How to Clean Discolored Steel Nails

Rust will discolor the surface of steel nails. A discolored steel nail looks old and unclean, and does not have the shine of a nail that is new and unblemished. Household cleaners likely will not eliminate this particular problem, and these products could even further discolor the nails. Regardless of why your steel nails are discolored, this cleaning process will thoroughly clean them without causing rust to appear (or reappear) on the nails.

Things You'll Need

• Potato
• Knife
• Baking soda
• Container or bowl
• White vinegar
• Water
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Cut a potato in half.

2. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a dry bowl.

3. Dip one slice of the potato into the baking soda.

4. Scrub all the discolored steel nails with the potato covered in baking soda.

5. Fill another clean container with undiluted white vinegar. The amount of vinegar needed depends on the number of nails you're cleaning, but use enough vinegar to fully saturate the nails.

6. Place the nails into the container filled with vinegar. Leave the nails in the container for 30 minutes.

7. Remove the nails from the vinegar. Rinse them thoroughly with tap water. Then, dry the nails immediately with a clean cloth to ensure rust doesn't appear.

References

• The Kitchn: Tip: Remove Rust With a Potato
• Natural Healthy Home Cleaning Tips: Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaning Recipes
• Dr. Weil: Natural Household Cleaning Products