Rust is unsightly, damaging, and weakens the metal it affects, eventually destroying the surface. Knowing how to remove rust from metal is a useful skill that helps restore tools, furniture, and any other surfaces affected by rust.
Whether you're painting a garage door, cleaning garden tools, or removing heavy-duty rust, you only need a few items to make them rust-free. You can choose a specialist rust remover or power tool for fast removal, or use household items and elbow grease for surface rust.
Find out what will work best for your needs with some smart advice from the pros.
Leigh Start joined The Metal Store in 2015 and was appointed Managing Director in 2023. With nearly a decade of experience in the metal supply industry, Leigh has played a key role in driving the company’s growth and expanding its service offering.
Why rust forms on metal
We all know that rust is the unsightly reddish-brown stain or mark that appears on metal when it is exposed to rain. Here, Leigh Start, managing director at The Metal Store, shares more on what it is: “Rust happens when iron meets oxygen and moisture, creating iron oxide – the reddish-brown substance you see peeling off old metal fences, tools or forgotten machinery. It weakens metal, tarnishes the appearance and makes your job more difficult in the long run.”
But rust doesn’t appear on all metals, adds Start, “Only metals with iron in them can actually rust, so materials like mild steel and carbon steel are most at risk.”
Try these tools to help clean rust off metal
Steel wool is a great tool for helping remove surface rust on metal. Available in various grades from fine to super fine, ideal for removing, cleaning and polishing metal surfaces.
This easy-to-apply waxoil rust prevention spray acts as a powerful anti-rust treatment for metal. It creates a flexible self-seal barrier that protects against corrosion and grime.
A heavy-duty rust remover that helps remove rust from all sorts of metal surfaces without the need for any scrubbing or sanding. Simply submerge the metal in this non-toxic liquid and let it work its magic.
How to clean rust off metal
When it comes to rust, Start says, “Prevention is always better than cure.” But once rust has formed, it needs to be dealt with, and there are a range of methods to get your metal back into shape.
Professional rust cleaners
There is a whole host of specialist rust removers on the market, with Start pointing out, “They are far more effective than household remedies.”
He adds, “Many of these contain acids such as phosphoric or oxalic acid, which react with iron oxide, either converting it into a more stable compound (iron phosphate) or dissolving it, so it can then be scrubbed away.”
Typically, you can choose from liquid rust removers, such as MultiWare Rust Remover (available on Amazon), where you leave the metal object immersed in the liquid. But these aren’t always a viable option for larger metal objects. A rust remover like Bilt Hamber Deox-Gel Rust Remover (available from Amazon) is a gel that you apply, leave and then remove the rust. A rust converter, like Hammerite Kurust (available from Amazon), converts the rust into a stable surface that can be painted over.
Whatever method you choose, Start says, “Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with acidic rust removers.
Paul McFadyen, metal expert and chairman at metals4U, runs through the cleaning process using WD-40. “Remove any excess rust on the surface with a stiff wire brush, then apply your chosen rust remover onto the affected surface.” He adds, “This could be a commercial chemical remover, like WD-40 (available from Amazon), that is specifically designed to remove rust effectively. Leave the product to settle on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing away using a wire brush.”
Paul started his career in sales with a small, independent stainless-steel stockholder in Bath over 35 years ago. He then worked for Delta Metals plc for several years. That was when he spotted an opportunity to develop and build metals4U as a powerhouse for the online supply of metals, so he took the chance and has never looked back.
Everyday alternatives
If you have light surface rust, you can try shop-bought alternatives that you might already have. Start says, “If you don’t have a rust remover on hand, white vinegar works well on light surface rust, thanks to its acetic acid content.” He adds, “Small items can be soaked overnight, while larger ones can be scrubbed with vinegar and rinsed clean. It’s slower and less effective than purpose-made rust removers but can work in a pinch.”
For a more manual approach, Start says, “Mechanical methods such as wire wool, wire brushes or sandpaper are also reliable for removing surface rust.”
Homemade solutions
A DIY option can be useful for smaller items with light rust, as McFayden shares, “A solution of lemon and salt can be particularly effective on smaller household items, like knives and cookware. Simply coat the rusted area in salt before squeezing lemon juice on top. Leave the mixture to sit before scrubbing the rust away. Finally, rinse and pat the item dry.”
Using power tools to clean rust off metal
There will be times when a power tool for cleaning rust off metal can be a sensible choice. Start says, “For light rust, hand tools are usually sufficient; for heavier corrosion, consider using power tools.”
There are a few tools you can use shares Start, “An angle grinder fitted with a flap disc or wire cup brush is ideal for large surfaces, while a drill with a wire brush wheel (like this SI FANG Wire Brush for Drill from Amazon) suits smaller objects.”
McFadyen adds, “A sanding tool (like this BLACK+DECKER Sander from Amazon) is useful for cleaning large, flat surfaces.” He shares how, “Start with a coarser grit, before working up to finer grits until you get a smooth finish.” He adds a note of caution, “You can also use wire brush attachments, but be careful as these can damage softer metals like copper and brass.”
Start finishes by saying, “Whichever tool you use, always wear safety gear (like these UKNOW Safety Goggles from Amazon), as rust particles can be sharp and hazardous.”
Treating newly cleaned metal
Once you’ve removed any rust from metal surfaces, you don’t want it coming back. The best way to prevent this from happening is to create a protective barrier. McFayden shares how, “Use paint or a sealant to stop oxygen and moisture interacting with the metal surface.”
Start adds, “A rust-inhibiting primer and topcoat of paint will block out moisture and oxygen, while oils, waxes or protective sprays are useful on tools and machinery.” If you want a longer-lasting solution, he suggests, “Powder coating or galvanising offers more durable protection.”
Once a protective layer has been applied, McFayden offers a couple of tips to help keep rust away: “Make sure to store metal items somewhere dry, always wiping them down if they get wet.” He adds, “Regularly check metal surfaces for signs of rusting, reapplying coatings if needed.”
FAQ
Does Coca-Cola or potatoes clean rust off metal?
You’ll often see claims across social media and the web that unusual options can clean rust off metal. Coca-Cola and potatoes are two methods that are often touted as rust removers, but do they really work? Start points out that both work but are not as effective as other solutions, “Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid and can help dissolve light rust,“ But he adds, “It’s sticky and inefficient compared to proper products.”
Potatoes are another readily available item that is mentioned as an effective rust remover. Start shares, “Potatoes contain oxalic acid and, when rubbed on with salt or baking soda, can also shift surface rust - but neither method will deal with heavy corrosion.”
McFayden explains further: “Cut a potato in half and cover the exposed end in washing-up liquid. Rub this side of the potato onto the rusty surface, then let it sit for an hour. Afterwards, scrub to remove the loosened rust and rinse clean.”
Once you’ve cleaned off any rust, you can think about painting the metal. Check out our guides on How to paint a radiator, How to paint behind a radiator, and Best radiator paints to help get a smart new finish and keep rust at bay.
