Remove rust from tools or bike easily
Are your garden tools or your bicycle handlebars rusty? No need for toxic products.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon + Salt
- Wire brush (or steel wool)
Steps to follow
Step 1
The vinegar bath (For small objects): This is the most effective method for very rusty tools, screws or bolts. Fill a jar with pure white vinegar. Immerse the objects in it. Leave to act for 24 hours (you will see bubbles, this is the chemical reaction). Take them out, scrub with a wire brush or an old toothbrush. The rust turns to mush. Rinse and DRY immediately.
Step 2
Bicarbonate paste (For vertical surfaces): If you cannot soak the object (gate, bicycle handlebars), make a thick paste with baking soda and a little water. Spread this paste on the rust. Leave for 1 to 2 hours. Scrub vigorously with a stiff brush or crumpled aluminum ball.
Step 3
Lemon + Salt (For light stains): Sprinkle the stain with fine salt. Squeeze a lemon on top (citric acid attacks rust, salt is abrasive). Leave to act for 2 hours. Rub with the lemon peel. Rinse.
Step 4
The potato (Grandma's tip): Cut a raw potato in half. Put dishwashing liquid or baking soda on the cut flesh. Rub the rust with the potato. The oxalic acid in potatoes helps loosen rust.
Step 5
Protection (Essential): Once the rust has been removed, the metal is 'bare' and will rust again very quickly (sometimes within a few hours) if exposed to humidity. It is imperative to protect it: wipe it with a cloth soaked in oil (for tools), varnish it or paint it with anti-rust paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coca-Cola ?
Yes, it works because Coke contains phosphoric acid. But it's much slower than vinegar, more expensive and it leaves everything sticky. Save the Coke to drink (or not).
Precautions
- Dry well after treatment (water causes rust to return).
- Wear gloves.
