Rust on metal is not only unsightly, but also dangerous for the product itself. The red attack can simply ruin the item after a while. If you've ever tried to deal with this problem, you know how difficult it is. But Dom.by has put together several methods that will save you from such “uninvited guests.” Let’s make a reservation right away: it won’t work without special tools. However, do not rush to immediately run to the hardware store: you can do it with improvised materials.
How to remove rust from metal: folk remedies
- Vinegar
The most common white vinegar will do the job quite effectively. Place the item in this liquid and leave it for some time, up to a day. If the item is bulky, then you can simply wipe it with vinegar or spray it with a spray bottle and wait. This will corrode the plaque, and remove rust from metal it will be much easier. After the standby mode ends, brush or cloth the surface thoroughly, rinse it with water and leave to dry.
Important! Remove rust from metal at home You can only use regular white vinegar, NOT its varieties. Otherwise, the colored liquid may leave marks on the object.
- Soda
Before how to remove rust from metal, soda is diluted with water before the mass thickens. Cover the area with plaque with this paste and wait for about half an hour. Arm yourself with a brush (tooth or metal) and scrub the surface thoroughly. If the result does not suit you, the procedure can be repeated even several times.
- Potato+lemon+salt
These vegetables and fruits contain acids that can be found in many cleaning products. In normal volumes they are not dangerous to humans, but in high concentrations they can fight even such a scourge. Salt in this tandem will act as a soft abrasive.
- Option 1. Apply sodium chloride to the damaged area and rub it with half a potato.
- Option 2. Also, first pour salt, then squeeze lemon juice onto it and begin to wipe off the plaque. This can be done either with a brush or with the peel of the fruit itself.
- Ketchup
Perhaps the most unexpected exit, how to remove rust from metal,- this is tomato sauce or even juice. The method is standard: apply to the red spot, wait and clean.
Also remove rust from metal at home You can use other available means: soda, kerosene, Alka-Seltzer, for example. If you resort to special aggressive means, then keep in mind that you need to work using protection: glasses, gloves, and even in some cases a respirator.
How to remove rust from metal: specialized products
- Solvent
This chemical is one of the most effective. It consists of various acids that cope with rust with a bang. The methods of their use may vary depending on the composition, but there is a general direction. First, remove the top layer of rust with a dry brush, then put the item in the solvent and wait about half an hour.
Important! This method is suitable for cleaning only small items, since they must be immersed in liquid. If items are fragile or expensive and need special protection, choose a solvent that contains inhibitors.
- Rust converter
As the name suggests, the substance converts rust into a protective film. In this case, the surface is not cleaned in the literal sense, but rather preserved. The harmful plaque stops spreading, and it itself changes color to violet-blue. These products can be presented in the form of a solution, suspension or spray. As with solvent, the surface must first be cleaned. The converter is better suited for volumetric surfaces: structures, buildings. After all the procedures they need to be painted.
Even the most durable metals with anti-corrosion protection can be susceptible to rust under certain conditions. It can be eliminated in various ways; the choice of a specific technique will depend on the type of product and the surface that is intended to be cleaned.
All the nuances associated with this issue are discussed in detail in this article.
Features and rules for cleaning metal from rust
Initially, you need to familiarize yourself with the available methods for removing rust from metal:
- Chemical method often used in the most difficult situations or when it is necessary to remove not only traces of corrosion, but also fat. Active solvents or special detergents with a high alkali content are highly effective.
- Thermal method usually involves using an oxygen-acetylene torch, which allows you to burn out both old paint and traces of corrosion.
- Mechanical method consists of using special brushes with stiff steel bristles or grinding machines. Sometimes special compositions are used, for example, a mixture of water with sand or shot, which has abrasive properties.
Regardless of the chosen method, you should adhere to the following basic rules:
Cleaning methods
Folk remedies
Many people refuse to use specialized store-bought rust removal products, preferring to use proven folk methods.
The most effective and popular options for eliminating traces of corrosion are discussed below:
- You need to take a potato and cut it into two parts, after which treat the cut area with regular table salt. It needs to rub the rusty surface, a positive result is achieved thanks to the oxalic acid contained in the root vegetable, as well as the absorbent properties of the salt. If there are complex contaminants, the potato must be applied to a metal surface and kept in this position for 10-15 minutes.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice must be mixed in equal proportions with any type of vinegar. The resulting solution is distinguished by its versatility: it can be used to remove rust marks from metal, ceramics or fabric. If we are talking about a metal surface, then the product is applied for 2-3 hours, after which the metal is thoroughly washed with clean water and dried.
