How to Remove Rust and Corrosion from Metal: 7 Best Methods

Rust and corrosion are the bane of any homeowner’s existence. It feels like they sneak up on you! One minute everything looks shiny and new, and then bam! That garden tool you forgot about in the rain is suddenly orange with rust. Rust can ruin the look of metal items and cause long-term damage if left unchecked, but the good news is, it’s not the end of the world. Over the years of running my own cleaning business, I’ve tried just about every trick in the book to remove rust and corrosion, and I’ve got it down to a science. Here are my seven favorite methods for removing rust: vinegar and baking soda, lemon juice and salt, commercial rust removers, aluminum foil and water, wire brushes and sandpaper, electrolysis, and finally, preventing rust itself. Each method is suited to different levels of damage and types of metal.

What Causes Rust and Corrosion?

Before we dive into how to fix rust and corrosion, it’s helpful to know what causes it. Rust is the result of iron, oxygen, and moisture interacting. Over time, this process creates iron oxide, which is that orangey-brown stuff you see forming on metal. Corrosion is a similar process, but it affects more than just iron and steel—it can occur on a variety of metals like aluminum and copper. The goal of removing rust and corrosion is to strip away that oxidized layer without damaging the metal beneath it.

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda

When I first started cleaning homes, I was all about finding natural solutions. Vinegar and baking soda are staples in any eco-friendly cleaning kit, and they happen to be one of the most effective ways to remove light rust.

How to Do It:

1. Soak the metal in vinegar. For small items like tools, simply submerge them in a bowl of white vinegar. If it’s a larger item, soak a rag in vinegar and wrap it around the rusty area.
2. Let it sit. Let the vinegar work its magic for at least a couple of hours, or even overnight for tougher rust.
3. Scrub with baking soda. After soaking, sprinkle baking soda over the rusted area and scrub with a sponge or brush. The combination of acidic vinegar and abrasive baking soda helps lift rust.

Here is a Pro tip: I once used this method on an old set of garden shears that had been left outside for months. After a few rounds of vinegar soaks and baking soda scrubs, they looked almost brand new!

2. Lemon Juice and Salt

If you’re dealing with delicate metal, like jewelry or small decorative items, lemon juice and salt can work wonders. The acidity in lemon juice dissolves rust, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.

How to Do It:

1. Cover the rust with salt. Sprinkle salt over the rusty area, making sure to cover it thoroughly.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the salt. The salt will act like a scrubbing agent as it mixes with the juice.
3. Let it sit. Give the solution about two hours to work.
4. Scrub it off. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub away the rust.

This method is fantastic for smaller items or areas, like silverware or a rusty hinge. One time, I saved a favorite bracelet that had started to tarnish by using this trick!

3. Commercial Rust Removers

Sometimes you need a little extra firepower, especially if you’re dealing with severe rust or corrosion. For those situations, commercial rust removers can be a game-changer. Products like CLR or Evapo-Rust are specifically formulated to break down rust quickly without damaging the metal underneath.

How to Do It:

1. Follow the instructions. Each product will have slightly different directions, so make sure to read the label carefully.
2. Apply and wait. Most products will require you to apply the solution and wait for it to dissolve the rust. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on the product and level of rust.
3. Rinse and dry. After the rust is gone, rinse the item thoroughly to remove any chemical residue.

Personal note: I don’t use commercial rust removers on every job, but they’ve been a lifesaver on larger projects. Once, I tackled a rusted-out patio table for a client, and CLR made the process so much faster.

4. Aluminum Foil and Water

This might sound strange, but aluminum foil and water can actually do wonders for removing rust from chrome surfaces, like faucets, car parts, and bike handlebars. The foil acts as a gentle abrasive without scratching the metal.

How to Do It:

1. Dip aluminum foil in water. Simply tear off a piece of aluminum foil and dip it into a bit of water.
2. Scrub the rusted area. Rub the wet foil over the rusted chrome. You’ll notice the rust starts to lift, and the metal becomes shiny again.
3. Wipe clean. Once the rust is gone, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

I was skeptical of this method at first, but I’ve used it multiple times now on clients’ bathroom fixtures, and it always works like a charm. Plus, who doesn’t have some extra aluminum foil lying around?

5. Wire Brushes and Sandpaper

For those stubborn spots where other methods just won’t cut it, a wire brush or sandpaper is the way to go. This is especially useful on larger items or areas where you need to remove a significant amount of rust.

How to Do It:

1. Choose the right tool. Wire brushes work great on flat surfaces, while sandpaper is better for smaller or more intricate items. Start with a coarse grit and move to finer grit as the rust is removed.
2. Scrub or sand. Use a steady hand and scrub the rust away. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don’t want to scratch the metal too deeply.
3. Wipe away dust. Once you’ve removed the rust, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any particles.

This method came in handy when I worked on an old cast iron bench for a client. A little elbow grease with a wire brush, followed by a good rust-proofing treatment, and it was ready for a second life!

6. Electrolysis

If you’re feeling adventurous and have some serious rust to tackle, electrolysis can be a fascinating (and highly effective) method. This process uses an electrical current to break down rust, but it does require a bit of setup.

How to Do It:

1. Gather supplies. You’ll need a battery charger, a plastic container, washing soda, water, and a sacrificial piece of steel.
2. Prepare the solution. Fill the container with water and add washing soda (not baking soda!). Then submerge the rusty item and the sacrificial steel in the solution, making sure they don’t touch.
3. Attach the charger. Connect the negative clamp of the charger to the rusty item and the positive clamp to the steel. Turn on the charger, and the rust will start to dissolve.

This method is best for larger or highly detailed metal items. A friend of mine used it to restore a rusted vintage bike, and the results were incredible!

7. Preventing Future Rust

Once you’ve removed the rust, the best thing you can do is prevent it from coming back. Here’s how I recommend protecting your metal items:

• Dry thoroughly after cleaning. Moisture is the enemy when it comes to rust. Make sure to dry any metal items completely after they’ve been exposed to water.
• Apply a protective coating. Use a rust-inhibiting primer, wax, or oil to create a barrier between the metal and the elements. For tools, I recommend a thin layer of machine oil.
• Store in a dry place. Keep metal items indoors or in a covered area when they’re not in use.

Rust might be inevitable, but it’s also fixable. Whether you’re using basic household ingredients or heavy-duty commercial products, there’s a solution for every level of rust and corrosion. Over the years, I’ve learned that a little patience, the right method, and a good scrub can restore just about anything. Don’t give up on that rusted-out tool or forgotten garden chair—there’s a way to bring it back to life!

Happy cleaning!

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