Innosoft B570 is fairly simple to apply, but the surface should be horizontal since the gel can run down in a goopy mess if youre not careful. Its safe to use on metal, brick, and stucco, along with all plumbing materials like copper and PVC plastic. 
WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant Spray, Bathrooms, kitchens, appliances, laundry, and water softener maintenance, Fiberglass, Vinyl, Metal and Painted Surfaces. We handpick the products and services we write about.
We obtained good results using it to remove rust stains on the front of a stainless steel refrigerator door, but we had to scrub vigorously and then leave the product applied for a minute or so. The runner-up was CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover, which is effective on a variety of surfaces. We got spectacular results on the rusted chrome legs of a vintage chair. Fortunately, rust removers are specifically formulated to remove stubborn rust with minimal time and efforthopefully before its too late. For removing rust stains around the house, Iron Out powder is a must-have. Avoid contact with eyes. Another thing that enhances the efficacy of these products is cleanliness. Really, you can't go wrong with any of these rust removal products. Form of application: Rust-removal products come in spray, gel, and immersion form. On the plus side, Evapo-Rust is non-toxic, biodegradable, and does not contain any acids. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Afterwards, you can simply rinse off the affected item or wipe away the rust with a rag.
Craig brings 15 years of automotive journalism experience to the Cars team. The rusty stains in bathtubs and toilets are common examples of nonmetallic rust. While each of the products tested here has its peculiarities, all of them are highly effective and, perhaps best of all, exceedingly affordable. Combined with its stellar performance on chrome, we liked how Iron Out readily applies as a spray and wipes off after only a minute or two. Cold temperatures, in particular, can slow down these chemical reactions. J.F. Iron Out sprayed on easily with very little overspray, and it was easy to wipe clean. When spent, most of these rust dissolvers turn black and stop working. None of our reviews are sponsored. The most common applications are sprays, gels, and liquid (i.e., immersion) forms. Whether its on your tools, on your car, or in your bathroom, rust can be an unsightly nuisance. Our garden-tool category was a bit of a mixed bag. There are many versions of this sort of rust removal product, which are like a whole lot of elbow grease stain removal crammed into a little bottle. It did a credible job of cleaning the rust from the shovel and giving it an overall darkened appearance. Without scrubbing the rusted area or other work, one gallon of POR-15 Rust Remover can eliminate rust from up to 300 pounds of heavily oxidized steel. It does not contain oxalic acid or other harsh chemicals, and we found it to have a pleasant citrus odor. There are three primary types of rust removers: chemical, chelating, and converter. Since it is a spray gel, Iron Out is simple to apply to vertical surfaces and does not drip excessively. CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover is Intended for rust stains on metal, concrete and other household surfaces. We tested our products on tools, surfaces, and appliances to determine the best overall performer. You will typically want to dilute with water for ordinary stains, but it can also be applied full strength for tougher, hard-to-get-out stains. Metal Rescue was similarly effective to the other rust-remover products tested here, easily dissolving rust on the sheet-metal sample and deep-cleaning those sections of threaded rod. While its typically thought of as only a household cleaner, its actually an industrial-strength, acid-based solution that can tackle moderate rust formation on a variety of surfaces. After six hours of soaking, the testing material used at Nasas laboratory was quite clean. We tested multiple rust dissolvers to find out which ones were best for loosening rusty bolts and screws. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Another incredibly convenient product, WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant Spray has a long nozzle designed to penetrate rusty tool parts and locks that need to be freed up. Impressive stuff, especially for the price. Stop this stubborn nuisance in its tracks before its too late. It's a good idea to remove loose debris and dirt residue, too, with coarse sandpaper or wire brush. Rust stains can be treated to remove rust and even prevent rust from forming in the future. It can even get into hard-to-reach areas, after which you can simply rinse it off with water without any scrubbing required. Like the stain remover products listed above, it's super safe, won't harm other materials and can be reused over and over until it stops working. As a brand considered an automotive industry staple, Permatex certainly doesnt disappoint with its rust treatment formula. If your garage or workspace is freezing cold in the winter or if the attic of your townhouse gets boiling hot in the middle of August, you might want to consider finding a more temperate place or time to use them for maximum effectiveness. If you are sensitive to odors, it is advisable to wear a respirator and safety glasses when applying rust removers. According to the company, you can soak parts for anywhere from 1 to 12 hours. Craig is a proud member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). It also did an excellent job cleaning up the threaded-rod sections, getting deep in the grooves and removing rust, though