How to Fix Rusted Kitchen Faucet Pieces

Rust stains on the kitchen faucet can compromise its ability to function.

When rust forms on your kitchen faucet, whether from the presence of iron in the water or exposure to moisture and metal, its presence can compromise the faucet's performance. Although it's best to be proactive when dealing with rust, you can fix rusted kitchen faucet pieces by tackling the rust head-on. By using a combination of commercial products and home remedies, you can successfully remove rust and restore your faucet to an effective working condition and an appearance that appeals to the eye.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone spray
• Toothbrush
• Paper towels
• Bowl
• 1/8 c. scouring powder
• 1/8 c. cream of tartar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Spray the rusted areas of the faucet with silicone spray until they're coated. Allow the silicone spray to sit on the surfaces for 10 to 20 minutes.

2. 

   An old toothbrush effectively scrubs small spaces.

   Scrub the rusted areas with an old toothbrush to removed softened rust stains. Rinse the toothbrush frequently with water. Wipe the faucet with paper towels to remove the rust as it's loosened. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 as needed until enough rust is removed to restore movement to areas of the faucet that were stuck.

3. Pour 1/8 cup of scouring powder into a bowl. Add 1/8 cup of cream of tartar. Mix enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.

4. Dip the toothbrush in the peroxide paste. Scrub the rusted areas with the paste until coated. Allow the paste to sit on the surface of the faucet for 30 minutes.

5. Moisten the toothbrush with water. Scrub the paste-coated areas of the faucet to remove the rust stains. Rinse the surface with water to wash away rust and the hydrogen peroxide paste.

6. Dry the faucet thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your faucet regularly with lemon juice to prevent rust stains from building up.

• Substitute a paste made of borax powder and lemon juice for the hydrogen peroxide paste.

• Dry your faucet after cleaning the kitchen or washing dishes to prevent hard water stains.

• Rust stains can easily transfer to clothing. Use caution when cleaning rusty surfaces.

References

• WD-40: Do It Yourself -- I Am a Doer
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension; Removing Mineral Deposits on Household Surfaces; Sandra A. Zaslow; March 1996
• "Reader's Digest": Homemade Stain Removal Remedies

Resources

• North Dakota State University; Iron and Manganese Removal; Bruce Seelig, et al.; February 1992