How to remove rust

In addition to the passage of time, the humidity of the region where we live, and the weather conditions to which an object is subjected, did you know that some cleaning products can cause metal objects to rust? When an object rusts, it fills with reddish-brown stains that are rough to the touch. These stains can not only be dangerous for your health, but can also be a real headache when it comes to removing them from certain fabrics, surfaces or other objects. Would you like to discover how to remove rust from your most prized objects and garments? Take advantage of the following tips and tricks. 

What is rust?

Rust is the chemical compound that results when oxygen is combined with a metal or metalloid. 

When the oxidation process occurs in an atom, it loses a certain number of electrons, which are transferred to the other element involved in this process. The element that donates these electrons is called the reducing agent, while the element that acquires these electrons is known as the oxidising agent.

What factors can cause metal to rust

In addition to water and humidity, there are several other factors that can cause metal to rust, such as high temperatures or the salinity that can be found in the environment of some coastal areas. Do you know more factors that can trigger this process? We tell you about them.

• The acidity of some cleaning products: products with a more acidic pH are the most corrosive. The pH of a product can vary from 0 to 14, with acidic products having a pH of 0 to 7, and alkaline products of 7 to 14.

• Dissolved salts: the presence of some acid salts, such as sodium bicarbonate, can accelerate the corrosion process. 

• Oxygen concentration: depending on the material the object is made of, the amount of oxygen in the object can affect the corrosion process. In ferrous metals, the higher the amount of oxygen, the faster the corrosion. 

• Temperature: the corrosion of a metallic object tends to increase when the temperature of the environment increases. 

How to remove rust from the floor

When a metal object is left on the floor, it can often rust due to humidity or as a result of various weather conditions. When this object is subjected to an oxidation process, it usually leaves an orange-coloured stain or mark on the floor. Has this happened to you and you don't know how to remove rust? Take note of these household remedies:

• Baking soda: in these cases, baking soda can be your great ally to remove this type of stain. Sprinkle a little baking soda over the stain and add a little water until it becomes a slightly thick substance. After 5 minutes (this will depend on the degree of soiling), rub the surface with a soft brush or a multi-purpose cloth, and remove the product with plenty of water.

• Vinegar and salt: dilute the salt in a glass of apple cider vinegar until a fairly thick mass is formed. Spread it on the rusty surface and leave it to act for approximately 30 minutes (this will depend on the degree of soiling). After this time, rub the surface with a soft brush or microfibre cloth, and then remove the product with plenty of water. 

• Cleaning product with an acid pH, i.e., with a pH between 0 and 6. As a reference, most anti-limescale or descaling products are probably acidic products. Be careful, if you use a product with a higher pH, you may irreversibly damage some more delicate surfaces such as marble and granite. These types of surfaces are more delicate and do not tolerate any type of acid.

Consum recommends that, before using any type of chemical product, you read the instructions for use; that you protect yourself with gloves and, if necessary, wear protective goggles. 

How to remove rust from fabrics

Rust stains on fabrics occur when a damp garment comes into contact with a metal part or with a metal that is already in the process of oxidation. This type of stain is very difficult to remove, especially if the stain is not treated immediately and dries out. If this has already happened to you, and you don't have a specific product to remove rust stains, take note of the following tips on how to remove rust stains on fabrics. 

• Vinegar and salt: pour a splash of vinegar onto the stain and, once it is soaked, pour a spoonful of salt on top. Leave the solution to soak for half an hour, rinse with warm water and wash the garment with your usual washing machine programme.

• Lemon juice with baking soda: squeeze a large lemon and mix the juice with a tablespoon of bicarbonate. Leave the mixture on the fabric for about an hour. Afterwards, rinse it with warm water and wash the garment with your usual washing machine programme. Be careful, with delicate garments, test it beforehand on an inconspicuous spot.

How to remove rust from metal

Rust is the main enemy of metals, so it is very important to remove rust stains from metal surfaces as soon as possible. This will allow us to extend the life of our metal objects. If you don't know how to remove rust from metal, take a look at these household solutions. 

• Aluminium foil: this material, which is affordable for everyone, will be your great ally when it comes to removing surface rust stains. To do this, cut your aluminium foil into large pieces, moisten it in water and rub the foil over the affected metal surface. Once the stains have been removed, wipe the object with a soft cloth or a cotton cloth, but if you don't want to end up with blackened fingers, wear gloves to protect your hands and nails.  

• White vinegar: if the metal object is small, try soaking it in a solution of water and white vinegar for a few hours. 

• Salt and lemon: squeeze a lemon and add a few tablespoons of salt to the juice, spread the mixture on the affected surface and, after five minutes, rub the surface with a soft brush. Afterwards, remove the product with a cloth.