18 Best Ways to Remove Rust from Metal in 2024
After some metal parts or tools are used for a period of time, rust will occur due to the oxidation of air and water environment and other problems. The rust on the metal surface will reduce the service life of the metal tools or parts and make the use of metal utensils inconvenient. In order to make the metal surface have good cleanliness and roughness, the surface of the metal structure must be derusted. There is a saying in the anti-corrosion industry that "seven points for rust removal and three points for painting", which shows the importance of rust removal. How to remove rust from metal surface? How many easy best ways are there? You can either use power tools or chemicals to clean rusted metal tools, or you can use homemade rust remover to clean rust from metal parts. The listed items are my summary of 18 best ways to remove rust from metal instantly.
Laser Cleaners for Rust Removal
Laser Rust Removal
Laser rust removal machine is a type of portable rust cleaning tool that uses laser beam to remove rust or coating from the metal surface. It usually works with a handheld laser rust removal gun with high speed.
Pros
Laser rust remover is high-efficiency, fast, low-cost, and does not damage the substrate. No water or solvent is required, and the waste is easy to collect and does not pollute the environment. Safe and reliable, does not damage the health of operators. Wide range of applications for removing rust, scale, dirt and coatings of various thicknesses and compositions. The cleaning process is easy to automate, realize long-distance remote control operation, and can be used for large-scale laser rust removal work.
Cons
The disadvantage of laser rust removal is that it requires a laser and corresponding supporting equipment, the price is high, the one-time investment is large, and there is almost no maintenance cost in the later period.
Power Tools for Rust Removal
Ultrasonic Rust Removal
The high-frequency vibration signal announced by the ultrasonic generator is converted into high-frequency mechanical vibration by the transducer and propagated into the medium. Air bubbles, fine air bubbles in the liquid vibrate under the effect of the sound field. When the sound pressure reaches a certain value, the air bubbles grow rapidly and then close suddenly. When the air bubbles close, a shock wave occurs, which damages the insoluble dirt and makes them loose in the cleaning solution. During the process, the solid particles are separated, and then reach the purpose of remove rust from the surface of the metal parts.
Sandblaster Rust Removal
Sandblaster rust removal is to use compressed air to spray a certain particle size of sand on the rusted surface of the metal part through a sandblasting gun, which not only achieves rapid rust removal, but also prepares the surface for painting, spraying, electroplating and other processes.
Quartz sand for sandblasting is made from high-quality natural quartz sand ore, which is refined through mechanical crushing, washing, screening, drying, secondary screening and other processes. It features with high mechanical strength, no impurities, compression and wear resistance, good chemical stability, uniform particles, high efficiency, and recyclability. Sandblaster rust removal is powered by compressed air to form a high-speed jet beam, and spray sand particles on the surface of the metal part to be treated, thereby changing the appearance or shape of the metal surface, improving the mechanical properties and the fatigue resistance of the metal part, increasing its adhesion to the paint, prolonging the durability of the paint film, and also conducive to the leveling and decoration of the paint.
High Pressure Water Gun for Rust Removal
Under normal circumstances, use a high-pressure water gun to rinse and remove rust. Usually, the power-driven pump completes a suction and discharge process for water, converts ordinary water into high-pressure and low-flow water, and then sends it to the high-pressure pipeline to make it reach the high-pressure nozzle with a certain amount of energy. The high-pressure water gun cleaning equipment sucks the sand into the sandblasting head and mixes it with the high-speed and high-pressure water column. The high-speed and high-pressure water column mixes the sand and impacts on the metal surface. Through the friction of the sand and the combined force of the high-pressure water flow, Removes paint or rust easily.
Angle Grinders for Rust Removal
Abrasive rust removal requires a lot of work with your hands. However, the technique is very effective. Grinders include steel wool, which you may find at your local store around the corner. If the metal part is large and rust is common, a power sander will be very helpful. Start with coarser grains and work your way up to finer grains to minimize damage to the metal part. Other hand tools, like screwdrivers, can help you scrape away the rust, but be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper to remove scratches after you're done.
