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How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel

Sheetmetal Improvements & Design • July 27, 2022

Stainless steel is a popular, resilient finish in kitchens, and stands up against rust and stains. If the protective chromium film on your appliances, pots or sink becomes damaged, they will begin to rust. It's important you know how to remove rust and restore your surfaces and appliances to perfect condition. Here, we detail some great remedies for combatting rust on stainless steel.

How do I remove rust from stainless steel?
Baking soda and water
White vinegar
Lemon juice
WD-40
Important points when removing rust
Contact us today

How do I remove rust from stainless steel?

When you find rust on your stainless steel appliances or surfaces, the great news is that it can be removed with simple products you'll likely find in your pantry or can pick up at the supermarket.

Baking soda and water

Before beginning cleaning your surface, it's important you check the instructions issued by the manufacturer, as not all steel finishes can be cleaned in the same way.

Create a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of water. Baking soda is a fantastic way to remove rust and stains from stainless steel, and as it's non-abrasive it won't compromise the integrity of the surface.

Wipe away smudges with a clean cloth, or rub the solution on the stain using a toothbrush. Rinse the spot and wipe it with a wet paper towel - you should see the rust come away on the towel.

White Vinegar

Another great remedy for rust removal on stainless steel is white vinegar. As it contains acetic acid, vinegar is a mildly corrosive substance able to break down rust, debris, dirt, and stains - but it won't stand up against heavy rust.

Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar - do not dilute it. Apply to the surface, and then wipe using a soft cloth or paper towel. Rinse the surface with water.

Lemon Juice

The acidity of lemon juice also helps to break down rust. Mix equal quantities of lemon juice and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the surface, and scrub with a damp sponge.

If there is still rust on the surface, apply more paste and leave it to sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing again.

WD-40

If you've got some WD-40 on hand, it can go a long way to remove rust. If you're cleaning your stainless steel benches in the kitchen or your bathroom sink or rails, there's a low-odour variety which is designed for these spaces.

Simply spray the area, leave the spray to sit for a couple of minutes, and wipe it away with a gentle cloth.

Important points when removing rust

While you need to make sure you use the right substance, there are also things you need to avoid. Using the wrong products can lead to permanent damage.

Never use steel wool or brushes to clean stainless steel. These are abrasive and can scratch the surface of your appliance or surface, potentially creating even more rust.

It's also recommended you avoid fluorine, iodine, bromine, or chloride in your cleaners. Chlorides can cause abrasions and discolourations that can lead to corrosion and rust.

Contact us today

If you're in need of sheet metal, stainless steel, welding, or laser cutting, call the professionals at Sheetmetal Improvements & Design. We proudly service residential, commercial and industrial clients throughout the Gold Coast, providing work and products of an outstanding quality and at fantastic, affordable prices.

The satisfaction of our customers is our priority, and we'll work with you to make sure we perfectly meet your needs and requirements. Contact us today on (07) 5593 4183 if you'd like to speak to our team, learn more about what we do or request a quote.