5 Best Rust Removers for Metal
5 Best Rust Removers for Metal
5 (100%) 1 vote[s]
Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover
Item Weight 8.65 pounds
Brand Evapo-Rust
Part Number ER012
Iron OUT Spray Gel Rust Stain Remover
Brand Iron Out
Item Form Gel
Item Weight 16 Ounces
CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
Ingredients See label
Brand CLR
Scent Lemon
Henkel 553472 16OZ NAVAL JELLY
Manufacturer Henkel
Item Weight 1.34 pounds
Department Floor
Workshop Hero WH290487 Metal Rescue
Brand Workshop Hero
Item Weight 2 pounds
It is safe - no acids

Choose the Best Rust Remover for Metal

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Rust Removers for Metal

414 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

64.01% of users selected Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover, 6.52% selected Iron OUT Spray Gel Rust Stain Remover, 9.18% selected CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover, 10.63% selected Henkel 553472 16OZ NAVAL JELLY and 9.66% selected Workshop Hero WH290487 Metal Rescue. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Rust can be a huge pain to remove, especially if it’s on metal surfaces. Luckily, there are many rust removers on the market that can get the job done quickly and easily. This epic guide will review the best rust removers for metal and provide you with some useful tips on how to use them. This article will also answer some common questions about rust removal so that you can make an informed decision about which product is right for you.

Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover – 128 oz

Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover is the perfect rust remover for auto parts, hardware, and antiques. This rust remover contains no harmful acids, solvents, bases, odors, or fumes, making it a safe choice for use around your home.

Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover is made of a non-toxic and water-based solution that is ready to use. It can be used on automotive, household, and industrial-grade metal parts without any scrubbing or sanding.

Best of all, it doesn’t cause corrosion! Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover has pH-neutral makeup and is biodegradable for easy cleanup. It’s also easy to use – just pour it on, wait a few minutes and rinse it off!

Pros
  • rust remover for auto parts, hardware, antiques;
  • contains no harmful acids, solvents, bases, odors or fumes;
  • made of a non-toxic and water-based solution;
  • ready to use;
  • can be used on automotive, household and industrial-grade metal parts;
  • can be used without any scrubbing or sanding;
  • doesn’t cause corrosion;
  • pH-neutral and biodegradable;
  • easy-to-use.

Cons
  • can cause skin irritation;
  • not effective against hard rust.


Iron OUT Gel-Spray Rust Stain Remover, 16 Ounce

Looking to get rid of rust without any dangerous acids or fumes? Evapo-Rust is here to help! This Super Safe Rust Remover comes in a 128 oz. bottle and is ready to use – simply apply it to your automotive, household or industrial-grade metal parts and watch the rust disappear before your eyes!

Plus, there’s no scrubbing or sanding required – Evapo-Rust does all the work for you! And because it’s pH-neutral and biodegradable, it’s safe for both you and the environment. So why wait? Order your Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover today!

Pros
  • rust remover for auto parts, hardware, antiques;
  • contains no harmful acids, solvents, bases, odors or fumes;
  • made of a non-toxic and water-based solution;
  • ready to use;
  • can be used on automotive, household and industrial-grade metal parts;
  • can be used without any scrubbing or sanding;
  • doesn’t cause corrosion;
  • pH-neutral and biodegradable;
  • easy-to-use.

Cons
  • can irritate the skin;
  • can be too fluid.


CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover, 28 Ounce Bottle

CLR is a safe, reliable cleaner that blasts calcium and dissolves lime to leave surfaces streak-free and shining. It’s perfect for bathrooms and kitchen related surfaces made of plastic, fiberglass, ceramic tile, glass or stainless steel.

CLR is also effective on countertops, tubs, showers, tile fixtures, sinks and more. The product comes in a concentrated form so you can mix it with water as needed. Best of all, CLR is biodegradable which means it won’t harm nearby grasses, shrubs or vegetation if any gets on them while you’re cleaning.

