How to Clean Rust Off Antiques

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Antiques made of iron and steel tend to rust over time. To remove rust from an antique, you can use a rust removal product. A rust remover cuts down on the time and effort it takes to do the job and is safe if used properly. Your antique is restored to great shape again in no time. Read on to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Purchase a bottle of rust remover. Look for a brand that contains phosphoric acid or chelation agents. Rust remover products are available at home improvement stores, discount stores and supermarkets.

Step2

Scrape any surface rust from the antique with an emery cloth or a similar abrasive. Be careful not to damage any surfaces that aren't rusted. Apply a small amount of the rust remover to an inconspicuous place on the antique as a test before cleaning the whole thing.

Step3

Place the antique in a bucket of the cleaning solution. Use a plastic bucket so that the cleaner doesn't react with it. If you cannot immerse the antique, then brush the rust remover on its surface liberally.

Step4

Leave the antique submerged in the rust remover solution according to the directions on the product label. The amount of time it takes to remove all the rust is dependent on how rusty the antique is when you start.

Step5

Rinse the rust remover off of the antique with fresh water. Carefully wipe the down the surface of the antique with a clean sponge to remove any flakes of rust that didn't dissolve.

Step6

Return to Step 3 and repeat the process if there are still areas of rust left. It's not unusual for heavily rusted items to take more than one application.

Step7

Protect the antique's surface once dry with a rust prevention product to provide long-term protection.

Tips & Warnings

Keep rust remover products out of the reach of children.
Wear rubber gloves when using rust remover to avoid contact with skin; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water if remover gets on skin.
Use rust removers in a well-ventilated area.