- Baking soda is diluted with water until a mass with a fairly thick consistency is obtained. This paste is applied to the surface, and after 15-20 minutes it is cleaned off using a steel bristle brush or steel wool.
- Soaking in Coca-Cola or other similar carbonated drinks, which contain phosphoric acid, which can break down iron oxide.
- Ketchup or regular tomato sauce is the most affordable rust remover. It is enough to apply it for just 5-10 minutes, then rinse with plain water and the metal surface will become clean again.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice must be mixed in equal proportions with any type of vinegar
Store products
In the most difficult situations, only store-bought products can help. The most effective options that have managed to collect a large number of positive reviews are discussed below:
Neomid 570 is one of the most effective means that can remove rust from metal. It will not only eliminate external marks, but also stop the corrosive destruction of the material structure. The solution is equally effective when processing metal, stone, ceramics, as well as any enameled surfaces. The bottle is equipped with a sprayer that will allow you to distribute the product over the surface to be treated in even layers, the cost of a liter of such a solution is only 250-300 rubles.
Metallpolish Pramol is a universal polish that is suitable for virtually any type of metal, allowing you to remove even stubborn traces of rust from them. You can apply it manually by soaking a piece of soft cloth in the solution; the product itself has a pleasant smell and a gentle effect on the surface being cleaned. The cost of a liter canister is about 900 rubles.
INOXOL Pramol Effectively removes rust from surfaces made of aluminum or stainless steel. After the procedure, they are provided with a mirror shine and reliable protection from repeated contamination. This product is absolutely safe, which is why it is often used to treat kitchen utensils. The cost of a liter bottle varies from 600 to 800 rubles.
MasterWax FOP-1 is a modern rust converter; it contains a large number of organic phosphorus compounds, which ensure the high efficiency of the product. This solution is considered universal, but its main area of application is removing rust and protecting various metal parts of the car from corrosion. The converter can help even in the most difficult situations, but before treatment, the surface must be cleaned of any dirt and loose rust, and after complete drying, use a brush with stiff bristles. The cost of a 0.5 liter bottle is 150 rubles.
Rost– Ex S1 is an effective and universal remedy in the form of a ready-made solution. With its help, you can remove rust and other contaminants from any surface, but you must avoid processing materials with increased sensitivity to an acidic environment. The cost of a liter bottle is about 500 rubles.
Features of removing rust from different metals
The choice of rust removal method also depends on the characteristics of the material; the basic rules for processing various surfaces are described below:
Rust can be easily removed from steel by rubbing with a soft nail file or any similar tool.
Prevention of the appearance and protection of metal after rust removal
After cleaning metal products, there is always a certain risk of re-occurrence of corrosion, so to minimize this, the following actions should be taken:
- Tools are oiled or a special mixture with a fatty structure.
- Other types of products are processed with special means with anti-corrosion protection.
- Products with complex structure and design, for example, chains, must be artificially dried so that moisture accumulation does not provoke corrosion.
- Before painting any metal element At least 1-2 layers of primer must be applied.
Subsequently, all metal products should be protected from moisture, and also treated in a timely manner with special anti-corrosion agents. If the paint begins to peel off an object, it must be restored before the first traces of corrosion appear.
To summarize, the following useful tips and recommendations can be given:
- Rust is much easier to defeat at the initial stage of occurrence, therefore, when the first signs appear, immediate action is required.
- Regular preventative treatments minimize the risk of rust.
- Sanding must be done carefully, since such cleaning can erase not only traces of rust, but also thin the material itself.
- Before using any store-bought chemicals, you must carefully study the instructions: it must indicate the types of metals that can be processed with this solution.
Sooner or later, metal products show signs of corrosion. Rust appears; signs of corrosion can be found on padlocks, metal structures, and units. The editors of the site will tell you how to remove rust from a metal surface effectively and easily.
What is metal corrosion? This is a completely understandable chemical process that destroys a metal surface. Most often, corrosion occurs as a result of chemical processes associated with environmental influences.