Chemical Rust Remover
You can buy and use chemicals to dissolve rust. Usually, they're made with oxalic or phosphoric acid, which can damage your skin. That's why you need to be very careful when using them. The best advice is to wear gloves when handling chemical products. Be sure to follow the product's specific instructions for use as applications may vary from product to product. Most chemical removers take a fair amount of time to work and often require a brush afterwards. Also, these products can be a bit expensive, and they are often used for small-scale rust removal.
Rust Converter
Instead of removing rust, converters work by reacting with existing rust and stopping further rust formation. They are like spray paint, used as a primer for paint coats. For this reason, rust converters are a good choice if you plan to paint your metal tools or parts.
NOTE: When using chemical rust removers or rust converters, make sure you are outside in a well-ventilated area.
Homemade Rust Remover
Citric Acid Rust Remover
Go to your local supermarket and buy a small box of citric acid powder. Pour some acid into a plastic container and add some hot water, just enough to cover the metal tool or part to remove rust. Dip the part or tool into the mixture. It will be fun to watch the bubbles rise. Leave the tool or part there overnight and rinse it with water in the morning to remove rust from the metal.
Diesel Rust Remover
Buy a liter of diesel (not a fuel additive). Pour the diesel into the container and put the rusted tool or part in it. Let it sit there for about 24 hours. Remove the part or tool and scrub with a brass brush. Wipe the tool or part with a clean rag. Don't forget to save the diesel for future use. You have to put it in a jar with a tight lid.
Vinegar Rust Remover
White vinegar reacts with the rust and dissolves it from the metal part or tool. The reason vinegar is so effective as a rust remover is because the acetic acid in vinegar reacts and forms iron III acetate, which is a water-soluble substance. So vinegar can actually remove rust from water, but not tools or parts, so you'll need to brush or wipe off the rust. Just soak the tool or part in white vinegar for a few hours and brush off the rusty paste. If the rust seems springy and doesn't come off easily, dip aluminum foil in vinegar and brush the rust away with it. Again, you can remove rust more easily with a metal brush or steel wool.
How long do I soak metal in vinegar to remove rust?
If you're using regular vinegar, the process will still work, but it will take longer, possibly around 24 hours to achieve the desired results. The good news is that after those 24 hours, you probably won't need a lot of scrubbing to remove rust.
Lime & Salt Rust Remover
Coat the rusted area generously with salt and sprinkle some lime over the coating. Use as much time as you can, let the mixture set for about 2 hours, then wipe off. I recommend brushing off the mixture with a lime rind. This way, you will effectively remove the rust without further damage to the metal. Feel free to use lemon instead of lime.
Baking Soda Rust Remover
Baking soda is very easy to use and can remove rust from metal parts or tools. Clean and dry the tool or part first. Then, add some baking soda to the water and mix until it forms a thick paste that you can spread on metal. Next, apply the paste to the rusted areas of the part or tool. Let the paste set before scrubbing. Use a brush to carefully remove the paste. For smaller surfaces, you can use a toothbrush to remove the paste. Finally, rinse the part or tool with clean water.
Potatoes and Dish Soap for Rust Removal
Divide the potato in half and wipe the cut end of one half with some dish soap. Then, rub the potato against the metal and let it sit for a few hours. Solvents, potatoes, and rust react and remove rust easily. If you don't have dish soap, you can choose baking soda and water. Mix them with potatoes and use the same procedure as dish soap to remove rust.
Oxalic Acid Rust Remover
You need to be careful and take precautions when using this way. Get a pair of gloves, some protective clothing, and goggles ready. Do not smoke directly or inhale the fumes from the acid. The first step here is to wash the rusted part or tool with a cleaning solution, rinse well, and let it dry completely. Next, mix five teaspoons of oxalic acid with about 300 milliliters of warm water. Soak the part or tool in the acid mixture for about 20 minutes, then scrub the rusted parts with a brass brush. Finally, rinse the tool or part with clean water and allow it to dry.
