How To Clean Your Rusty Tools and Keep Them Shiny

Reaching into the toolbox and pulling out a rusted wrench is probably something that’s happened to everyone, including the best mechanics and the most seasoned DIYers. You shouldn’t be embarrassed if you suddenly find your trusty tools have a layer of rust on them. Maybe they’ve been well used, or maybe you found that old trusty screwdriver that you’d dropped behind the shelves years ago. Either way, if you’re looking to clean your rusty tools, there are a few ways to do it.

Brute Force

Turns out that old fashioned brute force is a pretty good answer to your rusty tools problem. Just make sure your tools don’t have any protective layers of paint that’ll scrape off along with the oxidized metal.

Sandpaper

You can use sandpaper to scrub away the rust either by hand or with a power tool. If you care about how your tools look and want to avoid showing deep scratches on the metal, you can start with a lower grit sandpaper and work up to a higher, finer grit sheet. For tools, you can use grit numbers between 30 and 40. In general, lower, coarser grits can get rid of rust faster, and finer grits will ensure a cleaner finish. If you only use the finer grit sandpaper, it will take longer.

Wire Brushes

There are a few different wire brushes out there you can use to brush up your rusty tools. If your tools are made of carbon steel or iron, use a carbon steel wire brush. On the other hand, stainless steel wire brushes are best for copper, brass, and stainless steel tools.

Chemicals

There are a few chemicals you can use to remove rust from your tools.

Rust Remover

Rust remover can be used in tandem with sandpaper or wire brushes to “soften” the rust, making it easier to scrub out and remove. These solutions are formulated to break up the iron oxides and remove the rust from the tools without damaging the metal. For less serious rusting, you can leave the tools in the solution to avoid scrubbing entirely. Follow the directions listed on the bottle carefully, though. Keep safe by wearing the proper protective gear and following the required safety procedures.

Citric Acid

Citric acid comes in a powder form that needs to be mixed with water. You can leave tools in it overnight in a covered container to get rid of all the rust. Rinse off any remaining solution once you retrieve your shiny tools from the container and dry the tools well after.

You can also combine equal parts citric acid powder and baking soda with one-half part water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rusted area and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing away the rust. As always, rinse and dry the tools well.

Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is another chemical option that works even faster than citric acid. It’s also stronger than citric acid, so remember to wear gloves and goggles even while diluting the acid with water. Mix the solution in a container for your tools, and submerge them for 20 minutes. Remove the tools and wash them off while keeping your protective equipment on. Dry the tools well after.

Home Remedies

If you’re not fond of using a lot of brute force or harmful chemicals, there are a host of home remedy options available for removing rust from tools.

White Vinegar

One popular home remedy is to use vinegar to clean rusty tools. Submerge the tools entirely in distilled white vinegar and allow them to soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours. If submerging the tools isn’t possible, you can also try soaking a cloth with vinegar and placing it on the rusty area or spraying the area with vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to scrub the rusty areas. Rinse and dry the tools to finish up.

Cleaning vinegar is also an option, and it’s around 20% stronger than distilled white vinegar.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

A lemon juice and baking soda paste can also help with rust. Mix two parts baking soda or laundry borax with lemon juice to make the paste. Using a sponge, apply a thick layer of the paste onto the rusty area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Spritz it with water to hydrate the paste if it starts drying out, and scrub away the rust with a brush once the designated time has passed. Repeat the process as needed until all the rust is gone.

Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar, and Hydrogen Peroxide

Another paste you can make involves equal parts baking soda and cream of tartar mixed with just enough hydrogen peroxide to give it that paste-like consistency. Rub the paste on the rusted area and leave it for an hour. Wash and dry the once-rusted tools, and you’re good to go.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Salt

This homemade rust removing solution takes a bit more time than the others. Combine half a gallon of vinegar with half a cup of salt and let the rusty items soak in the solution for about 12 hours. Afterwards, drain the mixture and soak the tools in half a gallon of water and half a cup of baking soda. Let that sit for 10 minutes before rinsing the tools in warm water and allowing them to dry.

Potatoes and Salt

Don’t laugh. If you’re really desperate and you don’t have anything else to remove rust from your tools, you can use a potato and salt to scrub it away. Potatoes contain oxalic acid, a common rust remover. Simply cut one end off the potato and sprinkle it liberally with rock salt or baking soda. Use the potato as a scrubber for the rust and reapply the salt or baking soda as needed for extra abraision. Needless to say, do not in any way attempt to consume the potato after using it in this manner.

Protecting Your Tools From Rust

To help keep your tools from getting rusty again, try treating them with a rust inhibitor once you’ve successfully removed all the rust. This can be especially effective in rust-prone areas such as hinges and crevices where moisture can get trapped. Also try to keep your tools in a clean, dry area to keep rust from forming in the first place. Just because you now know how to clean old, rusty tools doesn’t mean you’ll want to do it all the time.

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