How To Get Rust Off Stainless Steel?

If you’re like most people, you’re probably not too familiar with the term “rust.” And if you are, you probably don’t know what it is or why it’s so important. Rust is a chemical reaction that occurs when metal corrodes. It can cause severe damage to your appliances, tools, or any other metal items in your home, so it’s essential to know how to remove rust from stainless steel if it ever happens. 

Cleaning rust off stainless steel is a relevant question for suburban homes and apartment owners. This article will explain what rust is and look at the most effective remedies to help remove rust from metal at home. Stay tuned for more information.

What Is Rust and How Does It Form on Stainless Steel Surfaces

Rust is a form of corrosion that forms on metals when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture. The chemical reaction produces iron oxide, which can flake off, leaving the base metal vulnerable to further corrosion.

This reaction is most common on iron and steel surfaces but can also occur on stainless steel. Stainless steel is an alloy that contains chromium, which provides a protective barrier against oxygen and moisture. However, rust can begin forming when a barrier gets damages or deformations.

When rust forms on stainless steel, it can cause pits and stains on the surface of the metal. Over time, rust corrodes the metal, causing it to weaken and eventually break down. 

That’s why removing rust from stainless steel is essential as soon as you notice it. And luckily, there are a few simple ways to clean rust off of stainless steel. 

The Different Methods You Can Use to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel

There are several different ways to clean stainless steel rust off from other surfaces. The method you choose depends on the severity of the rust and the amount of time you have to clean it.

The process consists of several basic methods. For example, chemicals are the most effective way to remove rust. You can buy rust removal liquid in specialized stores. There is also a distinction between folk remedies and mechanical treatment. Let’s begin to deal with each item in turn:

Mechanical treatment

Stainless steel can be cleaned off of rust in a qualitative manner using mechanical action. It is essential to consider the type of thing that will be cleaned and the peculiarities of further finishing. First, it is worth assessing the degree of oxidation and the area to which it has spread.

How to remove rust from stainless steel, and what removal items are used in this process? The basic steps of mechanical treatment are the following instructions:

It is better to start removing corrosion with an anti-rust agent. The substance should be chosen, not too aggressive. The retention time is a few minutes. This step is only necessary to soften the oxidized part of the metal.

How to clean rust off stainless steel further? If the metal is strong enough and the deteriorated product has formed a thick layer, a small hammer and chisel will be the best option to remove the excess. With the help of these tools, you can lightly hammer away the dense formations.

Further removal of rust from stainless steel is done by necessary mechanical action. If only plaque is observed, manual scraping with sandpaper is done. For this purpose, a metal brush is also perfectly suitable. You can either make it from excess wire or buy it in a hardware store.

It is harder to clean metal with a thick layer of oxidized product from rust. It is where automated devices come to the rescue. For example, a grinder.

How to remove corrosion permanently? You should completely wipe off the stainless steel from all residual waste, which is deposited in the form of dust on the product after cleaning. It is necessary to remove the oxidizing product altogether; otherwise, it will soon return, showing through the paint. You can finally remove the rust with a thick cloth or sandpaper.

Folk Remedies

Mechanical cleaning is most suitable if you have heavy rust on your stainless steel. But for a small area, home remedies are satisfactory.

There are many rust removers that you probably already have in your kitchen. You can use these everyday household items to remove rust from stainless steel. Let’s sort out which products will help you:

Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Cleaning rust off stainless steel with vinegar is not difficult because you always have it in the kitchen. Mix vinegar and lemon juice in equal proportions, and apply it to the affected rusty place. This solution will help eliminate unstable dirt, for example, in the kitchen sink. 

Leave the mixture applied for a couple of hours, and go over it with a washcloth or brush. After vinegar and lemon juice, stainless steel will be happy again with a shiny shine.

