What is the best way to remove contact rust on the surface of an object? Our guide outlines several home remedies and how to avoid rust returning.
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What is contact rust? Unlike ordinary rust, contact rust only adheres to the surface. The removal is therefore possible accordingly easily.
Why should I remove contact rust as quickly as possible? Even if contact rust seems harmless at first glance, real rust can form over time, which attacks the metal part.
Are there any home remedies that allow me to remove contact rust? Luckily, you don’t necessarily have to resort to expensive cleaners, but can already make a difference with home remedies. Coke, vinegar and citric acid help to remove the rust, but should be thoroughly washed off afterwards.
Rust is annoying and can damage surfaces in the long run. But what about rust-free metals, on which a rust layer still forms? This is contact rust. Even if it only adheres to the surface, the cutlery or the spokes of the bicycle still seem unsightly.
To ensure that this does not remain the case, we will show you in our article which home remedies and cleaners are suitable if you want to remove contact rust.
1. Contact rust – this creates superficial rust spots
Contact rust is basically ordinary rust. However, unlike normal rust, the object itself is not damaged and rusts. Instead, particles from other rusty parts accumulate on a piece of metal.
This is typical in the dishwasher. A rusty screw on the cladding or the rust of an older spoon can easily be transferred to the rest of stainless steel cutlery.
But also the stainless steel grill grate, the chrome spokes on the motorcycle or bicycle and the tools that have been lying outdoors for too long also seem to magically attract rust.
Attention: Even if the air rust is only superficial in itself, more and more rust can form from it over time, which ultimately attacks the metal.
Stainless steel and chrome are also not completely protected here, even if the metals are very resistant.
2. Remove contact rust – these methods help
You have various options to remove air rust. The following home remedies are eligible for cleaning:
- Coke: The phosphoric acid contained is excellent for dissolving rust. This is particularly noticeable when metal can be inserted in a colabad. After a few hours in the cola, you can easily brush off the volatile rust with a rag.
However, be careful not to insert acid-sensitive materials, otherwise the metal will shine beautifully again, but the structure of the handle of a knife may suffer. - Lemon juice: The citric acid contained has a similar effect to phosphoric acid, but is less strong.
- Vinegar and oil: Mix the two liquids in a ratio of 1 to 1, add the affected metal objects to the mixture and wait for a few hours until the rust can be easily detached.
Tip: If you want to remove strong contact rust, but the metal is not suitable for a bath, you can also rub the above agents with aluminium foil. The soft metal leaves no scratches.
Alternatively, you can make a paste from baking powder, soda and a little water. You can apply them directly and let them act.
The fine abrasive particles also provide a gentle polishing of the surface.
However, for sensitive metal parts that are not easy to wash off, you should refrain from classic home remedies. For example, if you want to remove the rust on the car’s paint, it’s better to use the anti-aircraft rust removers directly.
3. Prevent rust – this is how you protect cutlery, tools and other metal objects
It is best to protect metal by polishing it. Bicycles, motorcycles and cars should also be placed under as much as possible and should not be exposed to the weather without protection.
With cutlery in the dishwasher, a rather simple trick helps:
Wrap a small piece of aluminum foil around the handle of the cutlery basket. The free iron particles accumulate more in the aluminium foil and your cutlery remains clean. After a few runs, however, you need to replace the aluminium foil.