it did seem a tiny bit slower to work than the others. May cause skin irritation after prolonged contact. Well, a range of products are available today that can eliminate stubborn oxidation rust spots on tools, car parts, antiques and, well, basically anything made of iron, all without the need to painstakingly grind rust stains away or sandblast down to solid metal. Others come premixed and are ready to use right out of the container. One thing to look out for with rust products is the manufacturers recommended uses. But there are two important areas where this product differs from its above-mentioned rival. If you get any on your hands, it shouldn't cause irritation, but if it does, just wash up with a little soap and water. While we did not have the chance to test Star brite on a boat, it is frequently mentioned in public forums as an effective boat cleaner. Brightens copper and similar alloys. It is advisable that extra care be taken when using any rust-removal product. Regardless of where the rust has formed, there is likely a rust remover perfectly suited for your individual application. Since theyre frequently available in spray bottles or aerosol cans, they can also be more useful for applying to hard-to-reach areas that you cant access by hand. The primary disadvantage is that its not especially effective for removing rust from metals and is most commonly used for only removing rust stains from surfaces. But perhaps worse, rust can eat away at the affected item over time, possibly leading to expensive repairs or irreparable damage. Its offered in an easy-to-use aerosol canister that can be sprayed from any angle, allowing you to hit every rust-afflicted crevice on your car. When diluted, it starts out as clear as water, but over time it turns inky black as it eats away rust. However, they are highly corrosive and can emit harsh fumes, so should only be used outside or in a well-ventilated space. We liked how easy it goes on and sponges off, and it works in a matter of minutes. Ultimately, we selected Iron Out Stain Remover as the best rust remover. Nearly all these rust-dissolvers are also environmentally friendly and will not harm other materials like plastic, rubber, paint or non-ferrous metals. Old tools never die, they are just left outside to rust. CLR, which we applied at full strength, narrowly outperformed Iron Out on this test. When trying to remove hard-to-reach rust on your vehicle, Permatexs rust treatment can reach every nook and cranny while converting the rust into a paintable surface. In very broad terms, household rust removers are designed to work in one or two simple applications. In addition to removing rust, it can also be used to dissolve calcium and lime deposits. Aceros Innosoft B570: good for appliances and steel, Iron Out Rust Stain Remover Spray Gel: good for fabric, tile, and tools, WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant Spray : good for nuts, bolts, locks, and chains, Star brite Rust Stain Remover: good for fiberglass, vinyl, and metal, CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover:good for surfaces and appliances, Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover: good for equipment, hardware, and tools. For heavy-duty cases like this, a more labor-intensive process using a paint stripper and/or a chemical rust remover is required. PM: What materials can rust removers be used on? In certain applications, they essentially eliminate the need for sandpaper, steel wool and wire brushes, plus the associated time and effort required to clean things up. It's that benign. Some rust removers are available in spray bottles or aerosol cans in order to spray the solution directly onto the rusted surface. Can help brighten copper, brass and similar alloys. It can be applied to sinks, toilets, clothes, and carpets, and even inside appliances to dissolve hard-water deposits. CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) has been a household staple for decades, and my personal go-to for removing stubborn and unwanted rust. We soaked several rusty steel components in each one, following the manufacturers' directions and diluting if required. The Evaporust, probably due to it being a liquid for which total immersion is possible, took most of the rust off the weeders tip after it was partially immersed in a bucket. Time is your friend. How, you ask? And two, it contains detergents, which should make it better at cutting through small amounts of oil, grease and other contaminants so it can wage war against rust. Rust 911 is a super safe rust removal product to use, being non-toxic, non-flammable and even biodegradable. It works best on items that can soak for the recommended one-to-twelve hours. Some contain hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid that eats away at rust stain like termites gnawing on a rotten stump, while others use a fancy-sounding process called chelation to chemically break iron oxide down. : To prevent rust from returning on the objects and surfaces that you just treated with a rust remover, you can paint it, apply a corrosion inhibitor, rub on some paste wax, or coat it with a light layer of linseed oil. All rights reserved. Some older paints and inks contain iron oxide-based pigments, and this rust remover product could easily damage them. Read on to discover what those are, and how to choose the right one for you. While powerful and effective, acid rust removers are usually only useful on certain types of metals (like stainless or galvanized steel), which somewhat limits their usefulness. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Bike Lights to Illuminate Your Ride, The Best Bike Locks for Keeping Your Wheels Safe.