Lemon Juice Rust Remover
Lemon juice is very tangy and removes rust quickly. All you need to do is rub your rusty tools or parts with some salt. Next, add lemon juice on top and let it sit for a few minutes. Don't let the lemon juice stay on the tool or part for too long or it will cause damage. This is a great natural rust inhibitor that can make tools or parts smell like citrus. If you want to make lemon juice more effective, add some vinegar to the lemon juice.
Coca-Cola Rust Remover
Have you ever wondered if Coca-Cola can remove rust? Yes, it can, and the reason is that Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid. This is a common ingredient in many rust removal products because it effectively removes rust. All you need to do is soak the rusted tool or part in Coke for a few minutes and watch to see if the rust loosens and falls off the metal. Coca-Cola can be used to remove rust from a variety of metal objects, including nuts, bolts, battery terminals, and even cutlery. The only downside to this way is that it is a sticky process, after which you need to clean the object well.
Soda & Ketchup Rust Remover
For this easy and affordable rust remover, all you have to do is mix water and washing soda. Spray the rusted metal with soda water, brush the rust spot with ketchup, let the ketchup and soda sit on the rust spot for 120 minutes, then rinse with water and you will see a clean metal surface.
Toothpaste Rust Remover
Everyone has toothpaste at home, so use this inexpensive product to remove rust from tools or parts. Put the toothpaste on a piece of fabric and rub the part or tool, focusing on the rusted patch. Let the paste sit on the metal for 10 minutes, then rinse. For best results, use a white, consistent toothpaste, not the gel variety.
FAQs
What is Rust?
Rust refers to oxides produced on the surface of metals (including alloys). Rust is formed by redox reactions between metals and oxygen. Different conditions produce different forms of rust. Rust is mainly composed of ferric oxide hydrate Fe2O3·nH2O and ferric hydroxide (FeO(OH), Fe(OH)3). Aluminum can also be oxidized, but it is usually not called rust. After enough time, in the presence of sufficient oxygen and water, iron will be completely oxidized to rust, but aluminum oxidation is very slow, because oxygen forms a dense aluminum oxide film on the surface of aluminum, this reaction is called passivation.
Why Does Metal Rust?
Rusting is a chemical reaction that is essentially the oxidation of metals. The most common rust phenomenon is that iron products have been exposed to the air for a long time and have an oxidation reaction with oxygen, or are eroded by oxygen in water to become oxides.
How to Remove Rust?
You can use various tools to shovel the rust off the metal surface, or soak it in an acidic solution to dissolve it. Of course, the best way is laser rust removal, which is not only fast, clean, but also does not damage the metal surface . After removing the rust, the metal surface must be treated, coated with a layer of lead, and then painted, or plated with other metals that are not easy to rust.
How to Prevent Metal from Rusting?
Covering the metal surface with a protective layer is a common and important method to prevent rusting of iron products. Keeping metal surfaces clean and dry is also a great way to prevent rust. Of course, you can also make metal alloys to change the internal structure of the metal and increase the rust resistance of the metal.
Further Reading
A Practical Guide to Laser Cleaning Machine for Beginners
You will understand what is a laser cleaning machine? what are the features and advantages? how does it work? what is it used for? how much does it cost? in this blog. Its a practical guide to laser cleaner for beginners.
Pulsed Laser VS CW Laser for Cleaning & Welding
What are the differences between continuous wave laser and pulsed laser for cleaning & welding? Let us make a comparison of pulsed laser and CW laser for metal joints, rust removal, paint stripping, and coating removal.
Precision Laser Cleaners: Disruptors in Industrial Cleaning
Precision laser cleaning machine is a safer, chemical free, repeatable cleaner for rust removal, paint stripping, coating removal, oil ablation for surface treatment in industrial cleaning with mold, precision instrument, aviation, ship, weaponry, building exterior, electronics, and nuclear power plant.
