Rust is the result of the oxidation of iron. The most common cause is prolonged exposure to water. All metals that contain iron, including steel, bond with the oxygen atoms of the water to form a layer of iron oxide, or rust. Rust favors and speeds up the corrosion process; good maintenance is therefore important. Removing the rust isn't too complicated. This article will show you how.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Acid Solutions
Step 1. Try the vinegar
It is a non-toxic acid that we all have around the house and it works wonders on rust. Simply soak the rusted object in a vinegar bath overnight, and scrape off the rust the next morning.
- Apple cider vinegar is better than white vinegar; the latter is also effective, but not as effective as the former.
- Although the vinegar does give results, it is still a bland product. You have to let it work overnight, even better 24 hours. After removing the rusted item from the vinegar, rub it with crumpled aluminum foil moistened with more vinegar.
Step 2. Use lemon or lime juice
This remedy is especially effective with rust stains on clothing, but it also works with metals if given enough time. Sprinkle some salt on the metal and soak it in lemon juice. Scrub with crumpled aluminum.
Step 3. Try something more scientific and use phosphoric or hydrochloric acid
Both are found in household cleaning products, they are not very expensive and they work. Here's where you can find them and how to use them:
- Phosphoric acid is actually a "converter" of iron oxide (rust) by transforming it into ferric phosphate, a black patina. Dip the rusty object in phosphoric acid and let it sit overnight. Let it dry, then scrape off the ferric phosphate layer. You can find this acid in cola and molasses.
- Hydrochloric acid is often used in steel mills to "clean" steel of rust and scale. You can find it in many household cleaners, especially those for the toilet.
- Hydrochloric acid continues to work even after rinsing and drying. Vapors can take root on the surface of chrome and metal objects in the same environment, causing them to discolour. One way to avoid this problem is to heat the treated object in an oven or fire. Another involves the use of a neutralizing paste of chalk or lime.
Step 4. Use a potato
The oxalic acid contained in this tuber removes rust deposits. This technique is especially useful for small items such as knives. Here's how to use it:
- Simply stick the knife into the potato and wait all night. Be careful not to get hurt. In the morning remove the knife and scrub the rust off.
- Cut the potato in half and sprinkle it with plenty of baking soda. Rub it vigorously on the rusted object, then go over the metal with an abrasive material such as steel wool.
Step 5. Check if you have any other acids in the house
You can often make your own cleaning solution without even leaving the kitchen. Virtually any acid can loosen or remove rust, and home solutions work very well on small items.
- The active ingredient of many household cleaners is acid, usually phosphoric or hydrochloric, and therefore they are perfectly suited for the purpose.
- If you are unsure of the reactions certain chemicals may have with metals, do a quick online search. Although household products can usually be combined, in some cases it is best avoided.
Step 6. Remove rust with cola
Dip the rusted piece into a glass or larger container filled with cola. Simply let it soak for about half an hour, then check the progress. The liquid should do the rest.
Method 2 of 5: Paste
Step 1. Make a dough with baking soda
Add enough baking soda to the water to make a toothpaste-like batter. You will need to put more baking soda than water. Apply the rust mixture and start scrubbing with something abrasive like steel wool or a toothbrush. Clean with a cloth and check the result.
It may take several applications to get a satisfactory result, but the system definitely works
Step 2. Make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar
Try to achieve the consistency of a batter and, just like with baking soda, apply it to the object, scrub with an abrasive material and check the result.
If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, you can use regular water. The anti-rust agent is cream of tartar
Method 3 of 5: Mechanical Abrasion
Step 1. Get a sander or grinder
If you don't have them, you can find them at any hardware store, and since they are powerful tools, they are also quite expensive. Some shops even offer a rental service for an acceptable amount. Sanders are particularly useful for large surfaces such as old car bodies.
Step 2. Put the sanding disc on the sander
These tools are equipped with interchangeable discs that can be replaced when they are too worn. Abrasive, fiber and lamellar ones work best.
You should start by using the larger, rougher disc to remove the "bulk" of the rust without bothering with the smaller, finer-grained ones
Step 3. Secure the metal to be cleaned so that it does not move during the operation
Hook it up with a vise if possible, or make sure it's heavy enough to sit still while using the sander.
Step 4. Turn on the appliance and brush the rust with the abrasive disc lightly but firmly
Do not dwell too much on one point, to avoid reaching and damaging the underlying metal.
