There are many ways to intervene when a stainless steel element has rust stains. If the problem is small, it is best to eliminate it using an antirust paste prepared using lemon juice, baking soda, water or cream of tartar. If the rust is extensive, however, you should wet the steel, sprinkle it with baking soda and scrub to remove it. If none of the above methods work, try using a cleaner designed specifically to remove rust that contains oxalic acid.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Small Rust Stains
Step 1. Make a baking soda paste
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water. Rub the mixture onto the steel using a clean cloth, following the direction of the grain. Finally, rinse and clean the rusty area with a damp sheet of kitchen paper.
Step 2. Treat rust with vinegar
If possible, dip the entire piece that has rust stains into a glass full of vinegar. This hypothesis is mainly indicated for jewelry or steel kitchen utensils, which are small in size. If it is not possible to submerge the rusted object, or the part with the rust, pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray a generous amount directly where you need it.
- Wait 5 minutes after applying the vinegar, then clean the steel with a damp sponge;
- White vinegar is the most suitable for this purpose, but red vinegar can also work well;
- Alternatively, you can pour or sprinkle some vinegar on the abrasive side of a dish sponge (usually the green colored one) and use it to scrub and gently remove the rust.
Step 3. Use lemon juice
Mix it with the baking soda in equal quantities to form a slightly abrasive paste; for example, you can use a spoonful of both. Coat the rust stains with baking soda and lemon paste, then gently scrub the steel with a damp sponge to remove them.
- If rust persists after the first attempt, reapply the paste where it is needed and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. When the time runs out, gently scrub with the damp sponge.
- Lime juice can be a valid substitute for lemon juice in combination with baking soda.
Step 4. Make a cream of tartar paste
Mix a tablespoon with a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste where it is needed, then scrub it firmly against the rust using a soft sponge. When finished, wipe it off with a wet sponge, then dry the steel with a kitchen towel.
Step 5. Remove rust with lighter fluid
Pour a few drops onto a clean rag, then use it to gently scrub the steel where it is rusted. Since it is a flammable liquid, the advice is to use this option only if all the others have not worked. When you're done, be sure to wipe off all traces of the liquid by wiping a wet sponge over the steel several times.
Do not use lighter fluid to clean steel if you are near an open flame
Method 2 of 3: Remove Extensive Rust Stains
Step 1. Wet the rusty area
For example, if rust has hit a steel sink, pour water over it. If the rust is on a vertical surface, wet it using a spray bottle filled with water.
Step 2. Sprinkle the rusted area with baking soda
If the rusty steel is that of the sink top or other horizontal surface, the task is quite simple. If it is a vertical surface, place a tray or newspaper under the area with the rust. Pick up a pinch of baking soda with your fingers and drop it on the wet steel, it should stick to it.
Wait 30-60 minutes after sprinkling baking soda on the rust
Step 3. Scrub the rusted area
Use a soft-bristled brush, sponge, or old toothbrush to gently scrub stainless steel into areas where rust has formed. Remember to move the brush or sponge in the direction of the metal grain.
Step 4. Rinse and dry the treated area
When the rust appears to have loosened, rinse the stainless steel or wipe it with a wet sheet of kitchen paper. Finally dry it with a microfiber cloth or dry kitchen paper.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Toughest Rust Stains
Step 1. Use a liquid cleaner that contains oxalic acid
It is a powerful acid capable of removing even the most stubborn rust deposits. Spray it on the rusted steel parts, then wait a minute or for the time indicated on the package before using the sponge.
Search the web to find out which cleaners contain oxalic acid. You can also buy it pure at the pharmacy and prepare a cleaning solution following the pharmacist's advice
Step 2. Scrub the rusted area with a sponge
One minute after applying the cleaner, start scrubbing the rust with a wet sponge respecting the direction of the steel grain.
Step 3. Rinse the previously rusted area
When the rust is gone, clean the steel with clean water (either directly or using a spray bottle). Finally dry it with a clean cloth or rag.
Step 4. Avoid abrasive cleaners
If the rust seems impossible to defeat, you may be tempted to intervene with a really powerful chemical. Don't do this, as you may damage the stainless steel permanently. You should only use liquid cleaners, avoiding those that contain abrasive solid particles and also products that mix oxalic acid with chlorides (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine, etc.).
Advice
- Do not rest cast iron utensils against stainless steel surfaces. For example, do not leave the cast iron grill in the sink, otherwise rust will form.
- Avoid using products to polish stainless steel on surfaces that can be exposed to intense heat, such as those on grills and stoves. When these products are heated they can cause discoloration of the metal.
- Never use wool or steel wool or other abrasive tools to clean stainless steel.
