Whether it's your tools you keep in the garage, your pots, pans, serving ware,
outdoor furniture or household appliances, rust can always
find a way to inconveniently hold your metal items hostage. But don't think you
have to surrender and toss everything in the garbage because of this pesky
element.
Follow some of these tips to keep your items rust-free and
sparkling!
What is rust, and what does it do?
Rust is a common
compound, iron oxide, which occurs when oxygen and water combine with metal at
an atomic level, essentially weakening the bonds of the actual metal. This
process usually happens over time from over exposure to moisture (think about
your metal patio furniture after quite a few rain falls).
Typically, you
will find rust accumulation on items stored outside or in your garage more often
than your metal items stored indoors.
Easy home remedies for rust removal
Luckily, with a few
staple kitchen and pantry items, you can bring your pots,
pans, serving ware and other metal items back to life in no time!
- Baking soda and water: This dynamic duo can serve as an
all-purpose cleaner for many household items, but it works particularly well to
remove rust spots, too. Put the baking soda directly onto the area that is
rusted, then use an old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush, dip it in water,
and gently scrub.
- Lemon, lime and salt: You can use either lime or lemon
-whichever you have handy. Shake salt all over the rusted area, then squeeze the
citrus fruit juice over it. You should let the mixture sit on the affected area
for at least two hours. Once it's done soaking, remove the rust by rubbing the
area with the lemon or lime rind.
- White vinegar: This acidic substance will react with the
rust and dissolve it. Just pour the vinegar over the rust and let it soak for at
least two hours (you can check on it periodically to see if any of the rust has
started to change or lift), then gently scrub away the rust.
- Potato and dish soap: Cut a potato in half and cover the
cut end in dish soap. For pots, pans and larger metal or cast iron appliances,
you can rub the potato on the rust. You can cut the potato again and apply more
dish soap if the area needs extra attention. For knives or other blades, just
insert the knife into the potato and let sit for a few hours.
- Soda: You might not want to use your cola on larger rusted
items since it can get a bit sticky, but certain sodas contain high levels of
phosphoric acid that can remove rust from things like nuts and bolts.
- Steel wool or sandpaper: If you are ambitious and can
muster a decent amount of elbow grease, you can try to manually remove rust
using sandpaper or coarse steel wool. However, if the damage is severe, it may
take you several attempts before the rust is completely removed.
TIP: There are plenty of chemicals
and rust removal products out on the market you can try if you don't wish to use
any of the home remedies. Always use caution when purchasing chemical products,
and when applying them. You should always wear gloves.
Preventing rust
The best way to avoid having to remove rust is
to take preventative measures to steer clear of it all together. Keeping your
items away from moisture is essential to keeping everything rust-free:
- Dry your metal or cast iron cooking items thoroughly before you put them
away. If you wash your pots and pans in the sink, be sure to have a dry towel
handy to get rid of that extra moisture.
- If you store any of your metals in areas of your home that are susceptible
to moisture, consider installing a dehumidifier to control it.
- When you can, paint your items with high quality paints and keep them oiled
to protect them from rust.
The longer rust is left untreated, the more
damage it will do to your items - but by keeping a watchful eye and taking care
of your metals at the first signs of rust, you can keep them sparkling for as
long as you own them.