Also known as iron oxide, rust is not only an aesthetic nuisance, but it can weaken the strength of metal materials. It can encourage the growth and spread of bacteria, which can cause tetanus. Out of all these, the most common reason to use a rust remover is for looks. Your favorite pair of pliers may become rusty when it comes in contact with moisture.
Get the best rust remover to make your metal shine again, without damaging your machinery or tools.
Whatever your reason for rust removal is, a good rust remover will do the job quickly, easily and safely. Heres how to buy the best rust remover available.
Quick Look: 5 Best Rust Removers
No need to beat around the bush lets jump right into the five best rust removers. Although each of these accomplishes the task in a slightly different way, theyre all affordable, versatile, and get the job done right. These are the top five rust removal products on the market.
1. Evapo-Rust Remover
Evapo-Rust Rust Remover has been a popular choice. It does the job right and gets the job done. Submerge the rusted object in this solution, and it will quickly dissolve.
This rust remover can be used safely. It is non-toxic, biodegradable. This product is safe for your skin, and your eyes. Evapo-Rust works quickly and efficiently. Even one application should treat the majority of rust problems. A longer soak time may be required for rusted items. We recommend that you soak any object for at least an hour to get the best results.
What We Like:
What We Do Not Like:
- Requires at least an hour soak
2. CLR Calcium Rust Lime Remover
CLR is one the most versatile rust removal products on the market. Not only does it treat rust, but it also targets calcium, lime, and a variety of other types of household stains as well. Although its created mostly for household uses, CLR also works very well for automotive parts and tools.
In addition, to use on metal surfaces, this product works well on glass, porcelain, ceramic, brick, cement, and much more. CLR can also be used with submersion. Place the rusted object directly into the solution (in a separate container). Depending on the project, you can either dilute or use the full strength of the solution.
What We Love:
What We Do Not Like:
- Heavy rust stains are not recommended
3. Iron Out
Iron Out is a highly effective rust remover that sticks out from its competitors. The chief difference is the application method. Iron Out is actually applied with a spray bottle, not submersion. The spray feature also produces a thick gel. Apply the gel to the rust stain. Wait. Next, wipe off the gel.
Iron Out is a great spray-on rust remover. It’s also very easy to use. The spray function makes it a great household cleaner because you can reach difficult-to-reach areas.
What We Like:
What We Dont Like:
- You cannot use this product for objects that are submerged
4. Whink Rust Stain Removal
Whink Rust Stain Remover works like a charm. It is quick and easy to use. Simply apply a small amount to the stained surface and scrub. The stain will disappear in no time. This product also works as a multi-purpose cleaner. This product is great for cleaning most household items, including cleaning the bathroom and shower.
It is safe and non-toxic. It will not damage valuable surfaces such as granite and tile countertops. Thanks to its overall versatility, you can even use this product on rust-stained clothing to remove otherwise hard-to-treat stains.
What We Like:
What We Dont Like:
- More expensive than other products
5. WD-40
WD-40 is a must-have for rust removal. One of the most versatile products on the market, this rust remover is a staple in anyones toolbox. In addition to removing rust, WD-40 is also a penetrating oil. It penetrates deeply to unlock rust-locked objects and lubricates them to prevent rust in the future.
Not only that, but WD-40 is very easy to use. You simply direct the spray straw at the object and spray to apply. Allow the lubricant to sit for a while before wiping it clean. WD-40 is not recommended for heavy-duty rust removal. It works better for smaller scale projects as well as minor rust prevention. It is a popular product that can be applied to bicycles to prevent rust.
WD-40, even though it is not as effective in removing rust than other products on the list, is still a must-have toolbox item due to its versatility and effectiveness.
What We Love:
What We Do Not Like
- Not as effective at removing rust as other products
Rust Remover: Crash Course
Rust is an annoying problem, there’s no doubt about that. It commonly occurs on hand tools, auto parts, antiques, outdoor grill grates, cast iron cookware, and so much more. According to Wonderopolis, rust (the common name for iron oxide) occurs when the iron in metal objects reacts with the oxygen in water or moisture in the air.
For rust to form, metal materials containing iron or iron alleys must be exposed to oxygen for a prolonged period of time. Now that you know a little about how rust forms, lets look at how rust removers work and which characteristics you must look for in these products.
What Is A Rust Remover?
There are a wide variety of types of rust removers as well as different methods. The most popular methods include sanding/grinding and rust conversion. Direct application includes all of the rust removals mentioned above. Spraying them on the rusted area is the best way to use them. Another option is to soak the rusted item in the solution. Many rust removers also treat stains other than iron oxide.
Most of our top rust removers can also be used to remove other household stains like water stains. All of our top five favorite rust removers are non-toxic. While some powerful commercial or industrial rust removers can be toxic, it is important that homeowners look for safe and non-toxic products.
Rust Remover Benefits
There are many reasons why you might use a rust removal product. These include:
- Remove Rust Stains This will remove the rust from the object.
- Prevent Rust This can help to prevent future rust.
- Enhance Usability Sometimes, rust can limit the function of a tool or auto part, a piece of furniture, or other object. The removal of rust can improve the object’s function.
These benefits are not only obvious, but also the fact that direct application of a product to remove rust is often much more cost-effective and time-saving than grinding or sanding the rusted object.
