Faced with rust affecting a gate or old tools, reactivity is essential to save the metal. No need to run to the store: the best solutions to stop oxidation and restore your character pieces are already hidden in your cupboards.
Whether indoors or outdoors, humidity is the sworn enemy of your metals. But don’t panic: oxidation is not inevitable. Discover our unstoppable tips for eradicating rust, almost without rubbing, and bringing your objects back to life in the blink of an eye.
What product to remove rust from metal? Vinegar, Coke, bicarbonate…
Between white vinegar, Coca-Cola, lemon, onion and citric acid, here are several techniques to try at home:
- Mixed with a little water, the bicarbonate forms a paste to apply directly to the rusty object and leave to act for a few minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
- It is by coupling the white vinegar with coarse salt that we obtain an explosive cocktail against persistent rust stains. A cloth soaked in this mixture is enough to resuscitate the affected part. However, remember to ventilate if you carry out this operation indoors because the smell of vinegar is persistent and unpleasant.
- The first signs of rust can be taken care of with a simple onion cut in half and rubbed on the iron object. An additional treatment with lemon should be planned if the stains are old and therefore more encrusted.
- When it comes to removing rust from metal, the lemon is never very far away. Lime remains more appropriate in this case, because it is naturally more acidic. Once the iron part has been dusted with fine saltit is advisable to squeeze the juice of the fruit on it and leave it for a few hours before scrubbing with a stiff brush.
- Even more surprising, the Coca-Cola has a rust-removing effect. Patience is required for this technique where the rusty object is immersed in a basin filled with this famous soda, for at least one night. When the layer of red appears to have faded, rinse thoroughly with clean water to rid the object of sticky sugar.
- THE sandpaper is more than enough to remedy oxidation, if you are a little sporty! This technique requires time and attention to detail so as not to scratch the iron which is under the layer of rust but remains one of the most effective since without a product, there is no risk of damaging the part. Rinsing with clean water and drying with a cloth is sufficient once sanding is complete.
- If we usually use the Polish for polishing cars, this maintenance product can also remove rust stains from an iron part. Scrubbed then polished, the object in question thus finds a second youth.
- The most rusty parts should not resist the action of thecitric acid. Once diluted in hot water, the product can be rubbed with a brush on the parts damaged by rust, always wearing gloves since it is known to be irritating.
Sometimes you have to use extreme measures to remove rust. Electrolysis relies onuse of electricity to resurrect iron without damaging itunlike certain chemicals which can attack the heart of the part. This involves creating a direct current in a liquid – most often water enhanced with soda crystals – using a battery and a piece of stainless steel sheet.
- The bath in which to immerse the piece can be made in a plastic container cut for the occasion, or an old basin.
- The positive pole of the battery must be connected to the stainless steel sheet, while the negative pole docks with the submerged part. The battery is only started once everything is secure. It is sometimes necessary to modulate the intensity of the current during electrolysis to succeed in the operation.
- Before touching the part and wiping it with a soft cloth, it is imperative to stop the battery and disconnect the two poles.
Gentle techniques like baking soda, vinegar, onion or lemon can work on all metals, but we often recommend Meudon white to remove rust stains from a painted iron surface. Associated with a spoon of rubbing alcoholMeudon white forms a paste to apply and leave on the affected object until completely dry. Once the preparation has been removed, simply buff with a cloth.
Wrought iron is particularly prone to rust as it is one of the main components of outdoor furniture. The best method remains to scrub the affected gates and garden furniture with a wire brush.
A few simple actions can prevent the appearance of rust.
- Avoid placing iron objects in humid environments like the bathroom is a first reflex to adopt. It is also possible to invest in a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in confined rooms and thus prevent the development of rust on objects at risk.
- Of course, a regular maintenance lamps and other metal vases is recommended, always making sure to dry them with a clean cloth.
- In DIY stores, you can find specialized waxes to protect iron and metal, but also anti-rust products. These are often sold in the form of paint to be applied to rooms exposed to humidity, particularly outdoor furniture.
