Oxygen and iron by themselves are vital for survival but put the two together and you’ll be ready to pull out your hair trying to remove rust from your favorite knife or skillet. The thought of removing rust can be intimidating, and many of us don’t even bother trying to get rid of it because we are all under the assumption that once something rusts, it’s ruined forever.
5 Ways to Remove Rust
Well, we’ve got good news for you — there are plenty of ways you can easily remove rust from your prized possessions — and better yet, you probably have everything you need to do so in your kitchen already!
1. White Vinegar
Like seemingly every DIY recipe, vinegar is a key ingredient to resolving myriad household problems — rust included. If rust has taken one of your valuables hostage, simply soak the rusty item in some white vinegar for a few hours and watch as the rust scrubs away.
2. Salt and Lime
Skip the tequila on this one — but sprinkle salt over the rusted area and squeeze lime juice on top. Let the mixture set for a few hours and then use the lime to scrub off the rust.
3. Baking Soda
Like vinegar, baking soda has no limit on how you can use it. To remove rust, simply mix water with baking soda until a paste-like texture forms. Cover the rusted area with the mixture and let sit for a few hours before scrubbing it off.
4. Potato
Using a potato to remove rust sounds strange, but potatoes actually contain oxalic acid which creates a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with rust. Cut a potato in half and dip the end in dish soap, rub the rusted area with the potato and then set it on the metal for a few hours and scrub away!
5. Lemon and Borax
This combination is especially helpful when it comes to porcelain and ceramics (i.e. tubs, tiles, sinks). Mix together a paste of lemon juice and borax and apply it to the rusted area. Then, use a pumice stone to scrub off any rust.
Visit Tampa Steel & Supply
Keep in mind that these recipes are meant for removing rust on almost anything, so if the job is too tough for the methods above, come see us at Tampa Steel & Supply. Our experts will be happy to offer more solutions, and if worse comes to worst, we buy and sell metal and steel supplies. Give us a call today to learn more, and be sure to check back for more helpful tips like these.
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