Interesting fact! 10% of all metal products are written off ahead of schedule. The reason is corrosion.
Corrosion is somewhat reminiscent of caries; it can only be dealt with radically: clean, treat, restore.
How to remove rust from metal: mechanical treatment
Cleaning with abrasives is the first thing that comes to mind if you start thinking about how to remove rust from metal. If it can be cleaned with a brush and soda, then to combat deeper corrosion processes, professional tools are used: grinders with attachments, files, sandpaper of varying hardness.
Advice! Only perfectly smooth surfaces can be effectively cleaned with a grinder and abrasives.
But if it is necessary to remove rust from large metal products and assemblies, special sandblasting machines are used.
How to remove rust from a metal surface using heat treatment
In some cases, treatment with special construction hair dryers can effectively get rid of rust. This technology is used for, however, this method can also be used to combat rust. A hot stream will remove rust no worse than abrasives.
Which chemicals are easier to remove rust from metal?
The most effective means for removing rust at home are chemical compounds.
How to get rid of rust on metal with zinc chloride
Cleaning metal from rust can be done with zinc chloride and potassium tartaric acid in a ratio of 5 g and 0.5 g. The substances are diluted in 100 ml of water. By increasing the acidity, the rust will gradually dissolve.
Important! During processing, use with protective equipment on your hands.
Hydrochloric or sulfuric acid
Hydrochloric or sulfuric acids are among the most effective liquids for cleaning metal corrosion. These substances are used together with inhibitors.
Special inhibitors help suppress the corrosion process. They are used in conjunction with acids to suppress the destructive effects of acids on metal.
Advice! The metal product is immersed in a solution of hexamine acid (a 5% solution is prepared at 0.5 g per 1 liter). Larger fragments are treated with a brush.
Oxalic acid
Organic acid was first synthesized in 1824. Working with it requires certain skills. Oxalic acid vapors are poisonous, so it is necessary to work in special respirators.
The composition is applied to the surface with a special brush.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is another substance that corrodes rust well.
For chemical cleansing you need to combine substances in the following proportions:
- 100 g of petroleum jelly or paraffin;
- 50 g lactic acid.
The plaque is simply corroded with a bang, and the remains are cleaned off along with the paraffin base.
Advice! You can also use fruit acid.
A fruit like lime is perfect for cleansing. Salt is poured onto the rusty surface and a few drops of lime are squeezed on top.
Folk remedies for removing rust from metal
Let's talk about the most common and effective methods of cleaning rust using traditional methods.
How to remove rust from metal with soda
Baking soda is one of the very first remedies that housewives use to combat the first signs of rust on dishes.
Vinegar as a rust remover from metal
Ordinary acetic acid has similar cleaning properties. Everyone is familiar with the effectiveness of using vinegar in combination with citric acid.
Advice! Ordinary Coca-Cola will also help to clean the kettle of carbon deposits. A glass of soda simply needs to be boiled by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the solution.
Hydrogen peroxide against corrosion
Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive but most effective way to combat scale.
Some unusual means and methods to remove rust from metal
The list of working anti-corrosion compounds is not complete. There is also Coca-Cola, beloved by many, tomato paste and such a physical process as ordinary electrolysis.
Will regular tomato paste help: we study the question
It would seem, what is it about ordinary tomato paste that allows you to cope with rust? It turns out that natural acids, which are in abundance in the paste, much more than in a regular tomato, can effectively clean any surfaces from rust.
It is enough to apply a few drops of paste to the rust and smooth it with a gloved hand. You will notice the first traces of cleansing within 15 minutes. After cleaning, the residues are removed with a regular rag.
Physics - to help! Electrolysis as an effective way to combat rust
Some knowledge of physics will be required. This cleansing option should be approached with extreme caution, since working with electricity is always life-threatening.
Stages of work:
- The first stage is to create a special solution of caustic soda in an amount of 150 mg. for 15 liters of water.
- We prepare the anode and electrode. The anode is installed in such a way that it does not touch the walls of the container. A steel plate can be used as an electrode.
- Using special clamps to the anode, we hook the wire directed to the positive red terminal (from the battery).
- The end of the second wire is fixed to the object being cleaned. In order for the current to pass efficiently, it is stripped of insulation.