Types Of Rust
Although you might believe there is only one type, this is not true. The best way to choose the right rust remover is to identify the type of rust you are dealing with. Here are the main types of rust:
- Flaking Often found in a thick layer near the transition of an object.
- Flash Result of water contact at a single spot on an object.
- Pitting Occurs within cavities of an object (such a hinge on a pair pliers) where moisture has been trapped.
- Stable Uniform in appearance and occurring over a longer period of time, often covers the entire object.
Keep in mind that most rust removal products also work to remove other common stains such as water spots in showers and bathtubs.
How To Use A Rust Remover
There are a lot of different ways to use a rust remover. You should read the instructions on the packaging. Many products can be used straight away as they come while others require dilution for the best effects. The next step is to apply the rust remover directly on the rusted object.
Scrub the area with a brush or rag. Clean the area of rust with a rag or brush and then rinse it off with water. Continue to repeat these steps until the rust is gone. It is often easier to pour the solution into a container than it is to remove serious rust. Then soak the rusted object in the solution for 10 minutes or more before rinsing with water. Remember to completely dry the rust-free object before storage. To prevent future rust, you might consider using a penetrating oil and similar lubricants.
Rust Remover Buying Guidelines
Here are a few of the most important factors to keep in mind while looking at which rust remover to buy:
- Application Type These products are available as sprays, gels, liquids, and more.
- Ingredients Many homeowners prefer non-toxic products for their safety and that of their pets.
- Time How long does it take for the product to work?
- Product effectiveness Can a single coat be sufficient? Or will you need to apply multiple coats?
- Size Rust removers are available in a variety of sizes from less than 454 grams up to more than a gallon.
These factors will assist you in choosing the best rust remover.
The Best Rust Remover Products
A wide variety of rust removers are available to buy. Like most of the best DIY tools, its often best to select a product made by a reliable, reputable brand with a long track record among happy customers. Here are five of the best rust remover brands:
Evapo-Rust
EvapoRust is one of the most well-known rust removal brands in North America. The company is most notable for its commitment to safety. All of its products are not only safe for humans and pets, but for the environment as well. In addition to their rust removers, they also sell rust block which prevents rust as well as a removal flush for automobile cooling systems.
Rust-Oleum
Since 1921, Rust-Oleum is in the rust removal industry. They have been a household name worldwide since their inception. Their high-quality products include cleaners and stain removals for cars, homes, and other vehicles. Their Krud Kutter line contains their most popular rust removers.
WD-40
WD-40 is a staple in rust removal. This popular penetrating oil and water displacement product is a staple in homes and businesses around the world. Rust removal is another common application. According to the company, their multi-use product has more than 1,000 uses total.
Unrust
Unrust is a rust removal and prevention manufacturer. Their heavy-duty products are designed to eliminate and prevent the toughest rust stains on home appliances, tools, auto parts, and so much more. Based out of Tennessee, the company maintains excellent customer service with hundreds of satisfied customers.
CLR Brands
CLR Brands offers a variety of household cleaning products. The company has been dedicated to developing and creating the best cleaning products that can be used in a variety of situations and applications for over 50 years. In addition to their CLR (calcium, lime, and rust) remover, they also sell special BBQ grill cleaner, bath and kitchen cleaner, outdoor furniture cleaner, and more.
FAQ
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about rust removal:
Q: How to use a rust remover?
Q. Which rust remover should I use?
R: It all depends on what type of object you are trying to remove. Although some products have multiple-uses, others have more specialized applications, such as household cleaning or automotive parts.
Q. How much rust removal do I need to complete my project?
A: Rust removal is much easier than you think. Although 454 grams is sufficient for most projects, some rust removal products can be purchased in larger containers (e.g. one gallon)
Q: What is the difference between a rust converter and a rust remover?
Q: How do I remove rust without damaging a painted surface?
A: The most important thing you can do is to select the right product and follow the manufacturer directions to a T. This guide from Hunker breaks down the process in more detail.
Wrap Up
Youre sure to be happy with any of our top five rust removers. Each one is simple to use, works well on many surfaces, and is very affordable. Iron Out is the clear winner.
As a rust removal spray, this was slightly surprising compared to full-strength liquid rust removers that you can actually dip rusted products into. Iron Out did well in all categories. Iron Out’s powerful spray gel disintegrates rust immediately upon contact. Very little, if any, scrubbering is required.
It is a great choice for metal surfaces like tools and auto parts. However, it also works well on home surfaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and even rusted carpet. Coming in second place as the clear runner up is CLR.
Short for Calcium Lime Rust, this versatile rust remover is capable of efficiently cleaning a wide variety of surfaces, including stainless steel, glass, cement, brick, fiberglass, and much more.
CLR has a full-strength formula. It can be mixed with water (the recommended level of dilution is 50% CLR and 50% water), or used at 100% full strength. Diluted is best for home applications while full-strength is best for nuts and bolts as well as tools.
Last but not least, we must give WD-40 a final nod. Since its not a dedicated rust remover, its not as efficient as Iron Out or CLR, but it still works well for most applications. It can also be used as a penetrating or other oil. This makes it one of the most versatile products we reviewed. Keep a can of WD-40 in your toolbox and youll surely be thankful. No matter the exact rust remover you end up selecting, you cant go wrong with any of the top five products from above. Which rust remover do you prefer to restore items to their former glory? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
