How to Remove Rust: Home Remedies and Tips

Whether in the home or on clothing – rust is really not a nice thing to look at. But with the right household remedies you can easily remove rust.

Rust stains are stubborn and cannot simply be wiped away. If water and air come into contact with iron and steel, rust spots form. If the rust is only on the surface and has not penetrated too deeply into the metal, it is called flash rust. But what if rust gets onto clothing? Don’t worry! We will clarify everything concerning rust removal.

Rust removal: The best home remedies against rust stains

For rust removal we do not have to resort to chemical cudgels (like rust converters). We always have some natural rust removers in our household and can not only save a lot of money, but also protect the environment and health with these agents compared to chemical rust removers.

• Lemon juice: freshly squeezed lemon juice or juice from the bottle is suitable for derusting. Here, it is the citric acid that works wonders, especially on clothing, metals and carpets. A helpful household remedy, which by the way also helps to decalcify the tap.
• Vinegar/ vinegar essence: A true all-rounder among home remedies: Vinegar. White vinegar or vinegar essence diluted with water is also suitable for rust (especially metal and clothing).
• Toothpaste: Toothpaste containing fluorine is particularly suitable for white textiles. After a quarter of an hour’s soaking time, the whole thing should be washed as usual and the rust infestation is gone.
• Cola: Especially with rusted metal objects we can resort to cola. The reason for this is the phosphoric acid in the soft drink.

Removing rust: Rust stains from clothing

• Vinegar or lemon: Rust spots on clothes can be removed with these natural cleaners. For particularly stubborn stains, a brush can help. Place in the sun to dry so that the stain fades. Then rinse the fabric with clear water and wash as usual.
• Lemon and salt: We can easily produce rust converters ourselves. Apply a paste of lemon juice and salt to the moistened stain and let it rest overnight, brush it out and wash as usual. Finished. Especially for stains on clothes and home textiles there is another miracle cure.

Rust removal in the household

• Flash rust on cutlery and pots: Your cutlery is rusted? A lemon juice or cola bath will help. Or we dip the metal objects in vinegar and work them with aluminium foil (which is better than a brush or steel wool). You can also apply a paste of baking powder and baking soda to the rust film, rub it in with a cloth, let it work in and then wash it off. Looking for glass ceramic field cleaner? We have the best tricks for cleaning ceramic fields.
• Rust on floor tiles: Oxalic acid helps with rust on tiles, but is quite aggressive. Toothpaste is therefore better. Simply work it in well with a toothbrush and scrub. Vinegar or lemon juice will also help, but will quickly attack the joints. Want more tips and helpful cleaners for descaling and cleaning in the bathroom? Then take a look here: Clean tiles.
• Rust on carpet or sofa: Dilute citric acid or vinegar essence with water and apply to the dirt. After a good half hour the stain should have dissolved.

Removing rust stains from the car

• Vinegar and oil: Vinegar together with oil is suitable as rust remover. Apply the mixture to the rust and let it work. A cloth or wire brush can be used for additional work. Allow to work for a few hours. Also works on the metal mudguard of the motorcycle and on bumpers.
• Soda and baking powder: A mixture of baking soda and baking powder can be mixed with some water to form a paste. Apply, leave to rest, wipe off and dry with polishing cotton wool if necessary.

With the right budget you can save a lot of money and time in your house. We have compiled the best tips on our Pinterest pinboard.