- We attach this wire to the black terminal.
The cleaning process will take several hours, sediment may form, and the water itself will acquire a characteristic red color. Rust that appears on metal products not only spoils their appearance, but also gradually renders them unusable. Therefore, to prevent them from deteriorating, you must remove rust from the metal yourself. Before doing this, you need to familiarize yourself with the main means that are used to combat corrosion.
The process of the appearance and development of rust on metal structures begins due to the appearance of an oxidative chemical reaction under the influence of strong dampness. The formation of corrosion is accompanied by deformation of the metal surface and destruction of the crystal lattice. There are several causes of iron rusting:
- Chips of paint. The surface of many metal structures is covered with a protective layer of paint, which prevents moisture from contacting the iron. However, over time, the paint begins to peel off the product, which leads to corrosion.
- Scratches. Rusting of iron is facilitated by deep cracks on the surface.
- No anti-corrosion treatment. Experts advise treating metal with special anti-corrosion agents. If this is not done, the iron will gradually begin to become covered with a rusty coating.
Methods for removing rust
People who are going to deal with corrosion need to become familiar with the most effective ways to remove it.
Mechanical removal
Some people do not want to use chemicals and remove rust mechanically.
Hand brushes
If the rusty surface area is small, you can use ordinary hand brushes with metal bristles. They differ from each other in the way the handle is attached and the rigidity of the installed wire. Some types of brushes have a wire whose surface is coated with brass. Such products are considered the most effective and therefore they are recommended to be used in the fight against corrosive plaque.
Before cleaning the rusty deposits, the part is fixed in a vice. Rub the surface with a brush in a circular motion. The duration of the process directly depends on the amount of rust and the hardness of the metal pile.
Mechanical brushes
People who have pneumatically driven devices can clean metal with mechanical brushes. They can be manufactured in both end and radial versions. Most often, such brushes are installed in electric drills or modern models of screwdrivers.
Many people think that using mechanical brushes is easy, but this is not so. It is difficult to hold the tool while working, as it constantly breaks out of your hands. Therefore, it is necessary to use additional guides that help hold the tool.
Aluminium foil
Aluminum foil can be used not only for baking food in the oven, but also for removing rusty deposits on metal surfaces. To scrub off iron, you need to treat the foil with a vinegar solution diluted with warm water. This method will help get rid of newly formed rust.
Sandblasting units
In production, to clean metal structures, they use special sandblasting machines that use sand during operation. Sand particles are fed at high speed onto the corroded product. When grains of sand hit the surface of products, corrosion particles fly off. The advantage of sandblasting structures is their high efficiency. Within 30-40 seconds you can clean fairly large iron parts.
Processing in screens
At large enterprises, rust is removed in so-called screens. These are rotary devices that are used to remove corrosive sand deposits. Iron parts are placed in rotating cylindrical structures filled with sand. The procedure lasts about 4-5 minutes.
Chemical methods
To figure out what corrodes rust, you need to familiarize yourself with chemical means of removing rusty deposits.
Using Vinegar
Metal oxides can be removed using acetic acid. It is recommended to use a concentrated solution, as it helps get rid of corrosion faster. If the iron part is small, it is completely dipped in vinegar and soaked in it for about 15-20 minutes. Then it is taken out of the solution and thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth. Large items are wiped with a sponge soaked in acetic acid.
The procedure is carried out wearing protective gloves so as not to damage the skin on your hands.
Lemon acid
To remove corrosion at home, use a solution made from citric acid. The concentration of such liquid should not exceed five percent. To quickly clean corrosive deposits, add table salt to the citric acid mixture. Salt crystals help peel off oxidation from the metal surface. If there is not too much rust, the product is wiped with acid only once.
Baking soda
An alkaline mixture made from soda will help you quickly get rid of traces of oxidation on iron. The effectiveness of this solution is due to the fact that it contains sodium, which has considerable chemical activity.
To prepare an anti-corrosion agent, mix soda with a small amount of water. You should get a thick mass in the form of a paste, which must be applied to the iron product. 40-50 minutes after application, wipe off the remaining paste with a dry cloth.
Sulfuric acid
You can clean metal from oxidation using sulfuric acid. However, before use, it is dissolved in water so that the density is about 1.15 g/cm³. If the concentration of acid is too high, it will begin to corrode the iron.
