Removing rust from stainless steel can be a difficult task. However, if you know the right cleaning agents and techniques to use, it is not as hard as you may think.
In this blog post, we will discuss 11 different methods that will help remove rust from your stainless steel.
Method 1: Cleaning with Mineral Oil
You can use mineral oil, beeswax, or petroleum jelly to clean off the rust from stainless steel by rubbing them on top of the rust stains for 10-20 minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe away the residue that is left behind on the surface of stainless steel after wiping it clean using your fingers.
Method 2: Cleaning with Salt Water
One of the best ways to remove rust from stainless steel is to mix saltwater with lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice will help get rid of rust stains by rubbing it into the surface, then use a wet cloth or sponge to wipe away any residue that may remain on the surface of stainless steel.
Method 3: Cleaning with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great cleaning agent for removing rust from stainless steel. Pour baking soda on the surface of the stain and use an old toothbrush to scrub in small circles until it has been removed.
Afterward, clean off any residue that may remain on stainless steel using a wet cloth or sponge soaked in water.
Method 4: Cleaning with Vinegar
Another good rust remover for stainless steel is vinegar. The acidity in the liquid will help remove any rust stains by applying it on top of the stain using a sponge or cloth and then wiping away residue that remains after scrubbing in small circles for about two minutes.
You can also mix baking soda into this mixture to add another cleaning agent to the equation.
Method 5: Cleaning with Bleach
For those who want something a little stronger than baking soda, you can use bleach as an effective rust remover. Mix the solution with water and apply it to stainless steel using a sponge or cloth before scrubbing in small circles for about one minute.
Afterward, wipe off any residue that remains on stainless steel by wiping it down with a wet cloth or sponge.
Method 6: Cleaning with Vinegar and Salt
Another powerful mixture for removing rust from stainless steel is vinegar and salt. The acidity in the vinegar will help cut through any rust stains on your stainless steel, while the salt acts as a fantastic abrasive that scrubs away tough stains easily.
Method 7: Cleaning with Steel Wool
Steel wool is another effective way of removing rust from stainless steel. Simply rub the steel wool on top of stains for about one minute before wiping away any residue that may remain using a wet cloth or sponge.
Method 8: Cleaning with Lemon
Another way to remove rust from stainless steel is by using lemon juice. All you need to do is cut a fresh slice and rub it on top of the stain before wiping away residue that remains behind after scrubbing in small circles for about two minutes.
You can also add salt into this mixture as another cleaning agent.
Method 9: Baking Soda Paste
To make a paste, combine baking soda and water. Apply the paste directly to the rust stains on your stainless steel so it can sit there for at least an hour or until you see that all of the rust has been removed from your surface.
Use a cloth soaked in warm water to wipe away any excess residue left by the baking soda paste.
Method 10: Sandpaper
For a more abrasive option, use sandpaper to rub off the rust from your surface. You can opt for using an electric or manual sander which will allow you to remove rust much faster and easier with this method.
Use a buffer pad once you have finished removing all of the rust stains from your stainless steel material.
Method 11: Rubbing Alcohol
Add a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to some water. Use this solution on the rust stains you are trying to remove from your stainless steel object and then rinse with clear, warm water afterward. Repeat if necessary until all of the rust has been removed by using the mixture.