Poor material quality. If there are too many impurities in the steel, then it will corrode more than a quality material.
Damage. Rust may appear if the metal has been subjected to heat treatment or mechanical damage. For example, steel can rust at welds, scratches and chips, and other damage leading to its deformation.
Usage environment. If parts or objects are used in aggressive environments, they can also rust due to instability to external conditions. In this case, stainless steel items should be used, for example, with increased corrosion protection.
Rust Removal Methods
If the stainless steel does become corroded due to one of the reasons listed above, there are several ways to fix it.
Cleaner
Yes, the easiest option comes first. To remove rust from the surface, any liquid cleaner designed for this purpose will do. It is liquid, because if you use abrasive or powder products, there is a risk of damaging the steel itself, which will lead to the appearance of new rust spots.
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice is suitable for removing fine dirt or pitting.
- Rub the affected area with lemon and wait a while.
- Wipe clean with a paper towel or cloth.
If the rust is not completely removed, the procedure can be repeated.
Soda
Soda is also suitable for removing small rust stains. For this method you need:
- mix soda with a little water and add a few drops of lemon juice;
- rub the rusty area with the resulting mass and wait from several minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the contamination;
- then wipe with a sponge or soft cloth.
You can repeat the steps if corrosion still remains on the surface of the stainless steel.
White Vinegar
For large areas of soiling, it is best to soak the stainless steel object in a container full of vinegar. For small stains and spot dirt, the part can simply be wiped with a cloth heavily moistened with vinegar.
- Wait for the vinegar and rust to react (this may take up to several days).
- Remove residual acetic acid together with rust.
The best way to do this is with a hard sponge, not an iron sponge.
Kerosene
To clean with kerosene, you need to pour liquid into a container into which you can lower the stainless steel product.
- If the rust is pitted or the spot is small, you can keep the steel in kerosene for about a day, but if the pollution is large, then the period can be up to a week.
- After prolonged bathing in kerosene, wipe the metal with a sponge or cloth and rinse well with running water.
Prevention of corrosion on stainless steel
Well, we have cleaned the corrosion, our steel is now like new. But what can be done to prevent pollution from happening again? To do this, there are tools such as: rust converter , anti-corrosion compounds and many other chemistry, the names of which speak for themselves. After application, they create a protective film that prevents further corrosion.
There are different types of chemical coatings for different types of metal and stainless steel. After application, objects can be varnished or painted. How to clean rust from stainless steel at home? Have you found that your knives, cutlery or tools have started to develop small but unpleasant rust marks? Do not rush to send them to the landfill. Give metal objects (especially “stainless steel”, which can rust very much) a second chance and eliminate this minor annoyance by applying a surprisingly simple and affordable remedy.
Quick results and no super-complicated "chemistry"!
Is rust attacking the contents of the kitchen or garage? Enough tolerating this! It's time to declare war on red spots. And for this, stock up on patience, deep dishes and one simple ingredient that is easy to get in any store. After all, only lemon juice will help to cope with traces of rust.
Pour the lemon juice into a deep container, dip the objects to be cleansed into this magic potion and leave for five minutes. Then wipe off the marks with a soft cloth. That's all. Too easy? And we warned!
Lemon juice can remove rust from almost all metal surfaces. Only in some cases it will take a lot of juice.
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How to remove rust from stainless steel
Stainless steel, an iron alloy containing ten percent chromium, is a very resilient material that is used in a wide range of household and industrial products.
It is resistant to rust and tarnish due to the chrome film on its surface. If this chromium film is removed, the dishes will begin to rust. Stainless steel is used not only in household products, but also in a wide variety of architectural structures due to its high resistance to corrosion, which can be caused by changes in atmospheric conditions. Stainless steel pots and pans are easy to maintain, so they always look attractive. If your stainless steel cookware has rust, remove it by following these instructions.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 2 cups of water.
- Apply the baking soda solution to the rust stain with a toothbrush. Baking soda is non-abrasive and will gently remove rust stains from stainless steel. It will also not damage the stainless steel grain.
- Rinse and wipe the stain with a damp paper towel. You will see rust on the paper towel [source: DIY].
Here are some general tips for removing rust from stainless steel:
- Never use strong abrasive scouring powders as they will scratch the surface and remove the coating.
- Never use steel wool as it will scratch the surface.
- Try any abrasive powder in a corner of the dish where it won't be as noticeable and see if it scratches the surface [source: BSSA].
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How to remove rust from steel
Key steps:
Learn how to remove rust from stainless steel with the following methods:
- Use ketchup for a quick fix.
- Use baking soda for deep cleaning.