To quickly remove corrosion, an iron product is dipped into a sulfur solution for 20-30 minutes. When carrying out the procedure, it is better to use a respirator and gloves. It is contraindicated to use sulfuric acid without additional protective equipment.
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are considered weak carbonic acid, which can eliminate metal oxidation. Effective drinks that can be used to clean corrosion include Pepsi, Cola and Fanta.
The carbonated liquid is poured into a container, after which an iron product is placed in it. To dissolve the corrosion, the iron is soaked for at least 25-30 hours. Then it is washed and wiped with a rag to remove any remaining rust.
Phosphoric acid solution
Many enterprises use phosphoric acid to remove corrosion from metal parts. Before using the product, you will have to mechanically get rid of the upper layers of oxidation. Then the surface is treated with acid, the concentration of which is 15-20 percent. After drying, a thin film is formed on the part, which will protect it from further rusting.
Oxalic acid
Another effective remedy that can wash away rusty deposits is oxalic acid. It must be used very carefully, as it can damage the skin. Experts recommend carrying out cleaning in overalls with protective gloves and goggles. Oxalic acid in an amount of 30 grams is mixed with 400 milliliters of heated water. The prepared liquid is placed on the rusty product for half an hour, after which it is wiped with a dry cloth or sponge.
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is an inorganic soluble product that can remove rust. The advantages of acid include the fact that it can be used not only to restore a rusty surface, but also to further protect it from rusting. Other advantages include:
- removal of corrosion on faience and enamel;
- creation of a protective coating;
- ease of use.
When using hydrochloric acid, you must adhere to safety recommendations.
Hydrogen peroxide is considered the oldest anti-corrosion agent. It not only cleans the rusty surface, but also gives it its original shine.
To restore an iron product, you need to dissolve 55 grams of hydrogen peroxide in 200 grams of ammonia. After this, the components are added to a liter jar of water and mixed thoroughly. The prepared composition is applied to the rust and washed off after half an hour.
Formalin
You can restore a rusty metal surface using a composition whose main ingredient is formaldehyde. To prepare the anti-corrosion liquid yourself, 200 grams of formaldehyde are mixed with 500 milliliters of water and 80 milliliters of alcohol. Then the solution is poured into a separate container, after which the rusty part is placed in it. Soaking takes about 30-45 minutes.
Paintwork
The use of paint and varnish coatings is considered to be the most reliable method of eliminating corrosion coating. The advantages of such products include ease of application and low cost.
Paint and varnish coatings can only be used after carefully studying the instructions. Work on cleaning rust is carried out in special protective equipment so that the liquid does not accidentally get into the eyes or onto the surface of the skin. Products are soaked for no longer than an hour.
Potato
To remove rust from metal utensils or kitchen knives, use regular potatoes.
To do this, cut one large potato into two equal parts. After this, the damaged areas of the iron are rubbed with potatoes. If there is too much corrosion, the potatoes will have to be placed on the surface and left there for half an hour. After this, the potatoes are removed, and the metal coating is wiped with a towel dipped in a solution of citric acid.
Alka-Seltzer
This is a fairly effective chemical that is designed to combat corrosion stains on aluminum surfaces. Alka-Seltzer comes in the form of tablets that must be dissolved in warm water. To do this, add 5-6 tablets per liter of liquid. The solution is stirred until the tablets are completely dissolved. Then metal products are added to the container with the diluted product and soaked for 10-15 minutes.
Zinc chloride
When fighting rusty deposits, zinc chloride is used. To prepare an anti-corrosion composition, add 10 grams of chloride and grams of potassium hydrogen tartrate to 250 milliliters of water. The product is treated with a chloride composition at least three times. If after this there are traces of stains on the metal coating, it will have to be additionally wiped with citric acid.
Lactic acid
Many experts advise using lactic acid to remove corrosive deposits from the surface of iron products. 50 grams of lactic acid are mixed with 150 milliliters of petroleum jelly. Then the solution is evenly applied to the metal and wiped off only after 10-20 minutes. A single use of lactic acid is sufficient to eliminate newly formed corrosion.
