If you want to remove rust on your own, you should click here to learn some tips and tricks on how to remove rust the best way. 

Rust costs the United States $276 billion every year. And it can cost you, too. Sinks, stovetops, and even toilets can become victims of rust.

It might appear as a blemish at first, but rust can impact the functionality of anything it clings to. And if you choose to ignore the problem, rust will continue to eat away at the metal until it falls apart.

Don't let rust devour your expensive metal items. If you know how to remove rust, you can save hundreds of dollars between the costs of replacements and rust cleaners.

So what's the secret? This guide will show you how to remove rust with household items.

What Is Rust?

We all know what rust looks like. It has a flaky, copperish appearance and covers old metal bits and bobs. But what is it?

Over time, oxygen binds with the iron present in metal objects. This weakens the metal and creates a new compound known as iron oxide, or rust. If left unchecked, rust will continue to weaken the iron until it crumbles away.

Even when you store metal items properly, rust can still occur. Your metal items such as tools, screws, and nails will all experience rust at some point.

How to Remove Rust

When you discover rust on your beloved belongings, don't wait. They'll continue to deteriorate and eventually become unusable. You can remove rust at the surface layer to limit the corrosion and save the durable metal hidden underneath.

What's the secret? Commercial rust cleaner is available. However, why purchase a cleaning agent when you already have some at home?

That's right. A variety of simple household items can erase rust for good. Some are more effective than others, but they all get the job done.

This assumes you are cleaning dense metal items, such as tools or hinges. Removing rust from toilets, tubs, and other household items requires a more delicate touch.

Let's look at some common household options for rust removal.

1. Lemons

Want to know how to clean rust? It's all about acids. And lemon juice is a powerful one, especially when paired with salt.

Pretend you're making a margarita. First, sprinkle salt on the rusted item. This will provide abrasion to help sand the damaging rust away.

Once the salt is in place, pour the lemon or lime juice over the metal. Let this sit for no more than three hours. If you leave this on for too long, you could just make things worse.

Once it's sat for the appropriate amount of time, scrub the salt and juice away and be sure to rinse it clean.

2. Vinegar

If you want to remove rust from tools, vinegar is your best choice. In fact, it's an excellent option for any rusty objects you can fit inside a small bucket.

Start by pouring vinegar in a bowl. Then submerge the rusted metal into the bowl. It should be completely immersed.

Although vinegar is powerful, it's slow to eat away rust. You'll want to let the metal sit in the bowl overnight. In the morning, remove it and scrub any lingering rust away.

It's that easy.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda has been in the household repertoire for decades. And it's still useful here. Mix it with a small portion of water until you have a thick paste.

Use an old toothbrush or rag to coat the metal with your new cleaning agent. Let a few hours pass and scrub the paste away. You might want to use a powerful abrasive, such as steel wool, to ensure the rusted coating is peeled off.

Depending on the extent of oxidation, you may have to apply several coats of baking soda. Be patient! You'll unveil the healthy metal before too long.

You can mix baking soda with vinegar and salt for an even more powerful cleaning solution. Just don't soak the metal for too long, or you may damage it.

4. Potatoes

This may come as a surprise, but oxalic acid resides in raw potatoes. You can use this acid to clear away rust.

Cut the raw potato so you have a flat surface to work with. Quarter it, half it, whatever. Next, you'll want to add some abrasiveness into the mix.

Apply salt or a baking soda paste to the face of the potato. Scrub this against the rusted item. Slowly, you'll start seeing the rust fade away.

You may want to go with a more powerful option if you're dealing with extensive corrosion.

5. Soda

Certain types of soda are potently acidic. You can use this to your advantage. Open your fridge and take out a can of cola, such as Coke or Pepsi.

Just like with vinegar, fill a bowl with the sweet drink and leave your rusted metal to soak within. Give it a few hours until all the metal needs is a good polishing.

There is one problem with using soda. It's sweet and sticky, so you'll have to rinse the cleaned items thoroughly. Also, since it's so dark, it can be a hassle fishing all the metal out of the bucket.

Eliminate Rust for Good

Now that you know how to remove rust, you don't have to worry about your metal items falling apart. Plus, since these are all household remedies, you'll save money by avoiding expensive rust removers.

Of course, the best way to battle rust is to prevent it entirely. Always store metal items in a low-moisture environment. For extra protection, coat the metal with oil or paint to limit the oxidation process.

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