Don't let rust ruin your home! Try these simple tips instead

Is there anything more annoying than rust? It seems like this pesky problem just keeps popping up, no matter how much we try to prevent it. Whether it's on our cars, our bikes, or even our indoor furniture and appliances, rust just never seems to go away.

And once it starts, it just keeps spreading. Before you know it, that small spot of rust has turned into a full-blown problem. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause serious damage to whatever it's affecting.

So what can we do about rust? Well, there are a few things you can try!



We previously discussed a straightforward method for getting rid of annoying rust using a homemade vinegar solution. Read more about the tip here.

Now, we want to share more simple methods for easily removing corrosion or oxidation from your household items!

1. Removing rust with lemon juice

Lemons are not only delicious but they can also be used for cleaning purposes, including removing rust from surfaces in your home.

Materials:

Lemon juice
Borax (baking soda can also be used as an alternative)

Method:

1. Make a paste by combining the lemon juice and borax.
2. Apply the paste to the rusty area. Depending on how much rust is on the item, let it sit for at least 30 minutes or more.
3. Spray some water on the paste after it has dried just to moisten it.
4. Use a toothbrush to scrub the paste against the object (or any brush available). The rust should come off as you continue cleaning.
5. Once done, carefully rinse the object and let it dry completely before using it again. Repeat this procedure if you still observe any signs of rust.

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Rust is difficult to remove as it spreads out once it starts appearing. Credit: WD-40 Australia.

2. Removing Rust With Vinegar

In the previous article we mentioned above, vinegar was used as an agent to make the solution more potent, making it effective for removing the stains from soap scums and even rust.

For this tip, however, you will not be required to use other materials, just vinegar!

Method:

1. Add four cups of undiluted vinegar to the container.
2. Completely submerge the rusty area in the vinegar.
3. After the item has been submerged, give it around 30 minutes to soak before removing it from the solution.
4. Use an old toothbrush to scrape off any remaining rust.
5. Dry the item completely after rinsing it. Simply repeat the procedure if any rust spots persist.

Tips:

  • If the item is huge, give it at least an hour to soak. Continue to monitor its progress.
  • Rust can be removed more easily the longer the rusty part is submerged in vinegar.
  • This option is great for bike chains



3. Removing Rust With Washing Soda and Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is an incredibly versatile condiment. But did you know that you can also use it to get rid of rust?

Materials:

Tomato sauce
Washing soda

Method:

1. Mix water and washing soda in a spray bottle and shake vigorously.
2. Spray the mixture generously over the rusted area. Add tomato sauce to the layer and let it sit for two hours or more.
3. After letting it sit for at least two hours, rinse it with water.

READ: Tomato sauce as a cleaning product

4. Removing Rust With Baking Soda and Potato

When combined with other natural ingredients like baking soda, potatoes create a mildly abrasive paste using its acidic properties that can be used to scrub away rust.

Materials:

Potato (sliced in half)
Baking soda

Method:

1. Place a spoonful of baking soda on the potato's sliced side.
2. Rub it against the rusted area.
3. Carefully rinse and dry the item thoroughly before using it again.

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Tomato sauce can be used to remove rust from stainless furniture. Credit: Facebook.

5. Removing Rust With Tartar, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide

If you enjoy making pastries, you may have some cream of tartar stored in your cupboard. Who knew that a common ingredient in baking could also be used to make a homemade rust remover?

Materials:

Cream of tartar
Baking soda
Hydrogen Peroxide

Method:

1. Combine the same amount of baking soda and cream of tartar into a bowl.
2. Add hydrogen peroxide gradually to the mixture. Make sure to fully combine the ingredients until they form a paste.
3. Apply the paste to the rusty area and let it sit for an hour. It might be essential to let the paste soak for a longer period of time if the object is severely rusted.
4. Rinse the object and let it dry before using it again.



Rust is one of the most difficult things to remove from household items. It's so difficult that many people simply give up and replace their belongings. But there are a few ways to remove rust, and with a little patience, you can get rid of it for good.

Will you be giving these tips a try? Let us know your thoughts! Better yet, if you know other tricks for removing rust, share them with us in the comments below!
 
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