Ketchup and tomatoes
If there are tomatoes or ketchup in the refrigerator that has begun to deteriorate, you should not throw them away immediately, as they can be used to restore the surface of iron parts. It is necessary to apply a little ketchup or tomato juice to the corrosion and leave it for 35-45 minutes. If there is too much rust, the procedure is extended to an hour. Wash off the remaining tomato liquid with a damp cloth.
Electrolysis
If folk remedies and chemicals do not help get rid of rusty deposits, electrolysis is used. The rust removal procedure is carried out in several stages:
- Filling a plastic container with warm water.
- Mixing water with baking soda and salt.
- Connection to the machine battery terminal of the charger.
- Connection to the second terminal of the rusty part.
- Both ends of the wires are immersed in a container of water and a current is applied, which is turned off after 40 minutes.
- Removing corrosion residues with a rag.
Salt and soda
To gently clean parts, use a liquid made from baking soda and salt. To create it, add 80 grams of soda and 40 grams of salt to three liters of heated water. The solution is poured into a saucepan and stirred until all components are dissolved. Metal products are soaked in liquid for about twenty minutes, after which they are wiped with a rough sponge.
Special anti-corrosion agents
There are several special products that are produced to combat corrosive plaque.
Solvents
To remove rust from metal coatings, use Schnell-Rostloser. This cleaner has good qualities that allow you to get rid of traces of oxidation. You can also treat the iron product with Spirit-1 solvent. Its advantages include:
- displacement of moisture particles from iron;
- formation of a protective layer on the treated coating;
- cheapness.
Converters
Converters are means that convert corrosion particles into a durable film. Such compositions are available in the form of solutions, emulsions and suspensions.
Features of removing corrosion from various objects
Removing rust from various objects has certain features that must be dealt with in advance.
From the body of a car
Motorists often have to remove traces of corrosion from the body of their vehicle. To do this, use the following anti-corrosion compounds:
- Orthophosphoric acid. A solution of orthophosphoric acid will help remove rust from iron. It is applied to the surface of the sponge that will be used to wipe the car body.
- Zinc. Mixtures prepared from zinc remove corrosive plaque after the first treatment.
Water tap
You must clean the faucet in the kitchen or bathroom very carefully so as not to accidentally damage its coating. You can wash a metal enameled surface with the preparation “Adrilan”, which is produced for washing household appliances. Before use, it is mixed with warm water to make the composition less concentrated.
Bicycle
If you don't take care of your bike, sooner or later rusty spots will appear on its frame. When cleaning a bicycle from corrosion traces, use citric acid. To remove rust, perform the following sequence of actions:
- degreasing the surface and sanding it;
- surface coating with acid;
- washing the treated area.
Konkov
When skates are stored for a long time in conditions of high humidity, a rusty coating forms on them. Experts recommend eliminating it with folk remedies. A mixture made from baking soda and lemon juice is considered effective. To prepare the cleanser, mix lemon juice with baking soda until a paste-like mixture is obtained. It is rubbed into the rusty surface and washed off with water after an hour and a half.
Horseshoes
An old rusty horseshoe can be cleaned with oxalic acid. To create a working solution, you need to mix a kilogram of acid with 12-14 liters of boiled water. Then the liquid is poured into a separate bucket, after which a horseshoe is lowered into it for forty minutes.
Oxalic acid emits dangerous fumes and therefore wear a protective mask when handling it.
Instrument
Files and other metal tools that are rarely used will rust over time. You can clean working tools from corrosive deposits with a vinegar solution. Vinegar is mixed with water in a one to one ratio, after which the prepared solution is poured onto the tools. Then they are scrubbed with a wire brush and washed.
Nuts
Cleaning nuts from rusty deposits is quite simple. To do this, pour 100 milliliters of vinegar into a bucket of water. Then add all the rusty nuts that need to be cleaned. They are soaked for at least 3-4 hours, after which they are washed with water and wiped off any remaining rust stains.
Cleaning small household items
Keys and other small household items may develop small rusty spots. You can get rid of them using both chemical and mechanical methods.
Preventing rust
To prevent the appearance and further development of corrosion stains on iron coatings, it is necessary to practice prevention. The most effective preventative method is painting iron objects. Some people use special anti-corrosion compounds instead of paint, which after application form a protective film on the treated surface.
People also often use primer enamel, which protects metal structures and prevents the appearance of corrosive deposits on their surface. You can apply enamel or paint with a regular brush or roller if the product is too large.