Step 5. Use the sandblaster to finish the job
If any residue remains, you can get rid of it with this tool. It works in a similar way to the sander but has a vibrating and non-rotating disc.
There are sandblasters specifically designed to reach even the most difficult points, such as corners and uneven surfaces
Method 4 of 5: Electrolysis
Step 1. Prepare an electrolyte solution
First of all it should be clarified that this method is much simpler than it seems. Fill a plastic bucket with enough water to completely submerge the object to be cleaned and add a tablespoon of baking soda for every 4 liters. Stir to dissolve the baking soda well.
Step 2. Use a piece of steel you don't care about ruining as an anode
Electrolysis removes the rust from the object you want to clean and transfers it to the anode. The latter must be large enough to be only half submerged in water. The "dry" half will be connected to the positive pole. This step is very important.
- Steel is great for this purpose as long as the size is sufficient.
- Make sure the anode is magnetic so you don't get confused with aluminum. Do not you have to use aluminum or stainless steel for electrolysis.
Step 3. Connect the negative pole (colored black) of a charger to a rust-free spot on your object to be cleaned
This way you are sure that there is good contact. It may need to be scraped a little to get rid of it. Completely submerge the object being careful that it does not get too wet the electric cable.
Attention: make sure your item Not touch the anode, to avoid a short circuit.
Step 4. Connect the positive (red) pole of the charger to the anode
Remember that this must only be partially submerged, otherwise it will corrode.
If the piece of metal to be sacrificed is too small, consider using another one to connect it to the positive pole of the charger
Step 5. Connect the charger to electricity and turn it on
The electrolysis process will gradually remove the rust. Let it work for 12-20 hours.
Attention: if you want to check the status of the object to be cleaned, make sure you have turned off the charger. You will see bubbles and dirt rise to the surface, both of which are normal.
Step 6. Unplug the charger from the electrical outlet and remove the connector from the object
It should now be rust-free but still needs to be cleaned. Use a Scotch Brite cloth to remove any residue and a brush to reach the most difficult spots.
Method 5 of 5: Commercial Chemicals
Step 1. Purchase a chemical cleaner to remove rust
Yes, there is, but these products often contain very toxic acids. You can find this cleaner in hardware stores and some body shops.
- Some brands are Evapo-rust, Acid Magic and WD-40 (light oil).
- Wear protective gear when handling these products, including gloves, goggles, a mask, or respirator.
Step 2. Apply the solution
Now things get serious, you need to give the cleaner time to work and you need elbow grease to get a good result. Here's what you can do:
- Some products are sold in spray bottles. Spray a light coat and let it sit overnight if the rust is very resistant.
- Other products, on the other hand, after being applied, must be removed with a brush. Remove any rust that comes off easily, then spray some more cleaner and let it sit overnight.
- Another technique involves the total immersion of the object in the detergent. If it's a small item, put it in a plastic bucket. Pour in enough product to soak it completely and let it sit overnight.
Step 3. Rinse with water and dry
Try to remove all the cleaner and then dry the item with a hair dryer if you can. This way you are sure it is completely dry, and you minimize the chance of rust forming again.
Step 4. Scrape off any remaining rust
Most should have softened overnight and you shouldn't have a hard time.
Step 5. Repeat the process if necessary
The laying time of the detergent depends on the object to be cleaned, its condition and the effectiveness of the product. A lot of treatments are sometimes needed, especially if you have to clean a vertical object.
Advice
Once the rust is removed, the object can still rust. Prevent its formation by coating it with oil or fat. For some objects it is necessary to use a strong primer. If you want to paint them, make sure you have applied at least one coat of primer to protect them
Warnings
- Be very careful when using electrolysis, because you are working with electric current. Make sure the container is not a conductor of electricity (plastic is great), use rubber gloves and do not put the positive pole in contact with the negative.
- Determine what metal the object is made of. Rust is iron oxide and affects all ferrous metals such as steel. All metals corrode and have other 'types' of rust. Some of the above methods, such as electrolysis, are specific for iron oxide and you shouldn't attempt to use them with other materials.
- Avoid inhaling the vapors of strong acids; work in well-ventilated places when handling them. They are irritating to the throat and lungs, especially for people with asthma or lung problems. Use eye and mouth protection, such as goggles and a mask. Always wear gloves when handling packages.
- If you sand or sand unevenly, you may be peeling off layers of metal. If you need to clean up an expensive item, consider a chemical solution or electrolysis.
