The fate of every iron object is to become rusty after some time. There is a popular belief that iron develops the orange flakes on its surface only when it is exposed to moisture.
Summary
The best homemade vinegar and baking soda metal rust removal remedy consists of soaking metals in a vinegar and salt solution and cleaning the items with baking soda and water. We tested the theory and it’s the most effective method for removing rust.
Here’s a full list of everything we’ll go through in the following article:
Table of Contents
- Homemade vinegar and baking soda rust remover
- What is the best homemade solution without scrubbing?
- Best prevention sprays
Can rust be removed?
As you know, exposed metal will change over time, especially if not protected. After some time, it would develop a corrosive layer on the surface, whether you like it or not. The only solution for this issue is to find the methods that will help you remove them and use them in practice.
The good news is that it is possible to get rid of annoying orange layers on your favorite tool. You only need to read this article to find the best remedy for any rusted item you may have. In that case, any small or large metal objects at your house will stay clean and safe.
Homemade vinegar and baking soda rust remover
Baking soda is one of the more popular remedies against corrosion and probably something you have in storage in your kitchen. If you want to use it to fight this orange disease of iron, follow the next steps with our homemade vinegar and baking soda rust remover:
Step 1: Wet the surface with water and then generously dust it with soda.
Step 2: Leave the object covered with soda for about an hour.
Step 3: Scrub the baking soda off using a wet pad. If there is a lot of rust, repeat the procedure until it all comes out.
Using only one remedy can be helpful, but using two is even more effective. If you both have vinegar and baking soda at home, there’s no need to go out and spend money on already-made solutions. Everything that is required from you is to follow this step-by-step guide.
How to clean corrosion and rust off metal with homemade vinegar and baking soda
- Prepare a solution of vinegar and salt.
There is an option only to sprinkle vinegar on the surface and then wait a certain period until it does its work. However, soaking is a better solution, especially for cleaning rusted screws. To make a solution, mix ½ cup salt and 8 cups white vinegar inside the plastic container.
- Soak the rusty items in a bowl
The next step is to put objects that need to be cleaned into a pre-prepared solution. Then you should wait 10 to 12 hours for the corrosion to come off.
- Neutralize the vinegar on the metal.
When the required amount of time has passed, you should pour the solution out of a plastic container. Keep all the objects inside while doing that.
- Clean items with baking soda and water.
To get rid of the vinegar that stays on the surface after soaking, make a solution from soda and water in the same plastic container or kitchen bowl. Let the items soak for 10 minutes, then rinse them with warm water. You should get a paste out of it. You can apply it with a toothbrush.
- Dry-clean the objects.
The final step is to dry everything thoroughly so the corrosion doesn’t have a chance to appear again.
It’s one of the best ways and old tricks in the book.
What is the best homemade solution without scrubbing?
When you face such a problem as corrosion, there are many different remedies that you can find on the internet. Some of them suggest scrubbing the surface with sandpaper or steel wool. It will be helpful for every large metal object, but anything with a detailed exterior needs other treatments.
For cases without the scrubbing method, the best option is to use a cheap homemade vinegar and baking soda metal rust removal remedy. The other alternative methods involve lemon juice or even cola. Suppose you prefer to buy an already-made mixture. In that case, corrosion removers and converters are available on the market for this purpose.
Before going with an easier resolution, you should know that rust converters are expensive. They only transform rustiness into other protective layers. Mind that you will need to apply paint after using the converter so that the effect stays longer. Suppose you don’t have any spare money or prefer cheap alternative methods. In that case, you can try to remove corrosion with baking soda.
Best prevention sprays
You have figured out an effective way to remove the corrosive layer from your tools. It is time to think about how to protect them so that you wouldn’t see any orange coating on them any time soon. For that purpose, you can buy the best rust prevention sprays: They leave no chance for it to develop on any iron item for more than a year.
Cosmoline Rust Preventative Spray
Cosmoline Rust Preventative Spray is one of the most efficient sprays that create a durable wax coating. It is perfect for cars and small objects like rusty rings. You spray it, wait 25 minutes till it dries, and forget about corrosion for years.
