Getting rid of rust on appliances can be a headache. But, we will teach you how to remove rust from stainless steel the easy way!
There’s nothing worse than rust on appliances, right? Furthermore, how messy it is to remove this reddish substance is not written! Furthermore, it is practically impossible to avoid rust, even if you clean your products frequently. Now, how to remove rust from stainless steel? Mainly, how to remove the substance without damaging the objects, right?
By the way, do you know what rust is? Rust is nothing more than a chemical reaction of iron, which oxidizes when it spends a long time in contact with oxygen and water. Stainless steel, which is an abbreviation for stainless steel, is more resistant in itself than iron and steel, however, it is not immune to the effects of time. Furthermore, if you live on the coast of a beach, know that these chemical reactions will happen more quickly. This happens due to salts and higher humidity in the air.
Baking soda… sponge… lemon juice… Some options are available for those who want to clean unwanted rust without having to spend on an expensive cleaning product. Although the products are recommended, some cheaper and more accessible options exist. Furthermore, the important thing is to clean up that redness, right? Before learning how to remove rust from stainless steel, let’s see why this happens!
Why does rust appear on stainless steel?
As previously stated, rust is a chemical reaction, which ends up affecting household appliances. Generally objects rust due to contact with oxygen and water. These elements cause the iron element to oxidize, causing that unwanted reddish color. In addition to being unwanted, it’s quite ugly, right, let’s be honest!
However, what causes stainless steel to oxidize? Inox is an abbreviation for stainless steel, so this material couldn’t oxidize, right? However, in fact, stainless steel is a mixture of steel, iron and some other minerals, such as chromium and nickel. After the minerals are melted, the stainless steel receives a film that protects it from oxidation. But, as not everything is perfect, stainless steel can rust.
Generally, stainless steel does not rust like other materials with iron, only showing orange and red stains. In addition to humidity, the temperature of the place where you live can also be a determining factor. Furthermore, it is important to note that you should not clean stainless steel with warm water or heavy cleaning materials, such as bleach. This damages the material even more.
How to remove rust from stainless steel – Recipes
Sodium bicarbonate
One of the biggest wildcards when it comes to household cleaning is baking soda. In addition to helping with household chores, the alkaline substance also helps with oral and stomach health. Bicarbonate is a white powder that can be purchased at any supermarket. Regarding rust cleaning, the powder must be mixed with water to form a paste that will be applied directly to the rust. After at least half an hour, the substance must be removed with a damp cloth or soft sponge and detergent.
Lemon
Lemon is also good for both cleansing and health. In addition to a lot of vitamin C, citrus fruit is also an antioxidant. Due to its intense acidity, lemon is able to remove rust easily. To remove stains easily, you must squeeze the lemon and use its juice directly on the stain. Then, scrub with a sponge or soft toothbrush to prevent your appliance from being damaged. If the stain persists, let the lemon act for a few moments before scrubbing.
Vinegar
White vinegar, like lemon, is used because of its acidity. In addition to dressing great salads, the product is also used to disinfect fruits and surfaces. Therefore, nothing better than a good naturally acidic product to clean your stainless steel appliance, right? To clean a surface with vinegar, mix the product with water and gently rub the area with a cloth. If the stain persists, let the vinegar and water act for a few moments before scrubbing.
Raw potato
You certainly didn’t expect this one! But yes, raw potatoes are a great product for removing rust from stainless steel. In addition to being a delicious tuber, which can be enjoyed in practically every way possible, it is also possible to use it as a cleaning product. In raw potatoes there is an agent called oxalic acid, which acts directly on rust. To use this tip, you must take a sliced raw potato and rub it directly on the rust stain. Furthermore, if you want to speed up the process, just add baking soda or a few drops of lemon to the rust.
Prevention
As mentioned previously, one of the main causes of rust on stainless steel is humidity and local temperature. Therefore, to prevent such stains from appearing, clean your appliance frequently. The accumulation of dirt is also a factor that can lead to rust, that is, clean frequently.
When cleaning, try to use cold water rather than warm water, as warm water can lead to rust. Furthermore, do not use steel wool, as it can damage the stainless steel surface, leading to rust. It is recommended to cover appliances so that the weather does not cause stains to appear. This tip applies especially to those who live in coastal regions.
If you wanted some tips for cleaning grease from your appliances: Step by step on how to clean grease from the stove, oven, grills and frying pan
Images: Adobe Stock, Pixabay