- A cleaner like Handy Andy is great for removing rust.
- Lemon and lime are best for new rust.
From sinks to cutlery, rust can find its way into any part of your home - and if you don't get rid of it, it can ruin your stainless steel! That's why it's always important to take the time to get rid of the rust on your clothes. To help you, we've put together a complete guide to removing rust from steel.
How to remove rust from stainless steel with ketchup
It may seem strange, but ketchup is actually a great answer to the question of how to remove rust from stainless steel.
The acetic acid in the sauce breaks down the rust, breaking it down and making it easier to remove. All you have to do is apply a generous coat, leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then wipe off the rust - easy!
How to remove rust from stainless steel with baking soda
If you're wondering how to remove rust from stainless steel sinks or other household items, this essential cabinet might be just what you need. Baking soda is used throughout the home and is great for dealing with stainless steel rust become. For sparkling clean steel, follow these steps:
- Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 2 full glasses of water.
- Using a toothbrush, rub the mixture into the rusty object. Baking soda is non-abrasive, so it won't scratch metal, but it will help remove rust.
- Rinse with water and dry with a paper towel until rust is completely removed.
How to Remove Rust on Stainless Steel with Cleaner
Remove rust from stainless steel with a quality cleaner such as Handy Andy.
Apply cleaner according to user instructions and always read safety warnings. Then wipe the product with a slightly damp sponge, following the lines of the metal texture. You may have to scrub off all the rust quite hard, but the finish is worth it!
Get rid of rust with citrus fruits
Another food that does wonders for getting rid of rust when it first appears is citrus fruits like lemons and limes. You can salt the surface of the item for a more abrasive cleaning before squeezing citrus juice onto it. Leave the solution on for a few hours before wiping, rinsing and drying.
Once you've learned how to remove rust from stainless steel, it's time to learn how to remove rust from other surfaces too! Don't forget to check out how to remove rust stains from clothes - things can get a little tangled during cleaning, so it's always good to know.
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Rust Remedies: 6 Natural Ways to Remove Rust
Rust: You find it on bike handles, tools, pipes and cars, especially after a rainy fall or a snowy winter.
Is there anything that can be done to get rid of it? Yes!
What is Rust?
Rust occurs when metal is exposed to prolonged contact with water and combines with oxygen in a process called oxidation. This process corrodes the metal, turning it into a chalky reddish-brown substance known as rust.
The best way to deal with rust is to prevent it by keeping metal surfaces dry. Of course, this is not always possible. You can buy rust removers that contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and dangerous to small children and pets. But there are many safer solutions, and you probably already have everything you need for them at home. Here are six easy and safe rust removal tricks to get you started.
6 easy ways to remove rust
- Scrub A good place to start is to simply rub the rusted surface with a steel wool, sandpaper, wire brush, or even a crumpled ball of foil. Unless the metal has rusted too deeply, a little elbow grease will go a long way.
But even if the rust is deep, it is recommended to remove the outer rust flakes first before using other methods. - White vinegar. For more resistant rust, try white vinegar. The acetic acid in this common household product is acidic enough to dissolve rust. You can soak small items such as earrings, rub them on the surface with an old cloth, or simply pour them directly over rust spots or bolts and screws that have rusted together. Be sure to rinse items thoroughly after the rust has dissolved, as vinegar left on the metal can damage the surface.
- baking soda is great for cleaning up a lot of household messes, but have you ever tried it on rust? Make a paste by mixing it with water, making sure it's thick enough to stick to the rusty surface. Leave for a while and then scrub off with a steel wool or wire brush. You may need to repeat this process several times.
- Gussets to help rust. Do you have extra potatoes lying around? You can use a piece of it to clean rusty surfaces - it's especially good on knife blades, pots and pans.
Sprinkle a little salt or baking soda on the potatoes and then rub it over the rust, or simply stick a knife into the potatoes and let them stand. Potato oxalic acid helps dissolve rust. - Lemon Juice also dissolves rust - sprinkle rust with coarse salt and then add lemon juice. Don't leave it on for too long or it may damage. Wipe off the juice and rinse. Try mixing lemon juice with a little vinegar for an extra strong solution. Not only will you get rid of rust, but everything you clean will smell like citrus!
- Does cola really remove rust? If you've ever dropped a penny into a glass of Coke, you've probably been impressed (or dismayed) that the penny came out clean. Cola and other soft drinks contain high levels of phosphoric acid (a common ingredient in rust removers). ) and can be used on rusty nuts and bolts or even corroded battery terminals. However, it can be quite difficult to clean it up as it is so sticky, so you might want to try another method first.
