How to clean rusty tools

We may do our best to keep the tool clean and dry at all times, but it can still fight rust. If preventive measures fail, the general wisdom may be to throw away the damaged tool —And sometimes it is inevitable. However, before junking metal tools, there are some things you can try to recover them and save on replacement costs.

What causes the tool to rust?

Rust is caused by oxidation, or the process that iron metals pass through when they react with oxygen. This process can be caused by moisture, especially salt water, and is often accelerated when moisture is allowed to come into contact with steel objects for extended periods of time. Fortunately, you can prevent this process and protect the structure of the tool. Rust cannot be returned to iron without a very elaborate physics lab and electrolyzer, but it can be removed and prevent further damage to the tool.

How to remove rust from tools

There are several ways you can try to get rid of that annoying rust. Let’s take a look at them.

Vinegar method

Soaking the affected tools in a vinegar bath is one way to loosen rust deposits and make them easier to scrape off. All you need is a container large enough to hold the utensils and white vinegar enough to submerge the utensils. The acetic acid contained in vinegar chemically reacts with rust to produce salt and water, making the vinegar method simple and safe. Also, since acid is harmless to the human body, there is no need to worry about dangerous by-products, and the remaining liquid can be safely poured into the drain.

If the rust buildup is severe, the tool can be soaked overnight to allow the tool to penetrate deeper. After soaking well, you should be able to brush off the rust with a firm bristle brush.

Ketchup method

To reach a small place of rust, ketchup surprisingly does the trick. Add a liberal layer of ketchup to the rusted surface, let it sit for a few hours, then scrape the ketchup off with a wire brush to remove the rusted area. This works the same as the vinegar method, as ketchup contains the same acid as vinegar. Ketchup consistency is also suitable for objects that are difficult (or impossible) to soak in a vinegar bath.

However, it is a warning word. Ketchup is not dangerous to wildlife, but because it is contained in sugar ketchup, it can attract insects and animals. If you do this outdoors, it is advisable to cover the area so that it does not cause more problems than the rusted area.

Baking soda method

Baking soda can also be used to remove rust. Make a thick paste with baking soda and water, leave it on a rusted surface for about an hour, and then remove the rusted stains. This method works by dissolving the rust in an alkaline solution to make the rust supple. This is especially effective for dirty, thin metals, but it can also be useful for tools with awkward surfaces if the paste can be placed in corners and crevices. This may be a better way than ketchup for outdoor use, as the resulting mixture does not cause increased wildlife activity.

Salt and lemon juice method

If you have a small amount of rust or a flat surface with rust, lemon juice and salt methods to remove the rust are suitable. Please use with caution as it is more difficult to get into a narrower space than a paste or bath and cannot be left on the surface for long periods of time. Squeeze a little lemon juice on the affected surface and sprinkle a little salt before adding the lemon juice. The citric acid contained in the lemon juice reacts to the rust and can be wiped off with a kitchen scrubbing brush or brush. Be sure to remove all mixtures as they can also react with unaffected metals and cause damage.