Better Removing Rust from Your Home

Rust is common in households especially from iron oxides. It mainly occurs when a metal is exposed to air moisture or water and is oxygenated to form the oxides. It affects metal items and metallic surfaces in the home, and is a corrosion of iron spoiling and ruining the items. There are many chemicals available that can be used to remove rust, however they are quite expensive and most times contain toxins that can be hazardous to both your health and the environment. On the other hand, three are natural ways that are safe to remove rust effectively from objects. These solutions are cheaper and easy to use.

Using White Vinegar

According to Wade Architectural Systems (www.wadearch.com), concentrated white vinegar can be an effective remedy for a rust problem, the vinegar reacts with the rust helping in its dissolution from the metal. It is recommended to soak the rusty metal items or objects in concentrated vinegar for 24 hours, and then wipe away the rusty surface with a rug. If the object is very large, just pouring the vinegar on the rusted surface and leaving for a few hours is best. Later on, the surface can be wiped with a rug. It can also be used in removing rust from the clothes washer by running the machine through a full cycle with a large volume of vinegar.

Using Salt and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has acidic properties. Combined with the abrasive action of salt, they form a paste that is effective as a rust remover. The mixture is applied over the rusted surfaces or objects and scrubbed off after about two hours. It is the best method of removing rust from old porcelain bathtubs, kitchen cutlery and toys.

Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as a household ingredient effective in removing rust too, simply mix it with water into a thick paste. The paste is then spread on to the rust surface and scrubbed off after a while. If it gets too dry, the application is repeated to avoid scratches. This method is used in removing rust from patio furniture, garden tools, car rims and more.

Potato and Salt

Another natural way is the use of a potato. Potatoes also have acidic properties since they contain oxalic acid that dissolves the rust. Combined with the abrasive action of salt, the potato removes rust. A potato is cut in half and salt is spread on the cut surface. Over the rusted surface, scrubbing is done with occasional addition of salt until the rust is removed. The object is then rinsed thoroughly and wiped.

Molasses

Black strap molasses contain concentrated amounts of minerals creating a chelating process helping in the natural removal of rust. A bucket is filled with one part molasses and twelve parts water. The rusted metal object is then dipped into the solution and removed later once the rust is completely dissolved. It is then rinsed and wiped dry.

Rust can be detrimental to household items and surfaces. Therefore, it is better to remove it safely and effectively. One can use commercial rust removers but is much more effective to remove the rust using natural mixtures. They are both safe and effective.

This article was contributed on behalf of Wade Architectural Systems, your number one choice when looking for sustainable wall panels. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!

Additional rust removing resources.