Pros
  • non-toxic, multipurpose cleaner;
  • blasts calcium;
  • contains no phosphates, ammonia or bleach;
  • produced for bathrooms or kitchen-related surfaces;
  • dissolves lime;
  • used on plastic, fiberglass, ceramic tile, glass, stainless steel;
  • ensures a streak-free shine;
  • zaps rust stains;
  • a safer alternative to chemicals;
  • cleans countertops, tubs, showers, tile, fixtures, sinks;
  • comes concentrated;
  • biodegradable product;
  • not harmful to nearby grass, shrubs, or vegetation.

Cons
  • eyes- and hand-irritant;
  • cannot clean painted walls and fabrics.


Henkel NAVAL JELLY, 16 Ounce in Bottle

Looking to remove rust from metal surfaces? Henkel’s NAVAL JELLY is here to help! This powerful gel can be used with coarse sandpaper or wire brush to get the job done quickly and easily.

Plus, it works for 15 to 30 minutes, so you can get your project moving without waiting. Industrial or household use – this product can do it all!

And if you’re looking to restore some shine to your car’s details, NAVAL JELLY is perfect for the job. Remove rust on barbeque grills, patio furniture, tools, or antiques with ease – try Henkel’s NAVAL JELLY today!

Pros
  • removes rust from metal surfaces;
  • removes bluing from surfaces such as guns, reels;
  • can be used with coarse sandpaper or wire brush;
  • works for 15 to 30 minutes;
  • can be applied in industry and household;
  • can remove rust on car details;
  • great for iron railings, barbeque grills, patio furniture, tools, antiques.

Cons
  • harmful for chrome or other plated surfaces;
  • does not stick to vertical surfaces.


Workshop Hero: Metal Rescue Rust Remover, 1 Gallon

Looking to clean up your rusty old tools, or get your metal car parts looking new again? Workshop Hero’s Metal Rescue Rust Remover is the perfect solution!

This easy-to-use product can remove rust from iron and steel without compromising any of the mechanical properties or functionality. Plus, it’s non-toxic and safe on skin – so you don’t have to worry about any nasty accidents while you’re working.
And if you have a drain or sewer system, Metal Rescue is safe for those too! So why wait? Pick up a gallon of Metal Rescue Rust Remover today!

Pros
  • can remove rust from iron and steel;
  • does not compromise any mechanical properties or functionality of metal;
  • easy to use and to apply;
  • doesn’t cause health risks;
  • can work without scrubbing, dipping, brushing or other agitation;
  • doesn’t contain acids and caustics;
  • non-toxic and safe on skin;
  • safe for drains or sewer systems;

Cons
  • cannot be used on painted plant stands;
  • can cause allergy.


Buyer’s Guide

What are the Rust Removers?

There are many different types of Rust Removers on the market, but they all do essentially the same thing: remove rust from metal surfaces. Some work better than others, and some have more dangerous chemicals in them, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing a Rust Remover.

Some common types of Rust Removers include:

  • Acidic solutions like hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid
  • Oxalic acid
  • Electrolytic rust removal
  • Mechanical removal methods like wire brushing or sandblasting
  • Biological means using bacteria to eat away at the rust[1].

Types of Rust Removers

Acids

Acids are among the most common and effective rust removers. They work by corroding the metal, breaking down the rust, and removing it from the surface. Some acids can be dangerous to use and should only be used by professionals. Others are safe for use around children and pets when used as directed.

Acids

There are two main types of acid-based rust removers: inorganic and organic. Inorganic acids such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid are very corrosive and can damage skin, clothing, and other materials they come into contact with. Organic acids such as acetic (vinegar) or citric acid are less corrosive but still need to be handled with caution.

If you choose an acid-based rust remover, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Wear protective clothing, eyeglasses, and gloves when using these products. Keep them away from children and pets.

Sodium Hydrosulfite

Sodium hydrosulfite is a chemical compound that can be used to remove rust. It works by converting the iron oxide (rust) into ferrous sulfate, which is water-soluble and can be easily removed.

Sodium hydrosulfite is available in powder or liquid form.
It can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement centers.

When using sodium hydrosulfite, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Wear protective clothing, eyeglasses, and gloves when using this product. Keep it away from children and pets.

