How to remove rust from a bike

Author: Virginia Floyd
Date Of Creation: 12 August 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
How To Remove Rust From Your Bicycle | Clean Your Bike With Household Products
Video: How To Remove Rust From Your Bicycle | Clean Your Bike With Household Products

Content

Rust on a bike can not only spoil its overall appearance, but also turn a pleasant ride into a nightmare. You don't need to go to a professional to remove rust from your bike; in most cases, you can do it yourself. To deal with rust, use household items such as baking soda, vinegar, and chemical cleaners (depending on the degree of corrosion). Once you get rid of the rust, you can return to enjoyable rides.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Remove minor rust marks with baking soda

  1. 1 Combine baking soda and water (1: 1) in a bowl. Stir the solution until a thick paste. Keep a bowl, baking soda, and water nearby, just in case you don't have enough paste to completely coat the surface of the rust.
    • Soda is ideal for removing light traces of rust. For more serious marks, it is better to use other methods.
    • To increase the effectiveness of the solution, add lemon juice to the paste.
  2. 2 Apply the paste to the rust and wait for about 15 minutes. Dip a brush or sponge in the paste and apply it to a rusty bike. Since the paste will take time to loosen the rust, do not wipe it off right away. Leave the paste on the bike for about 10-15 minutes.
    • The paste should be thick enough to evenly cover the rust stain without dripping off the bike.
  3. 3 Rub the baking soda with a washcloth. Rub the baking soda paste with a plastic or steel wool scrubber. During the cleaning process, you will notice how the rust begins to break down and fall off the bike. If it doesn't, add more paste to the bike and rub with more force.
    • If you don't have a washcloth, use an old toothbrush.
  4. 4 Wait about 10 minutes before wiping off the baking soda. After cleaning, let the baking soda sit for about 10-15 minutes to loosen stubborn rust, then wipe off the paste with a dry microfiber cloth. To prevent further corrosion, make sure the bike is completely dry.
    • Keep your bike in a cool, dry place to prevent rust from coming back.
    • If there are still traces of rust on the bike, repeat the cleaning process again or try another method.

Method 2 of 3: Remove stubborn rust stains with vinegar

  1. 1 Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle. It is best to use white vinegar to remove rust, as it is the most acidic of all. Although a rust stain can be blotted with vinegar, a spray bottle will provide a more even coverage.
    • To make the solution stronger, add a small spoonful of baking soda to the solution.
  2. 2 Apply vinegar to rust. If you've poured vinegar into a spray bottle, spray it evenly around the entire area. If you decide to apply the vinegar by hand, use a sponge or foil ball. At the same time, foil in this regard is more effective, since when applying vinegar, you can scrape the surface with it.
    • Removable bike parts can be soaked in vinegar solution if desired.
  3. 3 After 10-15 minutes, rinse the vinegar off the bike. Once the rust is removed, the vinegar will continue to corrode the metal on the bike. To avoid this, spray the bike with a hose after the rust has dissolved.
    • Use a chemical cleaner if vinegar fails to remove the rust.
  4. 4 Dry your bike before putting it back in place. Moisture on the bike can cause rust to form again. Wipe the bike with a cloth dampened with industrial alcohol to remove excess moisture. Keep your bike in a cool, dry place to prevent it from rusting again.

Method 3 of 3: Chemical Rust Removers

  1. 1 Use a chemical rust cleaner as a last resort. Sometimes, household products are not enough to remove rust. If baking soda and vinegar don't work, buy rust remover from your local hardware store or bike store.
    • Do not mix chemical cleaners with baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, or other cleaning agents. Some solutions can be deadly.
  2. 2 Wear protective gloves and goggles before using the rust cleaner. Chemical cleaners are much more corrosive than other cleaners and can seriously harm your eyes or skin. Read the instructions carefully and follow the safety precautions for handling the chemical.If the cleaner gets in your eyes or on your skin, rinse the area thoroughly and call the ambulance at 103 (mobile) or 03 (landline) for further instructions.
    • Do not use chemical cleaners in confined spaces. Open a window or door for ventilation and leave the room immediately if you feel dizzy.
  3. 3 Apply chemical cleaner as directed. The duration of the purifier will depend on the chemical itself. It can vary from 30 minutes to 12 hours. For best results, follow the directions in the instructions.
    • If you need to remove rust quickly, read the instructions on the cleaner's label while in the store to choose the most effective one.
  4. 4 Wipe off the cleaner after the specified time. Since chemical cleaners are corrosive, wipe them clean with a cheap cloth after removing the rust. In case you need to remove rust again, store the leftover cleaner where you keep your other chemicals.
    • Throw away the rag after use to prevent the chemical transferring to other fabrics.

Tips

  • Remove all dirt and debris from the bike before proceeding with rust removal.
  • The cheapest way to remove rust is with vinegar and baking soda.
  • Keep your bike dry and store it in a cool, dark place to prevent rust from returning.
  • Apply a water repellent coating to your bike to prevent corrosion.

What do you need

  • Soda
  • Water
  • Lemon (optional)
  • A washcloth or toothbrush
  • Brush
  • Sponge
  • Foil
  • White vinegar
  • Spray
  • Microfiber fabric
  • Chemical cleaner
  • Protective gloves
  • Protective glasses