Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 8: Using household products
• Tips

It is not always necessary to throw away a rusty metal item and buy a new one. You can remove the rust using household products such as aluminum foil and a mild acid such as white vinegar, or special chemical rust removers. Whichever method you use, it takes a little patience and effort to remove the rust. However, with a little time and effort, you will be able to remove rust from many different types of metal surfaces.

To step

Method 1 of 8: Using household products

1. Apply opaque coats of paint. In addition to a good primer, paint also helps to protect the metal against moisture. Make sure to use high-quality paint for the best results.
   • Metal can be painted with spray paint, but applying paint with a brush will help the paint adhere better.
   • Apply transparent varnish to the paint so that the iron oxidizes less quickly.

Tips

• Make sure you work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area if you use a chemical rust remover. The agent you use can give off harmful fumes as acid fumes during cleaning.
• If you want to remove rust from jewelry, such as a necklace or a ring, you can do this by cleaning the jewelry with vinegar or dish soap.
• To remove rust spots even better, combine different steps. For example, you can soak a rusty chain in vinegar for a few hours and then sand it with a piece of steel wool or a wire brush. Make sure you varnish or paint the metal as it can start to rust again during drying.