Do not use sodium hydrosulfite on aluminum or galvanized surfaces as it will damage these materials.

Petroleum-Based Solvents

Petroleum-based solvents are another type of rust remover. They work by dissolving the rust and breaking it down into small particles. These solvents are typically used to remove paint or other finishes from metal surfaces.

There are a wide variety of petroleum-based solvents available, so be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing one. Some are safe for use around children and pets when used as directed, while others are not.

Be sure to wear protective clothing, eyeglasses, and gloves when using a petroleum-based solvent.

Keep them away from children and pets. Do not use them on aluminum or galvanized surfaces.

Chelating Agents

Chelating agents are another type of rust remover. They work by binding to the rust and breaking it down into small particles. Chelating agents can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, and fiberglass.

Chelating Agents

There are many different types of chelating agents available. They are typically found in hardware stores and home improvement centers. Among them are products such as CLR, Lime-Away, and Bar Keepers Friend.

Rust Converters

Rust converters are a type of rust remover that converts the rust into a black, protective coating. This can help prevent new rust from forming. The rust converters come in a liquid or gel form and are typically applied with a brush. This product works best in small areas because the coating can be thick.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Rust Remover

Forms of rust

There are three main forms of rust: red, orange, and black. The form of rust will dictate the best way to remove it. For example, red rust is usually a result of iron oxide corrosion and can be removed with a phosphoric acid-based remover. Orange rust, on the other hand, is typically a result of copper sulfate corrosion and can be removed with an oxalic acid-based remover. Black rust is usually a result of tannic acid corrosion and can be removed with a hydrochloric acid-based remover.

When choosing a rust remover, it is important to consider the form of rust you are dealing with. In most cases, phosphoric acid-based removers will work for all forms of rust. However, if you are dealing with black rust, you may need to use a hydrochloric acid-based remover.

Forms of rust

It is also important to consider the severity of the rust. If the rust is only superficial, you may be able to remove it with a less aggressive remover. However, if the rust is deep-seated, you will need to use a more aggressive remover.

Finally, you should also consider the type of metal you are dealing with. Some metals are more susceptible to rust than others. For example, iron and steel are more likely to rust than aluminum. As such, you may need to use a different rust remover for each type of metal.

Strength and Future Protection

When choosing a rust remover, you should also consider the strength of the product. Some rust removers are more aggressive than others and can damage the metal if used incorrectly. You should always read the instructions carefully before using a rust remover.

In addition to considering the strength of the product, you should also consider how it will protect your metal in the future. Some rust removers form a protective coating that will prevent future corrosion. Others do not have this feature and you may need to apply a coat of paint or sealant to protect your metal from rusting again.

Cleanup and Drying Time

You should also consider the cleanup and drying time of the rust remover. Some products require you to scrub the metal with a brush or cloth after application. Others simply require you to rinse away the residue.

And finally, you should consider the drying time of the product. Some rust removers dry quickly, while others may take several hours to dry.

Effectiveness

When choosing a rust remover, you should also consider its effectiveness. Some of them can work from the first application while others may require multiple applications. You should soak the rusted metal detail for 5 to 24 hours.

Some rust removers are more effective than others. In general, phosphoric acid-based rust removers are the most effective. They can remove red, orange, and black rust from metal. However, they may not be as effective on deep-seated rust or black rust.

Leaves metal shiny and new

Another thing to consider when choosing a rust remover is whether or not it leaves your metal shiny and new. Some rust removers will remove the rust but leave your metal dull. Others will remove the rust and leave your metal looking new.

If you want your metal to look new, you should choose a rust remover that leaves your metal shiny [2].

Which features to look for in the best Rust Remover?

Safe on skin

When you are looking for the best rust remover, you want to make sure that it is safe on the skin. You don’t want to end up with a product that will cause irritation or worse.

There are a few different ways that manufacturers make their products safe on the skin. One is by using natural ingredients that are known to be gentle on the skin. Another is by adding a layer of protection to the product that will keep it from coming in contact with your skin.

