25 best ways to remove rust from metal at home
The rust that appears on metal products not only spoils their appearance, but also gradually makes them unusable. Therefore, in order for them not to deteriorate, it is necessary to remove rust from the metal yourself. Before that, you should familiarize yourself with the basic tools that are used in the fight against corrosion.
Rust formation on metal
The process of the appearance and development of rust on metal structures begins due to the appearance of an oxidizing chemical reaction under the influence of high humidity. The formation of corrosion is accompanied by deformation of the metal surface and destruction of the crystal lattice. There are several reasons for iron rusting:
- Peeling paint. The surface of many metal structures is covered with a layer of protective paint that prevents moisture from coming into contact with the iron. However, over time, the paint begins to peel off the product, which leads to corrosion.
- Grooves. Deep cracks on the surface contribute to iron rusting.
- Lack of anti-corrosion treatment.Experts advise to treat the metal with special anti-corrosion agents. If this is not done, the iron will gradually begin to become covered with a rusty coating.
Rust removal methods
People fighting corrosion need to familiarize themselves with the most effective ways to eliminate it.
Mechanical removal
Some people don't want to use chemicals and remove rust mechanically.
Hand brushes
If the surface of the rusty surface is small, you can use conventional hand brushes with metal bristles. They differ from each other in the way the handle is fixed and the rigidity of the wire installed. Some types of brushes have a brass coated wire. Such products are considered the most effective, and therefore it is advisable to use them in the fight against corrosive plaque.
Before cleaning the rust deposits, the part is fixed in a vice. Scrub the surface with a brush in a circular motion. The duration of the process directly depends on the amount of rust and the hardness of the pile of metal.
Mechanical brushes
People with pneumatic devices can clean metal with mechanical type brushes. They can be made in both end and radial design. Most often, such brushes are installed in electric drills or modern models of screwdrivers.
Many people think that using mechanical brushes is easy, but it is not. During operation, the tool is difficult to hold, as it constantly slips out of the hands. Therefore, it is necessary to use additional guides to help hold the tool.
Aluminium foil
Aluminum foil can be used not only for baking food, but also for removing rust deposits from metal surfaces.To wipe the iron, it is necessary to treat the sheet with a solution of vinegar diluted with warm water. This method will help get rid of the newly formed rust.
Sandblasting plants
In production, special sandblasting machines are used to clean metal structures, which use sand during operation. The sand particles are transported at high speed towards the corroded product. When grains of sand hit the surface of the product, corrosion particles fly out. The advantage of sandblasting structures is their high efficiency. Large enough iron parts can be cleaned in 30-40 seconds.
Screening
In large factories, rust is removed in so-called sieves. These are rotating devices that are used to remove corrosive deposits with sand. The iron pieces are placed in rotating cylindrical structures filled with sand. The procedure takes about 4-5 minutes.
Chemical methods
To understand what corrodes rust, you need to familiarize yourself with the chemical means of removing rusty deposits.
Use vinegar
You can remove metal oxides with acetic acid. In this case, it is recommended to use a concentrated solution, as it helps to quickly remove corrosion. If the piece of iron is small, it is completely soaked in vinegar and soaked in it for about 15-20 minutes. Then it is removed from the solution and carefully wiped with a dry cloth. Large objects are wiped with a sponge soaked in acetic acid.
The procedure is carried out in protective gloves so as not to damage the skin of the hands.
lemon acid
To remove corrosion at home, use a solution based on citric acid. The concentration of such a liquid should not exceed five percent.To quickly remove the corrosive plaque, table salt is added to the citric acid mixture. Salt crystals help exfoliate oxidation from the metal surface. If there is not too much rust, the product is wiped with acid only once.
Baking soda
An alkaline mixture based on soda will quickly get rid of traces of oxidation on the iron. The effectiveness of such a solution is due to the fact that it contains sodium, which has considerable chemical activity.
To prepare an anti-corrosion agent, soda is mixed with a small amount of water. You should get a thick mass in the form of a paste, which must be applied to the iron product. 40-50 minutes after application, the remnants of the paste are wiped off with a dry cloth.
Sulfuric acid
You can remove metal oxidation with sulfuric acid. However, before use, it is dissolved in water so that the density is around 1.15 g/cm³. If the acid concentration is too high, it will corrode the iron.