Citric Acid

The affordable and harmless substance will come to your rescue. You can use citric acid to clean all surfaces and dishes, which means it is suitable for removing rust from stainless steel. It is enough to mix one sachet with a glass of water and apply a sponge to the affected areas. You need to spread it evenly so you will not find white streaks after rinsing it off.

After application, leave the acid for 30-60 minutes and then wash off using a brush or washcloth. You will see a change after the first application. This method is also suitable for stubborn dirt.

Fish Oil

Fish oil will remove rust from stainless steel but also help protect the product from other brown stains. Its advantage is that it forms a protective film, preventing future exposure to corrosive environments. You should apply the grease locally to the stain, leave it for 30-40 minutes, and remove it with a dry rag.

Baking Soda

To better clean rust off stainless steel, use a metal scraper. Mix baking soda with water. Too weak a solution will not work; we need a thick porridge. Apply the resulting remedy to the rust stain and leave for 20-30 minutes, then with a sponge, remove and wash the surface. If the dirt is of medium complexity, you can repeat the procedure.

Raw Potatoes

In addition to raw potatoes, you will also need salt and laundry soap. You should cut the raw potato in 2 parts, salt it or smear it with soap. Next, use the vegetable as a sponge, and remove the rust. This method is easy to remove rust from stainless steel.

Coca-Cola, Sprite, or Pepsi

Among the ingredients of popular sodas is phosphoric acid. It helps in cleaning rust off stainless steel. It is enough to pour the drink into the problem area, drop a part into the glass, and leave it for 24 hours. After a day, you will not notice even a trace of rust. 

Alka Seltzer

Alka Seltzer is a famous hangover remedy, and it will come in handy not only after a stormy celebration but also for cleaning rust off stainless steel. You need a basin, water, and 4-6 tablets (which can be purchased at the drugstore or online store).

• Pour water into the basin and dissolve the required number of pills.
• Put all the items that need to be cleaned.
• Leave for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse and use.

Ketchup

Do you think we are joking? Not at all! Ketchup or tomato paste can come in handy and bring back the cleanliness of any surface. Apply a generous amount of ketchup to the problem area, wait 15-20 minutes, rinse and wipe. Don’t believe it? Try experimenting.

Lauric Acid

Removing rust from stainless steel is no longer as harmless as the previous ones. Here you need to be careful and use protection. You will need rubber gloves, a respirator, and goggles. Acid fumes have a toxic effect on the body, so doing metal cleaning with bare hands and an unprotected respiratory tract is life-threatening.

• Wash the rusty object with detergent.
• Wait until it is scorched.
• Mix 300 ml of water with six teaspoons of oxalic acid.
• Dip the item in the solution or pour the solution over the rusty area for 30-40 minutes.
• Scrub with a brush or sponge.

The method is suitable for stubborn dirt on metal.

2% Hydrochloric Acid

The acid will help clean rust off stainless steel. Immerse the thing entirely in the substance, pour it on the desired place, and leave it for a while until the rust is completely gone. Add two tablespoons of ammonia alcohol to 1 liter of water and rinse the rusty place in the resulting solution.

These are some of the most popular folk methods. If the dirt is persistent, you can’t do without chemical solvents. 

How to Prevent Rust From Forming on Stainless Steel in the Future

Removing rust from stainless steel is essential to prevent it from appearing again. Here are some tips:

• Use a rust-resistant primer before painting stainless steel.
• Clean the surface regularly with soap and water, and dry it afterwards.
• Store stainless steel products in a dry place.
• If the steel is exposed to moisture, apply a rust-resistant coating.
• If rust has already appeared, remove it immediately.

Rust on stainless steel can look unsightly, but it is easy to remove. You can use a variety of household remedies to get rid of rust stains. If the rust is particularly stubborn, you may need to scrub it with a wire brush or sandpaper. Remember to rinse and dry the stainless steel afterwards to prevent new rust from appearing. 

We hope our tips will help you clean the rust. Read more of our helpful articles here.

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