One such layer of protection is an inert gas, like argon or nitrogen. This gas forms a barrier between the product and your skin, preventing any contact. The downside to this type of rust remover is that it can be more expensive.

Another layer of protection used in rust removers is a surfactant. A surfactant is a substance that helps to reduce the surface tension of a liquid. This makes it easier for the product to come into contact with the metal and remove the rust.

One downside to using a surfactant is that it can cause the product to foam. This can make it difficult to apply the rust remover evenly.

Multiple uses

When you are looking for the best rust remover, you also want to find one that has multiple uses. This way, you can use it for more than just rust removal. These products can also be used for cleaning and degreasing.

Multiple uses

This is especially helpful if you have a variety of different surfaces in your home that need to be cleaned. You can use the rust remover on the metal surfaces to remove the rust and then use it on other surfaces to clean them.

Biodegradable

When you are looking for the best rust remover, you also want to find one that is biodegradable. This means that it will break down over time and not cause harm to the environment.

There are a few different ways that manufacturers make their products biodegradable. One is by using natural ingredients that are known to break down over time. Another is by adding a layer of protection to the product that will break it down when it comes in contact with the environment.

Prevents future rusting

When you are looking for the best rust remover, you also want to find one that prevents future rusting. This is especially important if you live in an area with high humidity or near the ocean.

There are a few different ways that manufacturers make their products to prevent future rusting. One is by using a corrosion inhibitor. This substance helps to prevent the metal from rusting by forming a barrier between the metal and the oxygen.

Another way to prevent future rusting is by using a rust converter. This substance helps to convert the rust into a different compound that is less likely to cause corrosion [3].


FAQ

What materials can I use a rust remover on?

Rust removers can be used on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and concrete. However, it is important to read the product label carefully to make sure that the rust remover you are using is safe for use on your specific material type.

Do I need to wear protective clothing when using a rust remover?

Yes, it is always important to wear protective clothing when using any kind of chemical. This includes wearing gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to avoid inhalation.

What’s the difference between a rust converter and a rust remover?

A rust converter is a product that can be used to convert rust on metal surfaces into a black, protective coating. A rust remover, on the other hand, is a product that dissolves rust from metal surfaces.

What is the best rust remover for chrome?

There are a few different rust removers that work well on chrome. We recommend using one that is specifically designed for use on chrome, such as the WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.

What is the fastest way to remove rust from metal?

The fastest way to remove rust from metal is to use a power washer with a rust removal attachment. This will quickly remove any loose rust from the surface of the metal.

How do you remove rust from metal permanently?

The best way to remove rust from metal permanently is to use a product that converts the rust into a black, protective coating. This will prevent the rust from coming back and will protect the metal from further corrosion.

What is the difference between a rust remover and a rust converter?

A rust converter is a product that can be used to convert rust on metal surfaces into a black, protective coating. A rust remover, on the other hand, is a product that dissolves rust from metal surfaces.

How does rust spread?

Rust can spread through contact with other metal surfaces, or it can be caused by moisture and oxygen. However, rust can also be caused by a chemical reaction, such as the one that occurs when the iron is exposed to saltwater.

Can WD-40 remove rust?

Yes, WD-40 can be used to remove rust. However, it is important to note that WD-40 is a lubricant and not a rust remover. It will help to prevent rust from forming, but it will not remove existing rust.

Useful Video: CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover – A Little Cleaner

Conclusion Paragraph

The Rust Removers for Metal that are reviewed above are some of the most popular and effective rust removers on the market. If you’re looking for a rust remover that can handle tough jobs, it is recommended to try one of the acidic rust removers. For less serious rusting, any of the other products should work well. Be sure to follow the instructions on each product and take the necessary safety precautions. With any of these rust removers, your metal surfaces will be looking like new in no time!


References:

  1. https://www.armorvci.com/news/industrial-rust-removal-acids-and-water-based-solutions-explained/
  2. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-rust-remover/
  3. https://www.woodsmith.com/review/best-rust-remover/

Hello! I'm a James Miller, and I'm an expert in materials science. I learned different metal properties in the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and I know everything about all kinds of metal. That's why I want to share my experience with you.

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