The secret of this spray is that it creates a long-lasting wax coating on the surface. This coating is resistant to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and salt. It’s not to mention that it prevents any moisture or air contact with the surface. It gives no chance for rust to develop. Once you purchase this product, any iron object you have becomes immune to corrosion.
| Name | Cosmoline RP-342 |
| Brand | RP Military-Grade Rust Preventatives |
| Finish Type | Gloss |
| Paint Type | Spray |
| Size | 12 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
Pros
- There’s a reason it’s called “heavy.”
- The product definitely does what is advertised.
- We love that it is military grade and 1-coat.
Cons
- We wish it was more obvious how big a surface one can could cover.
- Some may rather want more of an undercoat than a wax.
- The can is more expensive than some alternatives.
- It’s a bit more expensive but potentially worth it.
[amazon box=”B01MRRYF6N” title=”Cosmoline” description=”Protect your various surfaces.”]
WD-40 corrosion inhibitor
Have you ever imagined that one product could make you forget what corrosion looks like?WH-40 Anti-Rust Spray is a high-quality product that is capable of doing that. It is easy to apply. Once you spread it on the surface, it stays in place until it dries. You will have no trouble using it.
WD-40 spray isolates iron from water and air. It also protects the metal from extreme weather conditions. If you use it for things that stay indoors, you can be sure that they are protected for more than two years. The lifespan of outdoor objects is one year without any signs of corrosion. If you are not a fan of polishing rusty items, make sure you have this magic spray in your garage.
| Name | WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item Weight | 8.0 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 7 inches |
Pros
- It costs less than the product above.
- It’s a trusted company.
- It ranks toward the top in many tests.
Cons
- The coating is potentially less strong than Cosmoline
- You’ll need to figure out which specific products you want.
[amazon box=”B00631GWS4″ title=”WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor” description=”Consider this protector!”]
Best Commercial Products
Effectiveness is not the reason why you might prefer professional rust removal products over homemade remedies. There is no doubt that they guarantee better results and higher efficiency. However, you can expect from them not just high efficiency but the ease of usage as well. Those two advantages make them worth considering. Below are the three best rust removal products that will please you with great results once you buy them.
Evapo
Suppose you need a fast solution for corrosion on any type of object. In that case, Evapo-Rust Remover is exactly what you need. This product is water-based. It contains no dangerous acids or fumes that can injure your respiratory tract. That’s why you can safely use it for cookware or any other iron items for daily use.
All you need to do is soak rusty things in Evapo-Rust Remover, wait for some time, and then rinse them in water. You can also use corrosion-preventative spray for protection in the future.
| Name | CRC Evapo-Rust |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
| Material Feature | Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, Water-based |
| Product Dimensions | 2 x 5 x 7.5 inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Automotive |
Pros
- It’s a great commercial product.
- We love that it has no VOCs.
- It’s very reasonably priced.
Cons
- Make sure you get the right size.
- Some people received the wrong size product.
[amazon box=”B00GRSOJSS” title=”Evapo-Rust Remover ” description=”It’s very effective.”]
CLEAN MY STEEL
Home utensils can also develop corrosion. When it happens, it is better for you to have a good helper that effectively dissolves rust and leaves everything clean and shiny. CLEAN MY STEEL rust remover is exactly what your utensils need. It suits microwaves, sinks, refrigerators, grills, and other objects frequently used in your home.
CLEAN MY STEEL’s product will remove rust, grease, built-up residue, and fingerprints that are common for all home appliances. Apply it on the surface, wait 5 minutes, and wipe it down. After these three simple steps, you will see nothing but a clean surface.
Pros
- The protectant is great.
- We love the all-round focus on removing rust and protecting.
- It took away all the rust on an object after two passes.
Cons
- It’s a more pricey product.
[amazon box=”B083KMR7X6″ title=”CLEAN MY STEEL ” description=”Use it on steel.”]
Other homemade fixes
You would be surprised at how many remedies for corrosion you can find on the internet. Some of them are more helpful; other ones are less so. It is entirely up to you to select one. You might not have vinegar or baking soda at home, but a lemon could be in your refrigerator. You can as well use it to fight corrosion.
