One of the most common materials for kitchen appliances, cookware, and other household items is stainless steel because of its toughness and corroding resistance. Nevertheless, stainless steel can still have rust stains or spots even after some time of usage because of the water or other chemical exposure.
Are the flaws of these nature a matter of prominence for you, when it comes to your stainless steel objects? No cause for fear – after all, there are some simple methods that can aid you in getting rid of the rust on stainless steel without scratching the surface. Here, we will guide you through some of the best methods to remove rust from stainless steel by using ordinary ingredients that you already have at home.
So, whether it’s your kitchen sink or outdoor barbecue grill that requires some extra attention restoring the original shiny look of your stainless steel items, read on to see how you can do this.
Can Rust Form on Stainless Steel?
Despite the name stainless steel, it’s not 100% safe from the rusting process. Despite being strong, it can, in some cases, store up corrosion or get rusty.
One thing I would like to bring to your attention is that the protective layer of chromium on the stainless steel surface may be broken if it is damaged. One of the possibilities is that the stainless gets rust quick, if that happens. The main reasons for such occurrence are the application of tough chemicals or scraper-like cleaning tools, exposure to saltwater or other corrosion-inducing compounds, and also the contact of sharp objects such as knives with the stainless steel surface.
Also, the stainless steel that remains in contact with water or the air, which is highly humid, can stay for an extended period might as well develop stains of rust on its surface over time. In this manner, it is necessary to wash stainless steel items frequently and pay attention to any potential areas of weakness that have the potential to tarnish the protective layer.
Easy Ways to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel
Now that we know where it comes from and how it affects stainless steel, let’s get into the causes and the DIY methods of defying it. The first way to remove rust from stainless steel is by using simple methods. Five ways to remove rust from stainless steel using common household items are here to help you out:
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste
One of the easiest methods of removing rust from stainless steel is to use a paste. To make this paste, combine a freshly squeezed lemon with baking soda until you have a thick paste that can be spread out easily.
After the onset of the mixture let your paste to act over the rusty stainless surfaces making sure that it overlies all the affected spots. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes so that the rust can break down to dirt. After that, employ a soft fabric or sponge to carefully stroke the area in circular gestures.
Rinse the area well with warm water and then dry it off with a clean microfiber cloth. This formula of this natural cleaner may have never been harmful nor unattractive, most important it is non-toxic, especially to stainless steel made surfaces, making it perfect for home cleaning chores.
White Vinegar Soak
An easy and proven way to combat light rust spots on small items of stainless steel is soaking them in white vinegar. The first step is to pour white vinegar in a bowl or a container. The bowl or container should be large enough to hold the object and allow it to be submerged completely.
Let the object remain in the vinegar for 30 minutes so that it loosens the rust before you work on it. After soaking the rust for 30 minutes, you should try to do it with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Try to rub the rusty spots gently. To eliminate light rust from larger stainless surfaces, first, you need to pour white vinegar only by means of a sponge and spray bottle and perform the detailed scrubbing.
Thoroughly rinse the item under warm water to ensure all remaining rust is completely rinsed off, and finally, air dry the item to make sure that rust will not appear in the future. Acting as a multi-purpose cleaner, white vinegar is another green cleaning product.
Potato and Dish Soap Scrub
One of the easiest and most unexpected rust remove ways that works was potato with some dish soap. To start with, cut a potato into one half and apply a little dish soap to the cracked areas. Move the potato in a circular motion on the rusty area by gently pressing the potato directly on the rusty part, allowing the potato’s oxalic acid and soap to join and eventually dissolve the rust in a few minutes.
In the case of more stubborn stains, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the rust before you start scrubbing. After scrubbing it well, rinse the surface with warm water and dry it off with a clean cloth. This method can be easily used both for a tiny spot of rust and for objects of different kinds that can be found in home. It is safe enough for a variety of stainless steel objects around your home.
Aluminum Foil and Water Scrub
One effective method to remove the rust from stainless steel that is very easy, which is by the using of aluminum foil and water. Start with a small piece of aluminum foil and wet it in water. Later, you use the wet foil to delicate rub the rusty surface, using light pressure when you scrub a bit.
The aluminum and the rust react by interacting with each other, which leads to the deposit of the rusty part passing away and not scratching the stainless steel. If you want a better outcome, you can use water in place of white vinegar to improve the cleaning of the area. After a thorough scrubbing of the metal with a brush or cloth, the area gets cleaned with a soft cloth and rinsed with warm water.
