Simple Way to Remove Rust from Metal Surfaces
Rust may appear in many different forms. However, the most common one is the rust from iron oxides, when metal is exposed on water or air humidity and gradually becomes oxygenated. Sometimes, throwing away your favorite wrought metal chair, only because some part of it has rusted, is not the best option. Of course, as everything else in your household, metal outdoor furniture and metal surfaces need some special treatment. So here are some useful tips on how to remove rust.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper as well as some other abrasive tools are a great way to remove rust from metal surfaces. Most of them can be found in any garage and can easily get you rid of the annoying rust. All you need to do is scrape off the surface with it. However, be careful not to scratch the surface.
Fresh Tip: If you don’t have any abrasive tools or sandpaper, take a sheet of aluminium foil, crumple it loosely and scrub off the rust with it!
Natural solutions
There are a lot of eco-friendly ways to clean rust from metal surfaces. Green cleaning is a great solution, since most of the commercial cleaning products are based on some sort of acid and can be highly toxic.
Our first suggestion is white vinegar. It can do a great job for both metal jewels and some bigger metal items. Just pour some vinegar on the rusted area and leave it for some time to soak. When the rust is dissolved, rinse and wipe with a dry towel.
Another great idea is to prepare a home-made paste of baking-soda and water. When it is thick enough, spread it on the metal and let it sit for a while. Then scrub off with a toothbrush, rinse and wipe.
At last but not at least, you can sprinkle the rust with some salt and then squeeze some fresh lime juice over it, until it is completely soaked. Let it sit for a couple of hours and use the lime rind to remove the rust.
Chemical removers
We have left chemical removers for dessert, because they are not a very healthy solution. As we already said, they contain toxic ingredients, which can expose your health on a risk. Chemical detergents can be very harmful for bare skin and that is why you will always have to take some precautions before using them. If you follow the directions on the packing strictly, chemical rust removers can be a very effective way to maintain your metal furniture and metal surfaces.
How to prevent rust?
Although removing rust from metal surfaces can be a piece of cake, you should know that metal furniture requires some special cares. After all, it is best not to let your metals rust at all, rather than to try removing it afterwards.
First of all, try to keep your metal surfaces dry. High moisture level and water are the main reasons for rust. That is why you will have to keep them in some dry and cool place, in order to prevent water soaking into the metal and causing rust. Also, as soon as you get rid of the rust on your outdoor furniture, apply a solid coat of paint in order to protect the metal.
Author Bio: July Minor is passionate about cleaning and home improvement topics. She loves to share her experience from London tenancy cleaning with the readers of different blog. In her spare time she loves to take long walks.
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