How we test gear. The best way to deal with this is to spray just a bit at a time and work it in as you go. Some come in concentrated stain remover formulas while others are prediluted in the factory. Biodegradable ingredients; safe for rubber, plastic and paint; non-toxic, acid-free, contains no VOCs, 100%-biodegradable formula. To date, he's fully restored a 1936 Ford V8 sedan and is currently resurrecting another flathead-powered relic, a '51 Ford Crestliner. However, as a liquid, CLR can be more difficult to apply than a spray, gel or spray gel, especially to vertical surfaces where it will drip down.
Our steel work table presented the biggest challenge. Finally, I took into account the widest range of applications as possible to make sure all rust scenarios are covered here. As opposed to liquid and spray solutions, powdered rust removers arent usually designed to be used on metal. Dealing with rusted metal objects and surfaces can be addressed with three basic techniques: Mechanical methods: Grinding, sanding, and scouring. Not only that, Metal Rescue is fairly priced and quick to eliminate rust. The items that got the rust treatment include a section of sheet metal and two different sizes of threaded rod with rust buildup. The ready-to-go bath stain remover version works straight from the bottle (a concentrated formula is also offered), it's easy to use and highly effective, but that's not all. It's noncorrosive, emits no fumes or foul odors, won't harm paint and it can be poured down the drain when it's all used up.
The table was our most industrial representative with heavy-gauge steel and a painted surface that was likely applied electrostatically. While its technically a rust converter, and not strictly a rust remover, Corroseal can be used to eliminate the toughest rust that other formulas may not be able to handle. In addition to my own experience using rust removers, I considered user reviews at online retailers like Home Depot and Amazon and referenced similar rust-remover articles on high-authority sites. If you don't mind taking a few precautions while using this product, it works well.. Cooper? It had painted legs with the paint worn off in patches and with rust in-between. Additionally, you should avoid contacting an acid-based rust remover with any surrounding surfaces or delicate materials like clothing or fabrics, and wear personal protective equipment (i.e. We liked that it can be used full strength for items like nuts and bolts, but can also be diluted into a more household cleaner for appliances like the refrigerator we tested. Afterwards, it leaves behind a protective coating that shields the metal from rust for up to 12 months. PM: When should I use a rust converter instead of a regular rust remover? When you have a large amount of heavily rusted items to deal with, Corroseals rust converter can cover it all with a paintable surface that protects against future rust formation. Like Rust 911, Evapo-Rust is all about safety. While all the products did an excellent job, the WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant Spray was perhaps a bit better, pretty much as wed expected from a product that touts nuts and bolts as a specialty. Its somewhat more expensive than other rust removers, so you may want to reserve it for the most intractable cases of rust. and suggests wearing gloves when using it, though they're not necessary. There are, however, two words of caution called out by Metal Rescue. It worked best on nuts and bolts and shined up the front of our stainless steel refrigerator nearly as well as our top pick Iron Out Stain Remover. Neutral Ph. Although spray-on application is easy, it can still be tricky knowing how much spray to use but heres a tip: The position of the rusted item is important. We then checked back in 48 hours to see if there was any ghosting or residual markings where the original stains had occurred. Whether you're working on a crusty carburetor base, revitalizing an old axe head you inherited from grandpappy or even sprucing up some antiques you just picked up from a garage sale, rust-removing solutions can be super handy. Since they frequently consist primarily of sodium hydrosulfite, theyre most often used to remove rust stains from fabrics, but also ceramics and concrete. This means Rust 911 is a tremendous value compared to some of its commercial rust remover competitors since its per-ounce price is very low, something that makes it more