Ways to Remove Rust at Home
Unless you want your belongings to have an
'antique' appearance, then rust is an annoyance we can all live without.
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that most of our metal objects
including tools, kitchen utensils, and decorative garden objects will
fall foul of this common problem over time, costing us money and causing
us irritation. But fear not, there are a number of home remedies you
can use to banish rust from your precious items, and they are all cheap,
easy and toxin-free.
What Is Rust?
Rust is the common name for 'iron oxide', which forms on iron (or iron
alloys like steel) when they are exposed to moisture and oxygen over a
prolonged period of time. It develops when oxygen mixes with the metal's
atoms, creating an entirely new compound which weakens the chemical
bonds of the metal itself.
The main trigger for this process is water, which penetrates microscopic
cracks in the metal's surface and reacts with other elements to form
acids. These acids speed up the oxidation process and cause more of the
metal to become exposed. When it forms, rust is flaky and provides
little protection for the metal beneath, causing it to degenerate. Over
time, an object left exposed to the process will eventually disintegrate
altogether.
Ways You Can Remove Rust
There are chemicals available that can remove rust but they tend to be
expensive and bad for the environment. You often have to try a few of
these products on the same item before discovering one that works, which
can add to your expenditure. These natural solutions provide a great,
cheap and environmentally friendly alternative that you can try at home.
1. White Vinegar
A trusty ally against a number of common problems, white vinegar also
reacts with rust to dissolve it off the metal. This will take some time,
and you will need to soak the object in the vinegar for at least a few
hours, before scrubbing it off with a cloth or if the rust is
particularly stubborn, a wire brush, sandpaper or equivalent.
Some Tips:
If an object is too big to soak in a bowl or pot, wipe it with a rag
soaked in white vinegar and ensure you leave a layer on top of it. Step
away and leave it for a few hours, before attempting to remove it.
Make yourself a nifty, rust reducing brush to scrub off the oxide if
you don't have an abrasive on hand. Simply soak some aluminum foil in
vinegar and wrap it around a sponge.
If you don't have white vinegar, use normal vinegar but soak the
items for much longer - 24 hours would be ideal. The longer you soak the
item in either type of vinegar, the less scrubbing you are likely to
have to do.
2. Lime & Salt Combination
When used together, lime juice and salt can be an effective way of
removing rust. First, you will need to sprinkle the salt over the rusted
surface so it is completely coated. Next, juice some limes over the top
of the item, so that the juice mixes with the salt. Use as much lime
juice as you can physically squeeze out of the fruit, and then leave the
resulting solution to set on the item for a few hours.
Some Tips:
This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
When you come to scrub the paste off
the item, employ the lime's rind for extra strength. You can use a
toothbrush on smaller items, and a bigger brush on larger objects when
rubbing the rind over the rusted surface.
Limes are best but if you don't have one, a lemon will do the job
too.
3. Baking Soda
Like vinegar, baking soda has a multitude of uses around the home and is
a useful addition to any kitchen cupboard. To use it against rust, mix
it with water until it turns into a thick, spreadable paste. Spread it
across the metal using a spatula or even a butter knife. Allow it time
to set and leave it for at least a few hours. Scrub it off with a brush,
cloth or abrasive.
Tip:
Don't worry about the amount of water you use, there is no exact
recipe. However, consider that a thicker paste will spread more easily
over the rusty surface and try to experiment with your mixture to create
one that works for you.
4. A Potato
A more unexpected warrior against rust is the humble potato. They
contain oxalic acid which can dissolve rust, but you should mix it with
soapy water for best results - the chemical reaction between the two
will remove rust easily. Simply cut a potato in half and layer a liberal
amount of soap along the cut surface. Take a firm grip of the potato
and rub it vigorously along the surface of the rusted item, stopping to
add more soap when necessary. Rinse the object when you have finished
and then dry it thoroughly.
Some Tips:
If your potato begins to mash, simply cut a slice off the end,
reapply the soap and carry on scrubbing.
If you prefer, try using salt with the potato instead of soap. The
abrasive qualities mixed with the chemicals in the potato will also do a
great job of removing rust.
The Key to Preventing Rust
As ever, prevention is better than cure, and these steps can help stop
rust from developing in the first place:
1. Keep metal objects dry: As water is the chief catalyst of the
oxidation process, try to eliminate it. Of course, metal objects will
get wet from time to time when you use them or clean them, but always
dry them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place.
2. Use a Primer: When you paint metal, use a primer to help the paint
attach firmly. This will help lock out unwanted moisture. Use a spray on
primer on smooth metals, and a 'filler' primer on rough surfaces to
ensure you fill any cracks and pockets.
3. Apply Solid Coats of Paint: Primer is a supplement, but paint can be
your first barrier to moisture. You will need to use a good quality
paint to produce successful results, and seal the paint with a clear top
coat to add another layer of defense.
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