For quick cleaning of corrosion, an iron product is immersed in a sulfur solution for 20-30 minutes. During the procedure, it is better to use a respirator and gloves. It is contraindicated to use sulfuric acid without additional means of protection.
Soft drinks
Carbonated drinks are considered a weak carbonic acid, which can eliminate metal oxidation. Effective drinks that can be used to remove corrosion include Pepsi, Cola and Phanto.
The gaseous liquid is poured into a container, after which an iron product is placed there. In order for the corrosion to dissolve, the iron is soaked for at least 25-30 hours. Then it is washed and wiped with a rag from the remnants of rust.
Phosphoric acid solution
Many companies use phosphoric acid to remove corrosion from metal parts. Before using the tool, you will need to mechanically get rid of the top layers of oxidation. Then the surface is treated with acid, the concentration of which is 15-20%. After drying, a thin film forms on the part, protecting it from rust.
oxalic acid
Another effective product that can remove rust deposits is oxalic acid. It must be used very carefully, as it can damage the skin. Experts recommend cleaning in combination with gloves and eye protection. Oxalic acid in an amount of 30 grams is mixed with 400 milliliters of heated water. The prepared liquid is placed on a rusty product for half an hour, after which it is wiped with a dry napkin or sponge.
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is a soluble inorganic product capable of removing rust. The advantages of acid include the fact that it can be used not only to restore a rusty surface, but also to further protect it from rust. Other benefits include:
- removal of corrosion on earthenware and enamel;
- creation of a protective coating;
- ease of use.
When using hydrochloric acid, you must observe safety recommendations.
Hydrogen peroxide
The oldest anti-corrosion agent is hydrogen peroxide. It not only cleans the rusty surface, but also gives it its original shine.
To restore a ferrous product, you need to dissolve 55 grams of hydrogen peroxide in 200 grams of ammonia. After that, the components are added to a liter jar of water and thoroughly mixed. The prepared composition is applied to the rust and washed off after half an hour.
Formalin
You can restore a rusty metal surface using a composition, the main ingredient of which is formalin. To prepare an anti-corrosion liquid with your own hands, 200 grams of formalin are mixed with 500 milliliters of water and 80 milliliters of alcohol. Then the solution is poured into a separate container, after which a rusty part is placed there. Soaking is carried out for about 30-45 minutes.
Paint
The use of paint and varnish coatings is considered the most reliable method of removing anti-corrosion coatings. The advantages of these products are ease of application and low cost.
It is possible to apply paint and varnish coatings only after careful study of the instructions. Rust cleaning work is carried out in special protective equipment so that the liquid does not accidentally get into the eyes or on the surface of the skin. Products are soaked for no more than an hour.
Potato
To remove rust from metal dishes or kitchen knives, use regular potatoes.
To do this, cut a large potato into two equal parts. After that, the damaged iron areas are rubbed with potatoes. If there is too much corrosion, the potatoes will need to be put on the surface and left on it for half an hour. After that, the potatoes are removed and the metal coating is wiped with a napkin dipped in a solution of citric acid.
Alka Seltzer
It is a fairly effective chemical agent that is designed to combat corrosive stains on aluminum surfaces. Alka-Seltzer is available in the form of tablets, which must be dissolved in warm water. For this, 5-6 tablets are added to a liter of liquid.The solution is stirred until the tablets are completely dissolved. Then metal products are added to the container with the diluted agent, which are soaked for 10-15 minutes.
zinc chloride
When combating rust deposits, zinc chloride is used. To prepare an anti-corrosion composition, 10 grams of chloride and one gram of potassium hydrogen tartrate are added to 250 milliliters of water. The product is treated with a chloride composition at least three times. If after that traces of stains remain on the metal coating, it will additionally need to be wiped with citric acid.
Lactic acid
Many experts advise using lactic acid to remove corrosive deposits from the surface of iron products. 50 grams of lactic acid are mixed with 150 milliliters of liquid paraffin. Then the solution is evenly applied to the metal and wiped off only after 10-20 minutes. A single use of lactic acid is sufficient to remove newly developed corrosion.
Ketchup and tomatoes
If there are tomatoes or ketchup in the refrigerator that have begun to deteriorate, do not immediately throw them away, as they can be used to restore the surface of iron parts. It is necessary to apply a little ketchup or tomato juice on the corrosion and leave for 35-45 minutes. If there is too much rust, the procedure is prolonged for up to an hour. The remaining tomato liquid is washed off with a damp cloth.
