Cleaning Rust
Some Helpful Hints For Cleaning Rust
The most important thing to remember when cleaning rust is that it can never just be covered up. Painting over it will only hide the issue for a short time, often allowing it to spread much more quickly. When rust has developed on metal, it is usually because it isn’t sealed properly, and moisture has been given a chance to do its dirty work. Once even the tiniest spot of rust is left untreated, it will begin to grow and eat away the area all around it. This is when you will see bubbles in paint and other protective coatings. This can happen on refrigerators, dishwashers, cars, boats, or just about anything which has been made of a metal or alloy. Cleaning rust stains and spots may also need to be done on concrete or carpeting, as rust on metal will leave its harsh mark on anything it touches.
The most universally accepted treatment for cleaning rust on concrete and cement is to use Bar Keepers Friend. You will want to dilute about three tablespoons of this product per gallon of water that you need. After suctioning the area to be cleaned, being sure that all dust and debris is completely out the way, you will want to find a sturdy nylon scrub brush for the application of the cleanser and scouring of the area. Don’t be afraid to get this area wet, and scrub with full gusto. After each scrubbing session, you will want to absorb the excess water and assess your progress. Once the stain has been completely removed, you will need to rinse the spot with warm, clean water and a sponge until it is all clear of soap and puddles. You can use a higher concentration of Bar Keepers Friend if the stain doesn’t respond to the recommended application.
For cleaning rust off of glass, you may want to gauge how intense the stain is and the type of glass that it has appeared on. For lesser stains, you can use a product such as Bar Keepers Friend and a hard bristled scrub brush or toothbrush. For a more prominent stain, you may need to use a fine copper scouring pad. These can be found at a department or hardware store near you. Be sure to check the area often, whichever method you choose, as you don’t want to scrub too much.
In the home, cleaning rust stains from expensive carpets can be a real challenge. Rather than chancing a complete ruin of your rug, you may want to consider a mild household acid solution. Lemon juice or white vinegar are great choices, and you can test both on the stain to determine which one will do for your project.