The most effective ways to clean rust from tools

Sometimes one look at a rusty tool is enough to decide to get rid of it. However, there is no need to rush, as there are many ways to combat corrosion at home.

Folk or store remedies or devices for mechanical cleaning come to the rescue.

Read the article to learn how to apply them correctly in practice, successfully remove rust from an instrument at home and restore its original appearance.

Folk remedies

You can quickly and safely deal with rust using available tools. The most unexpected and inexpensive compounds come to the rescue, including acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and even carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola, but for these products to work, they must be used according to the instructions.

How to remove with acetic acid?

For cleaning, it is recommended to use an essence with a concentration of 70%.

Mode of application:

1. Place the instrument that needs cleaning into a suitable container.
2. Fill it completely with acetic acid.
3. Cover the container with a lid and leave for several days. The more rust, the longer it will take.
4. After cleaning, rinse the tool in a baking soda solution. It neutralizes acid.

After this treatment, you can continue to use the devices. The effectiveness of cleaning with essence is very high.It allows you to cope even with a thick layer of rust. If it is small, then you can use table vinegar or lemon juice.

It is not recommended to use vinegar to clean aluminum tools as it will dissolve the epoxy layer and damage the metal structure.

Citric acid and hydrogen peroxide

You can get rid of rust using citric acid and pharmacy hydrogen peroxide. To prepare the solution you will need:

• citric acid – 20 g;
• peroxide – 15 ml;
• water – 100 ml.

Instructions for use:

1. All components are mixed with each other.
2. Place the instrument in a suitable container and fill it with solution.
3. Leave them for a day under a closed lid.
4. After the specified time, the solution is drained. The instrument is washed with clean water, dried and used for its intended purpose.

During the cleaning process, the solution will become dark in color. This is normal and indicates the effectiveness of the composition. With its help you can cope with a small layer of rust.

If the instrument is severely damaged, the concentration of the solution must be increased. In advanced cases, they refuse to add water altogether, dissolving citric acid in peroxide.

The video will tell you how to remove rust using citric acid and peroxide:

How to remove Coca-Cola?

Coca-Cola is a popular carbonated drink that can be used to remove rust. The effect is achieved due to the content of orthophosphoric acid, which corrodes oxides.

Mode of application:

• pour Coca-Cola into a suitable container;
• place rusted objects in it;
• cover the container with a lid;
• leave for a day.

The next day, the part is removed, rinsed with clean water and dried.

Soda

You can deal with rust using baking soda. An alkaline solution will help get rid of a small layer of corrosion without harming the metal. The effectiveness of the method is explained by the active action of sodium.

Mode of application:

1. Prepare the required amount of soda slurry by mixing the powder with water. It should be moderately thick, reminiscent of a paste in consistency.
2. Using a sponge, apply the paste to the instrument.
3. Leave the mixture to act for an hour.
4. Rinse the product and wipe it with a dry soft cloth.
5. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

Baking soda is not a highly effective way to combat rust, but a small layer can be removed this way.

Zinc chloride

You can use zinc chloride to remove rust. Apply it as follows:

• 20 g of zinc chloride are dissolved in 200 ml of water, the product is prepared in the quantity required;
• pour the solution into a suitable container, lower the tool into it;
• leave to act for an hour;
• Rinse the instrument with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.

The method is quite effective; zinc chloride can cope with even large areas of corrosion.

Specialized compounds

If available products cannot cope with rust, you can use store-bought compounds. The following removers work well to remove corrosion:

1. Neomid 570. The concentrated composition contains a complexing agent, a solvent and a corrosion inhibitor. The composition is applied to the problem area with a synthetic sponge and left for half an hour.

   After the reaction is completed, the remaining product is removed with water. The cost of 1 liter of solution is 580 rubles.

2. Rust Remover Prosept 023-05. The composition is applied to the surface using a spray bottle, which is equipped with a bottle. Leave the product for 20 minutes to take effect, after which it is washed off with water or removed with a damp sponge. The cost of a solution with a volume of 0.5 liters is 250 rubles.
3. G-Power Zinc Remover. Apply the product to the cleaned surface, wait until it dries completely and thoroughly clean the tool with a soft brush. The cost of a solution with a volume of 0.75 l is 200 rubles.

You can purchase the compounds in hardware stores and in stores for car enthusiasts, as well as on the Internet.

Mechanical cleaning to restore original appearance

You can get rid of rust on tools mechanically. For this use:

1. Hand brushes with metal bristles. They differ in the stiffness of the bristles and the way they are attached to the handle.
2. Mechanical brushes with pneumatic drive. This method may seem easy to use at first glance, but working with automatic brushes is quite difficult, since you have to process small parts. During the procedure, a lot of fine metal dust is generated indoors, so the respiratory system must be protected with a respirator.
3. Aluminum foil soaked in vinegar or other acid.
4. Sandblasting machines. With their help, you can clean the tool in a few seconds. Moreover, the thickness of the corrosion does not matter.

Regardless of the selected device, the procedure does not change. General instructions for using the tools:

• Before cleaning, the tool must be securely fixed - the optimal setting for this purpose is a vice;
• The surface should be rubbed evenly, controlling the pressing force;
• movements should be circular;
• The stiffer the brush, the less time the procedure takes.

Helpful information

To ensure that the process of removing rust from tools is as effective and safe as possible, the following recommendations must be adhered to:

1. You need to be careful when working with acids and caustic compounds. Hands must be protected with gloves and care should be taken not to get the product in the eyes or on exposed skin.
2. To soak tools, you need to use plastic basins or buckets. Metal products are not suitable for this purpose.
3. The rust removal solution does not need to be poured out. If there are other contaminated instruments in the house, it can be reused by straining through cheesecloth. This does not reduce the effectiveness of acidic compounds.
4. Before using any solvent, loose rust must be removed mechanically.
5. Chemical reagents should be used in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources.

Conclusion

Cleaning tools from rust is not difficult. To carry out the procedure, you can use improvised means or store-bought formulations. As a last resort, resort to mechanical cleaning.