How to Get Rid of Rust With WD-40

Greasy residue from WD-40 helps remove rust.

When left unattended, surface rust on steel and chrome spreads to surrounding areas and begins to erode the surface. While preventative measures are best when it comes to dealing with rust, treating the rust as soon as it's discovered prevents steel and chrome surfaces from being destroyed. There are many commercial products on the market for rust removal, and you can also use WD-40 to get rid of rust.

Things You'll Need

• WD-40
• Fine steel wool
• Cleaning cloths
• Chrome polish

Instructions

1. Spray WD-40 on the rusted area to lightly coat the surface.

2. 

   Steel wool pads, such as those used for dishes, can help remove rust.

   Scrub the oiled rust stain with fine steel wool. As rust is sanded off the surface, wipe it off with a clean cloth. Apply more WD-40 to the remaining rust and continue to alternately scrub the rust away and wipe off the surface. Repeat this step as needed.

3. Protect the surface from further rust erosion by buffing the surface to repel water. Use chrome polish to protect chrome and buff other steel surfaces with a thin coat of WD-40.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry metal surfaces as quickly as possible to prevent rust from forming.

• Bring metal patio furniture into the sun to dry after rainfall, or store it in a shed or garage between uses.

• Rust stains transfer easily to other surfaces. Leaving rusty patio furniture can lead to rust stains on the patio surface, while rusty metal inside the home easily rubs off on clothing or other surfaces.

References

• Bicycle Tutor: How to Remove Surface Rust on Chrome
• WD-40: FAQs: What Does WD-40 Do?

Resources

• Metal Web News; A Primer On Rust; Bob Neidorff; April 2007