How to Remove Rust from Metal

Why does metal rust anyway? Such a useful substance is brought to nothing because of rust. Not only is it one of the most unsightly marks on the visage of the metal, but over a period of time it cripples the metal and basically ruins it. It's quite comparable to how fungus ruins wood. So how do we go about removing rust stains from metal effectively without damaging the metal?

What is Rust?
The process of oxidation is popularly known as rusting. One of the disadvantages of metal is that when it comes in contact with oxygen for a period of time, the oxygen gets the better of it and the metal rusts. Talk about bad company. When oxygen comes in contact with a metal like iron or aluminum, it oxidizes the metal to form a compound from what was previously an element. So the resulting compounds are iron oxide, aluminum oxide etc. The process of oxidation is usually a slow one unless acted on by a catalyst. A catalyst is something that helps speed up a chemical reaction (in this case oxidation). Substances like water act as a catalyst to oxidation, hence we see that a lot of rust accumulates on pipes etc.

Removing Rust Off a Metal

• The answer to efficient rust removal is different depending upon how old the rust stains are and how much metal has been ruined. The older the stains are, the harder it is going to be to remove them. Still. You can put all the effort you want, but the metal is probably ruined and the action is going to be a futile exercise. So if the stains are really, really old, it is better that you find a replacement instead of trying to remove them.
• Some stains may be fiercely lodged into the metal, but the metal isn't exactly ruined yet. For these stains, you will need to use commercial rust removers since the homemade ones may not work . Most people have a fear of using commercial rust removers as they are toxic. But if you take the necessary precautions, there is nothing that works as effectively as the commercial ones. If you are using them, make sure that the room is well ventilated and you are wearing gloves and something to protect your eyes as well.
• For recent rust stains, you are going to be rewarded for discovering them early as they are much easier clean off. All you need is vinegar, baking soda and a wet cloth. With these humble substances, the vinegar acting as an active agent and the baking soda acting as an abrasive, you can very easily clear up the rust stains. If the stain happens to put up a real fight, you can defeat it by using a dash of lemon juice. Lemon juice has citric acid, which supplies more ammunition to vinegar's acetic acid and will surely help you defeat the most stoic stains.

Also if you never want to be plagued with the problem of metal rusting ever again, coat the newly formed non-rusted surface with some wax. Wax acts as a coat for the metal against water and thus avoids the problem of oxidation. Paint is also just as effective as it performs the same function. I hope the information above helps you understand how to avoid metal rusting as well as cleaning rust off metallic stuff.