To remove rust from metal, commercial products are available but can be toxic. Household items like vinegar, baking soda, sandpaper, and steel wool can also be used. Prevention is best by keeping metals dry.
If you need to remove rust from metal, there are many commercial products available. Most of them are highly toxic and rely on some form of acid, phosphoric or oxalic, to do the job. If you use them, be sure to wear rubber gloves and carefully follow all instructions and precautions provided by the manufacturer. This will remove the rust and protect you from toxic chemicals. If you’d rather avoid toxic chemicals, there are several common household items that can safely remove rust from metal, including white vinegar, baking soda, sandpaper, and steel wool.
Vinegar
White vinegar can often work well for small items, like earrings. Just pour some vinegar into a glass and let the items soak in well. After you see that the rust has dissolved, simply rinse your jewelry and dry it with a cloth.
Vinegar can also be used on larger items. Pour it directly on the object or spread it with a cloth. When the rust has dissolved, simply wipe it down, rinse the item, then dry it if necessary.
Sodium bicarbonate
Using baking soda is another way to remove rust from metal. You can make a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Make sure the solution is pasty enough to stick to the surface, then spread it over the metal and let it sit. After the rust is loosened, you can scrub it away. If the rust stains are very deep, their removal may require further applications of the paste. Baking soda paste can also be used in many other ways around the house and is a good replacement for many toxic household cleaners.
raw materials
If you want to remove rust from metal and don’t mind a little hard work, you can try removing it manually with sandpaper or another rough object, such as steel wool. This may take some time, though. If the rust is widespread, it may take several tries to get to the clean metal.
Prevent rust
Of course, it’s best not to let your metals rust at all. Keeping metals as dry as possible helps prevent rust because water is what sets the stage for rust to appear. However, prevention isn’t always possible, especially if there is a lot of humidity, so it’s a good idea to attack the rust early, before it starts eating away at the metal. Remember, the longer rust goes untreated, the harder it is to remove and the more severe the damage.
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