At the end, you should dry the surface thoroughly to prevent the rust from reappearing. This method is excellent for small, difficult-to-remove rust points and is a very economical alternative to the others.
Commercial Rust Remover Products
Rust removers typically contain ingredients that are especially designed to speedily and effectively get rid of rust on stainless steel objects. Before using, ensure to follow the products’ instructions and do a test on a small, inconspicuous place first.
Much of the time, you can apply the remover directly onto the rusty area with a soft cloth or sponge. Let the remover sit for the specified time, then wipe away the rust off, rinse very well, and dry the surface well so that there will be no corrosion in the future.
The products are designed for dealing with highly-corroded surfaces, something that natural methods are not always suitable for. Always wear gloves for personal protection as well as ensure that there are no annoying fumes when you are using the chemical-based rust removers.
Rust that has developed on stainless steel objects is something that most of homeowners have to deal with when they fill their homes with such items. Be wary of safety when using a cleaning method and keep your stainless steel clean as a way of preventing rust from appearing first to begin with.
How Often Does Steel Need to be Cleaned to Not Rust?
Although the metal steel is quite smooth and does not attract dust , you still need to regularly clean it to keep it at its best and avoid rust. If you take care of and clean your stainless steel objects meticulously, you can also get more mileage out of them, thus making them fit enough as investment for reasons that could be both aesthetic and practical.
Normally, the stainless steel knobs that you use should be clean with warm water, a mild soap, or a gentle cleaner specifically designed for stainless steel surfaces. Do not use abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals that can remove the top protective layer.
When you need to deal with more difficult stains or grease, you can apply any of the cleaning methods we’ve discussed and remove them from your house in a safe and effective way. Don’t forget to clean your stainless steel items properly before storing them or else, water spots and additional rust will be noticed.
How Many Days Steel Rust?
The time involved for stainless steel to rust is affected by the sort of stainless steel being used, the environment, and how well or often it is kept up. Normally, stainless steel as a kind of metal with high quantity of chromium in it can resist corrosion and rust much better than other metals.
On the other hand, certain types of stainless steel have a higher risk of rust, like the ones that have lesser amounts of chromium or nickel. Environmental factors also cause rust to appear faster. These factors would be direct contact with saltwater or acidic substances such as vinegar and lemon juice.
Prolonging the life of your stainless steel items and keeping them looking shiny and new is achievable by the use of regular cleaning and maintenance, which is the most effective way to prevent rust, Oil and fats are the main culprits of rust.
FAQs
Should I be worried about rust on stainless steel?
Rust on stainless steel may affect its appearance and durability but it is a lesser worry. With good care and cleaning, you can get rid of the rust and prevent new flakes.
Can I use bleach to clean rust off of stainless steel?
Bleach is a strong chemical that can harm the steel’s protective layer exposing the steel to the atmosphere thus risking the development of rust. Instead of using bleach to clean the stainless steel items, one should opt for the other methods.
How often should I clean my stainless steel belongings?
Periodic care is needed in order to avoid the accumulation of dirt, grease, or other substances that could lead to rust. Clean your stainless steel stuff weekly and take care of them whenever stains and spots of rust appear.
Is it safe to use natural cleaning methods on stainless steel?
Yes, they can when it comes to cleaning natural rust cleaners like lemon juice and vinegar are very effective on stainless steel. And never forget to start with a patch test and be careful with such chemicals to avoid corrosion of the surface, as you know, it still needs a careful approach. Last but not least, if you choose to go eco-friendly with only natural cleaners, remember that you should rinse and dry the surface properly, which will help prevent further corrosion.
Conclusion
Stainless steel has become a trendy and durable material in different households, but it also gets rust. With regular cleaning maintenance, keeping the items best-looking and rust will not be formed if one does not take care of may be possible.
From home methods to commercial rust removers, there are a number of ways to remove rust from your stainless steel items and make their glow return. Most importantly, make sure to follow the safety instructions on the product labels, test each cleaner on a patch of the surface, and take the regular precaution when dealing with chemical products.
Stainless steel materials should not worry you about the lifetime and the functionality, taking a good care of them. Therefore, why not give it a try the next time rust shows up on your products using these methods?