economical to soak larger components in, perhaps automotive parts like bumpers or radiator supports. The reality of rust is that it is tricky to figure out. With all that out of the way, POR-15 Rust Remover is perhaps the most effective product evaluated here to clean heavy rust. However, and this could be a big caveat, it has far more warnings than any of the other rust dissolvers listed here. Many household items have patches of rust intermingled with painted or other coatings. In testing, this product proved to be highly effective stain remover. It's better to be safe than sorry. Depending on your location, you can pour it right down the drain if you want. We tested our products on the table to see if they would improve the overall rusted appearance without it turning into a major project. Our overall experience with the four (only four of our six were used on the table) rust removal products was that most of them darkened the rusted area but did not affect the paint. It also quickly removed water stains from the door of our stainless steel refrigerator. Rust and associated stains can be found everywhere: Tools, surfaces, bikes, cars, and furniture are common victims. Wash with soap and water if skin contact occurs. The drawback of this WD-40 product is that it cannot be conveniently applied to large rust patches or to irregular surfaces like teakettles. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Evapo-Rust says it traces the development of its product to its work on behalf of Americas military, to make a safe industrial-scale method of rust removal. CLR is a product that is more appropriate for surface rust stains like those found inside toilet bowls, tile grout and the calcium deposits found on showerheads and faucets. For those of you who skipped chemistry class, the first two are pieces of metal that give and receive electrons, and the last element is a liquid that helps the electrons move. During my last experience using CLR, I used it to remove the rust that had formed on a few of my sockets. But rust doesn't have to be a death sentence for a metal surface -- it can be arrested in its tracks with the right tools. We were delighted to find that one of the spray products performed very well across the board. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Of the products we tested, Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover had the widest range of recommended application times. We think keeping both of these fairly inexpensive products around is a great idea. Reusable and biodegradable. Bottom line: This is a fine and effective product. 2022 Your Best Digs - All rights reserved. We sought out the best representatives for both these categories. Be patient! It shouldn't harm rubber, plastics, glass or most paints. Completely submerging things is the way to go here, and once parts are finished, rinsing them off with water and drying them is smart. All rust products, even the simplest spray-on products, require a reasonable amount of preparation to protect your hands and eyes. Also, being a chelating agent, it doesnt work as quickly as many chemical-based formulas. Depending on how severely rusted the parts are that you're trying to clean up, soak times can last from 15 minutes to two days depending on if you are removing light rust or heavy rust. Even Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover, which was left applied overnight, did not have much of an impact on the table legs (other than to darken them somewhat). Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Heavy-duty products with painted or coated surfaces will typically require a two-step approach that requires removing the finished surface first and then applying the rust remover. Finally, petroleum-based solvents are the least corrosive and safest to work with but may take up to 24 hours in order to be effective. Iron Out is simple to apply in spray-gel form, acts quickly, and for some surfaces like rusted chrome works to restore products to almost showroom condition. Like all of our tested products, CLR was easy to clean up with paper towels or a sponge, and it left little or no residue. gloves, eye protection, and a face mask or respirator) while handling them. CLR proved a consistent performer. Contains no VOCs, solvents, acids or other harmful ingredients; non-corrosive, non-flammable, non-toxic; can be poured down the drain; water-based solution; should not harm rubber, plastics, glass or most paints.