The most frequent way rust gets on stainless steel is when a rusted pan or tool is left on a counter or in a stainless steel washbasin, which transfers the rust to the steel. Metals frequently rust when exposed to corrosive substances like salt and chlorine for prolonged periods or when strong cleaning agents and instruments harm the finish.
Rust can develop on stainless steel surfaces in the home if dents, severe cleaning, or knife cuts severely scrape them. You most likely have the items you need in your pantry to remove rust stains unless the rust on your stainless steel washbasin or cookware has been allowed to grow extremely large.
In Indian homes, stainless steel cookware is highly valued for its elegant and long-lasting design. But eventually, discolourations and stains may take away from its lustre. The good news is that you can effortlessly clean and remove stains from your finest stainless steel cookware, bringing back its shine with a few Indian tricks and techniques.
Remove Rust From Stainless Cookware
Scrub
Scrubbing the rusty surface using steel wool, sandpaper, a wire brush, or even a ball of tin foil crumpled up is an excellent place to start. An elbow grease will go a long way if the metal hasn't corroded too severely. However, removing any outside rust flakes is a good idea before employing other techniques, regardless of how deep the rust is.
White Vinegar
You might try using white vinegar for more tenacious rust. This everyday household product contains acetic acid, which is sufficiently acidic to dissolve rust. You can use it directly on rust areas or rusted-together nuts and screws, or you can soak tiny items like earrings or wipe them over a surface with an old cloth. After the rust has dissipated, make sure to thoroughly rinse the objects because leaving vinegar on the metal could scratch the surface.
Baking Soda
Although baking soda works wonders for many domestic issues, have you tried using it to remove rust? Combine it with water to make a paste thick enough to adhere to the corroded surface. After letting it sit, scrape it off using a wire brush or steel wool. This method might need to be repeated several times.
Potato
Do you have a spare potato on hand? A slice can be used to clean rusty surfaces, such as pots, pans, and knife blades. Stick the knife into a raw potato and let it sit, or sprinkle some salt or baking soda before rubbing it over the rust spot. The potato's oxalic acid aids in rust dissolution.
Lemon Juice
Rust can also be dissolved using lemon juice; sprinkle the rust with coarse salt and then add lemon juice. Avoid letting it sit for too long, as this could lead to damage. Rinse after wiping the juice off. Combine a small amount of vinegar with lemon juice for an especially potent remedy. You won't only smell like citrus when cleaning, but you will also be rust-free!
Cola
If you've ever dropped one in a glass of Coke, the fact that the penny came out clean is likely to have impressed you. Cola and other soft drinks can be used for rusty nuts and bolts or even corroded battery connections since they contain significant amounts of phosphoric acid, a frequent element in store-bought rust removal treatments. But because it's so sticky, cleaning it up might be pretty difficult, so you might want to give another approach a shot first.
Lime And Salt
After lightly dusting the rust with salt, squeeze the lime over the salt to completely soak it. After letting the mixture sit for two to three hours, use the lime rind to eliminate the rust. You may also use a lemon for this. Because lime and salt can also be used as ingredients in margaritas, we prefer them a little more.
The best defence against rust is to keep metal surfaces dry to avoid it. Naturally, this isn't always feasible. One option is to purchase rust removal products that don't harm the environment and aren't safe to use near small children or animals. However, there are many safer options, and you most likely already have all you need at home. Continue exploring!