Electrolysis
If folk and chemical remedies did not help remove rust deposits, then electrolysis is used. The derusting procedure is carried out in several stages:
- Fill a plastic container with lukewarm water.
- Mix water with baking soda and salt.
- Connection to charger machine battery terminal.
- Connection to the second terminal of the rusty part.
- Both ends of the wires are dipped in a container with water and a current is supplied, which is turned off after 40 minutes.
- Remove corrosion residue with a cloth.
salt and soda
For precise cleaning of parts, use a liquid containing baking soda and salt. To create it, 80 grams of soda and 40 grams of salt are added to three liters of heated water. Pour the solution into a saucepan and stir until all components are dissolved. Metal products are soaked in liquid for about twenty minutes, after which they are wiped with a coarse sponge.
Special anti-corrosion agents
There are several special products that are manufactured to combat corrosive deposits.
Solvents
To remove rust from metal surfaces, use Schnell-Rostloser. This cleaner has good qualities that get rid of traces of oxidation. You can also treat an iron product with Spirit-1 Thinner. Its benefits include:
- displacement of iron moisture particles;
- forming a protective layer on the treated coating;
- low price.
Converters
Converters are agents that convert corrosion particles into a solid film. Such formulations are available as solutions, emulsions and suspensions.
Experts recommend using converters not only to remove rust stains, but also to protect the product from other corrosive deposits.
Features of removing corrosion from various objects
Removing rust from various objects has certain features that need to be dealt with in advance.
Bodywork
Motorists often need to remove corrosion from their vehicle's body.To do this, use the following anti-corrosion compounds:
- Orthophosphoric acid. A phosphoric acid solution will help remove rust from iron. It is applied to the surface of the sponge, which will be used to wipe the car body.
- Zinc. Zinc-based compounds remove corrosion deposits after the first treatment.
Faucet
Cleaning the kitchen or bathroom faucet should be very careful so as not to accidentally damage the coating. The enameled metal surface can be washed with the preparation "Adrilan", which is produced for washing household appliances. Before use, it is mixed with warm water to make the composition less concentrated.
Bike
If you do not take care of your bike, sooner or later, rust spots will appear on its frame. When cleaning a bike of corrosive marks, use citric acid. To remove rust, perform the following sequence of actions:
- surface degreasing and sanding;
- acid surface coating;
- rinse the treated area.
Konkov
When skates are stored for a long time in high humidity conditions, a rusty coating forms on them. Experts recommend eliminating it with folk remedies. A mixture based on soda and lemon juice is considered effective. To prepare the cleanser, mix lemon juice with baking soda until you get a paste-like mixture. It is rubbed into a rusty surface and washed off with water after an hour and a half.
horseshoes
Old rusty horseshoe can be cleaned with oxalic acid. To create a working solution, you need to mix one kilogram of acid with 12-14 liters of boiled water. Then the liquid is poured into a separate bucket, after which a horseshoe is lowered into it for forty minutes.
Oxalic acid gives off dangerous fumes, and therefore works with it in a protective mask.
Tool
A file and other rarely used metal tools will rust over time. You can clean work tools of corrosive deposits with a vinegar solution. Vinegar is mixed with water in a one-to-one ratio, after which the prepared solution is poured over the tools. Then they are rubbed with a metal brush and washed.
Nuts
It is fairly easy to remove rusty deposits from nuts. To do this, pour 100 milliliters of vinegar into a bucket of water. Then all the rusty nuts that need to be cleaned are added to it. They are soaked for at least 3-4 hours, after which they are washed with water and wiped from the remnants of rusty spots.
Clean small household items
Keys and other small household items can get rusty spots. You can get rid of it by chemical and mechanical methods.
Prevent rust
To prevent the appearance and further development of corrosion spots on iron coatings, it is necessary to engage in prevention. The most effective preventive method is to paint iron objects. Some, instead of painting, use special anti-corrosion compounds, which after application form a protective film on the treated surface.
Also, people often use an enamel primer, which protects metal structures and prevents the appearance of corrosive deposits on their surface. You can apply enamel or paint with a regular brush or roller if the product is too coarse.
Conclusion
Iron parts that are exposed to high humidity for a long time often corrode.To get rid of it quickly, you need to familiarize yourself with basic methods of rust removal, effective chemicals and recommendations for preventing rust stains from forming.