Conclusion
Iron parts that are exposed to high humidity for a long time often become corroded. To quickly get rid of it, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic methods of removing rust, effective chemicals and recommendations for preventing the formation of rust stains.
Oh, this red misfortune. Rust eats up metal objects in the household. Tools, mixers, baking trays - everything is rusty. What to do? Throw it away? No! There are some cool ways to defeat your enemy. Read on to learn how to remove rust from metal at home.
How to remove rust from metal at home
The choice of method for removing rust depends on how badly the metal is damaged. Sometimes the effort made is not worth saving an old frying pan, because it is easier to buy a new one. However, if everything is not so bad, you can fight.
If the item has just begun to turn red, take a metal brush and work the affected area. If the rust has already set in or you don’t want to scratch the item again, you can’t do without using chemical solutions:
Attention: When working with acids and other chemicals, think about safety. Wear safety glasses, thick rubber gloves and a special cap. A cotton-gauze bandage or a respirator will not be superfluous, since acid fumes are very toxic.
- The easiest way is to buy rust remover at your nearest automotive chemical store. This product is a paste containing phosphoric acid mixed with water and thickeners.
How to remove rust with an auto cleaner:
- clean the rusted area with a metal brush in the same way as is done before painting;
- apply a layer of paste half a centimeter thick;
- wait five minutes;
- Rinse off the product with cold water and wipe dry.
If traces of corrosion are still visible after treatment, repeat the procedure.
- In advanced cases, you will have to call in heavy artillery: prepare solutions with hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. To prevent them from eating the metal together with rust, add methenamine. It will act as an inhibitor and prevent the acid from going too far. In addition, this substance prevents the reappearance of rust.
To prepare the product, mix a 5% solution of hydrochloric (sulfuric) acid and half a gram of inhibitor, then dilute in a liter of water. Apply the prepared solution to areas affected by corrosion using a paint brush. It is better to immerse small objects entirely in the solution.
- Another method of combating corrosion is to mix petroleum jelly and lactic acid in a 2:1 ratio. The first ingredient can be replaced with liquid paraffin.
Apply the substance to the rusty object and leave for a few minutes. During this time, the acid will split the “red” into salts, which will be absorbed into the oil or paraffin. For greater effect, after the procedure, treat the corrosion area with Vaseline oil.
Each of these methods will work better if you use a special primer first. The substances contained in it will increase the effectiveness of combating corrosion and reduce the likelihood of its reappearance.
How to remove rust from a baking sheet
The anti-corrosion agents discussed above are not suitable for household items. Especially for dishes, because chemical elements deposited on them can lead to serious health problems. But then how to clean a baking sheet at home?
There are several effective ways:
- Removing rust using a drill. Attach a metal brush attachment to the tool and go over the corrosion at low/medium speed. It is better to do it outside, as this is a rather dusty undertaking.
- Household chemicals. Hardware stores offer a huge range of all kinds of anti-limestone and scale products. Many of them are suitable for removing traces of rust.
- A solution of lemon juice and vinegar. Both components on their own remove red stains quite well, but together they can destroy even deep corrosion. Mix them in a 1:1 ratio, apply to the metal and leave for a couple of hours. Then scrub with a washcloth, rinse with water and dry.
- The beginnings of rust on a baking sheet can be removed with potatoes and salt. Cut a large tuber in half, sprinkle with kitchen salt and rub the affected area. If desired, use 75 percent lye soap instead of salt.
- Surprisingly, tomatoes in the form of ketchup help get rid of the red infection. Apply it to the corrosion area and leave it on. In a couple of hours you will be surprised at the result. Of course, sauce cannot save a completely rusted baking sheet, but it is quite possible to stop the process at the initial stage.
- Use oxalic acid if the pan is significantly rusty. This is the most powerful anti-corrosion agent available from household items. Dissolve fifteen grams of acid in 0.3 liters of water. Pour on the affected area and leave for half an hour. After this, rinse the solution with running water and brush.
Corrosion is the eternal enemy of metal. It is impossible to defeat its oxidation forever, but with the right approach, rust can recede for a long time.
The main thing is to know which product and when to use, as well as how to prevent the reappearance of red spots. If you have tried any of the suggested methods, please share your experience in the comments.