Moisture causes metal objects to corrode. How to prevent this and how to remove rust?
Rust, the corrosive effect of metal, is caused by the oxidation of iron. The course of this process is also affected by humidity. Unstoppable corrosion can cause metal objects (gardening tools, some everyday objects, garden furniture parts) to become covered with a reddish coating and deteriorate. However, there are several effective ways to remove rust.
Homemade ways to remove rust
As a result, rust removal is not difficult or impossible to do. Not only that, you can use the typical means that each of us probably has at home. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that this work takes quite a lot of time.
What homemade preparations to remove rust?
Before we get down to business, let’s put protective gloves on our hands.
You can try to remove small traces of rust with a rough brush and a little water. It is only necessary to rub the metal for a long time until the rust marks disappear. After completing the work, the cleaned object is completely dried.
What removes rust
The baking soda will help remove the rust. By adding a small amount of water to it, we prepare a reliable paste from it. We apply it to the corroded place with a scratch cloth or a toothbrush. Rub the dirty surface until the reddish marks disappear from it. This method is worth trying especially for garden tools and living room furniture kept outdoors. A thick layer of soda batter can also be left on the cleaned surface for a few hours to work and dissolve the rust.
Food grade vinegar also makes it possible to get rid of the incursion of rusty objects. Small things are soaked in it for several hours, and preferably all night. The largest are tied or covered with a cloth generously soaked in this specificity.
What are the other home ways to remove rust? Vinegar-like properties are characterized by citric acid.
It is good to combine it with salt, then it gains even more “power”. This mixture can deal with more difficult “dirt”. We dissolve both substances in water and soak rusty objects in it. Unfortunately, in this way you cannot remove rust from surfaces covered with paint. Some, wanting to get rid of traces of corrosion, try to soak dirty objects in glue. It is even said that the cheaper such a measure is, the more effectively it works.
Professional ways to remove rust
The industrial materials market abounds in rust-removing preparations. Good agents in this category are suitable for application to any surface and will not even require scrubbing – just spread them on a dirty thing and they will simply dissolve traces of corrosion. After all, when using them, let’s take basic precautions – these are acid preparations, so let’s wear gloves, etc.
Rust from larger objects and surfaces is easier to remove by sandblasting. This is the most effective method, as well as cleaning crevices and other hard-to-reach places. Under the influence of strongly blasted sand, visible corrosion effects are lifted off and the cleaned surface is smoothed.
Metal objects can also be cleaned with a brush wheel mounted on the drill. The downside to this method is the threat of scratching the metal.
The rust is gone, now what?
Some metal objects will need regular cleaning of rust. Corrosion cannot be avoided, but corrosion can be delayed. After removing the reddish coating, it is necessary to put the so-called anti-corrosion on the cleaned object – an agent that will prevent it. We paint the clean, rust-free surface with said primer, then apply enamel to it.
How to remove rust from clothes?
Rust on clothing most often appears as a result of accidentally touching or rubbing against a corroded surface. It is easy to get rid of them using the home methods described above. Older dried dirt should be treated with steam and a tablespoon of citric acid. They can also be soaked in hot lemon juice or a vinegar and water solution.
