Monday, 24 December 2018

DIY Eco Friendly Rust Remover

By Karen Jones


Metal fixtures are beautiful as furniture and even as part of the finishing. Things turn awry when nature starts to take its course. Usually wrought iron and other metal fixtures will have a protective coating. However, sometimes even that is not sufficient. Then one has to find an eco friendly rust remover to clear it before it eats through the metal. Whatever is chosen, stay away from steel wool or any other abrasive material. Use a toothbrush or cloth instead. That way, once the corrosion clears one is not left with scratched up metal.

There is not an operational kitchen on earth that lacks salt. So take some of that salt, cover the corroded areas with it. Wet it with the lime juice. Let it sit for a few hours depending on how extensive the corrosion was. Then scrub it away. Use the lime rind or a toothbrush. Do not go for the processed kind of lime juice. Better to use the real thing.

Citric acid is a very potent cleaning agent. Lemons can also be used. Fresh lemons will come in handy. Especially if the corrosion is not too extensive. It will clear things right up. Just cut the lemon in half then rub at the area until it is clear. One can also use lemon juice and a toothbrush. Note, use an old toothbrush or one that will not be used again.

Aluminum foil is very malleable. But, it may also develop some sharp edges that do real damage to surfaces. When using aluminum foil to clean metal, ensure to change it out as soon as it begins to develop those edges. Just dip the foil in vinegar and rub a dub.

Use of aluminum foil does not limit the use of vinegar. One can also use a toothbrush or a piece of cloth. If the fixtures can be removed or are small enough to soak then soak them overnight in the vinegar. The corrosion will have cleared by morning. If the corrosion is extensive one should use distilled white vinegar. This is different from other types as it is a lab-produced cocktail of acetic acid and water. For less potency, just add some water.

Bicarbonate of soda is used in baking to help the dough rise. It has also been found to be useful against mold and wine or coffee stains. Just cover the area with baking soda then wet with water or vinegar. Scrub away with a toothbrush or cloth until it remains clean.

Cut a potato in half. Soak the cut part in dish soap. Use that end to scrub at the corrosion. It will get soiled. Cut off the soiled part and repeat the exercise. This is yet another easy solution with tools right off the kitchen shelves. So try these before running to the store.

If one elects to find a professional service, they should ensure that it is a company that has respect for the environment. A company that will not use toxin filled cleaning agents




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