The presence of rust on the bicycle can make a pleasant outing unpleasant, as well as ruin the chrome plating of the frame. You don't need to take it to a professional to remove the rust - in most cases you can do it yourself. Depending on the severity of the problem, home remedies such as baking soda and vinegar or chemicals can be used. Once you have eliminated the problem you can go back to pedaling peacefully.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Sodium Bicarbonate on Light Rust
Step 1. Mix the water and baking soda in a bowl
Make a mixture made of 50% water and 50% bicarbonate and mix it until you get a thick paste. You will need enough to completely cover the rust, so keep all items on hand in case you still need them.
- Baking soda is usually suitable for removing light rust; other methods often work better for stubborn rust.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to the paste to increase its effectiveness.
Step 2. Apply the paste directly to the rust for about 15 minutes
Rub a sponge or a brush dipped in paste on the rusty bicycle: do not scratch it or remove it immediately, as it takes a few minutes to kick in and attack the rust. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
The paste should be thick enough to evenly coat the rust patch without slipping off
Step 3. Scrub the baking soda with an abrasive material
To do this, use a plastic brush or steel wool. As you scrub you should notice that the rust comes off the bike - if this doesn't happen, add more paste and scrub harder.
If you don't have any type of abrasive material available, use a toothbrush
Step 4. Wait about 10 minutes before removing the baking soda
After scrubbing, let the paste sit for about 10-15 minutes again, so that it reaches the most stubborn rust. Finally, remove it with a dry microfiber cloth, then make sure the bike is completely dry to avoid further rust.
- Store your bike in a cool, dry place to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
- If rust is still attached, repeat the process or try another method.
Method 2 of 3: Use the vinegar on the most stubborn rust
Step 1. Pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle
This product is great for removing rust, as it is more acidic than other varieties. Although it is possible to apply it directly on the bike, the spray bottle is preferable as it allows you to spray it evenly.
Add a teaspoon of baking soda to make the solution more corrosive
Step 2. Spray or spread it over the rust
If you opt for a spray bottle, spray it evenly over the entire affected area, or apply it with the help of a sponge or an aluminum ball. The latter is particularly suitable because it also works as a bruschino.
Alternatively, you can soak any removable parts in a vinegar solution if you prefer
Step 3. Rinse the vinegar after 10-15 minutes
It may continue to corrode the metal after removing the rust - to avoid this, use a garden pump to wash the bike after the rust has been removed.
If the vinegar is unable to remove rust, it may be necessary to use a chemical product
Step 4. Dry the bike before storing it, otherwise the rust may re-form
Rub it with a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol to remove excess moisture, then store it in a cool, dry place to prevent further rust from forming.
Method 3 of 3: Try a chemical rust remover
Step 1. Use a chemical, in case no other method has worked
In some cases, home remedies may not be strong enough to remove rust. Try baking soda and vinegar first, but if these methods don't work, buy a rust remover at a hardware store or bicycle shop.
Do not mix the rust inhibitor with baking soda, vinegar, citric acid or other detergents: some mixtures could be lethal
Step 2. Put on protective gloves and goggles before using the rust inhibitor
It is a more powerful product than the others that can harm the eyes and skin. Read the instructions carefully before using it to make sure you operate safely. In the event that the product comes into contact with the eyes or skin, rinse it thoroughly and contact a poison control center for further instructions.
Avoid using chemicals in confined spaces. Open a window or door for ventilation and leave the room immediately if you begin to feel dizzy and / or dizzy
Step 3. Rub the product as directed
The processing time will vary depending on the product: usually from 30 minutes to a whole night. Read the instructions and follow them carefully for a better result.
If you need a product that is able to remove rust quickly, read the instructions before purchasing it and choose the product with the shortest processing time
Step 4. Remove the product as soon as the indicated time has passed
Since it is corrosive, remove it completely with a rag after removing the rust. Keep any residual product at hand in case it is necessary to remove more rust later.
Throw away the rag after using it to prevent it from contaminating other fabrics
Advice
- Clean your bike by removing any dirt and grime before trying any of the methods described for removing rust.
- Vinegar and baking soda are the cheapest methods.
- Keep your bike dry and store it in a cool, dark place to prevent rust from re-forming.
- Apply a waterproof coating to the bike to prevent rust.
