How to Clean Rust Off Mailboxes

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Mailboxes are exposed to the elements constantly, so they often get rusty. To remove rust from a mailbox, you can use a rust removal product. Rust removers cut down on the time and effort it takes to clean rusted mailboxes, and the products are safe if used properly. Your mailbox can look brand new in no time. Read on to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Purchase bottle of rust remover. Many different brands are available at home improvement stores, discount stores and supermarkets.

Step2

Remove any loose rust from the mailbox's surface with a wire brush. Apply a small amount of the rust remover to an inconspicuous place on the mailbox to make sure that it doesn't damage the surface.

Step3

Disassemble the mailbox and immerse the rusty parts in a bath of the cleaner. Use an old plastic bucket or tub. If you can't find a bucket or tub large enough for the parts, then brush the rust remover on the surface of the parts liberally.

Step4

Soak the mailbox in the rust remover solution according to the directions on the product's label. The amount of time it takes to remove all the rust depends on how rusty the mailbox is when you start.

Step5

Rinse the rust remover off the rusty mailbox parts with fresh water. Use a sponge to wipe off any flakes of rust that come loose.

Step6

Repeat the process to remove rust if there is still some left on the surface. It's not unusual for heavily rusted parts to take more than one application.

Step7

Protect the mailbox's surface with a rust prevention product once it's dry.

Tips & Warnings

Keep rust removers 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.