How to Eradicate Common Rust

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Common rust and rust stains can be problematic. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be damaging to your metal appliances, surfaces, etc. The good news is that rust is not something that a person has to just live with. With the right tools and a little elbow grease, rust can be stopped. Here are some ways to eradicate common rust.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Try removing any loose rust from the affected area using some sort of mild buffing action. Once the loose rust is removed, apply a coat of WD-40. This will keep the rusting process from progressing, as there will be a non-corrosive substance in the pores of the metal.

Step2

Scrub the rusted area with simple sandpaper or a steel wool pad until the rust is removed. Follow up with a reliable rust protectant.

Step3

Use a product containing phosphoric acid to dissolve the rust and etch the metal underneath. If you do not have a ready supply of phosphoric acid in your home, grab a can of Coke. It contains phosphoric acid, and can therefore be used for rust removal.

Step4

Try an organic rust converter. After buffing all loose rust off of the metal, you simply paint on a coating of the converter and allow it to dry. When the rust is converted, however, it will turn black, so only use this method if you are okay with black patches being on the metal.

Step5

Try a sandblasting method. If going the sandblast route, it is important to coat the metal with some type of rust-proofing solution immediately afterward, as the exposed metal can begin rusting very quickly.