Rust turns up in some very expected, but also unexpected, places. Whether it’s the gears of your 10-year-old bicycle or the unpleasant orangey trail that adorns your bathtub, a coat of rust can really give your things the appearance of being run down. Unsurprisingly, the best thing to do in these situations is to turn to a rust remover.
A lot of people think a coat of rust indicates that something has reached the end of its lifespan. The reality is that rust can look a lot worse than it actually is. And, by using a specially designed rust remover, it’s possible to give your home surfaces, tools, cookware, car parts and other rust-ridden belongings a new lease of life. Whether you convert and cover the rust or use chemicals to dissolve the unsightly cover, rust removers can restore a shiny and healthy-looking appearance.
Below, you’ll find five of the best rust removers on the market. Options include environmentally-aware cleaners as well as more chemical-heavy choices for when your rust is a really serious problem. Check them out and find the right rust remover to get rid of any unsightly rust in your home.
1. Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover
With a formula that’s biodegradable and non-toxic, the Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover is the choice for anyone with an environmental conscience. In addition to its eco-friendly side, the versatile rust remover comes ready to use and won’t produce fumes or bad odors during use. It’s great for cleaning cookware, grill grates, antiques and other household items. In addition, this rust remover is safe on your skin and eyes and doesn’t require any special equipment, like gloves or masks, during use.
PROS: The biodegradable and non-toxic composition make this a great option for environmentally conscious cleaners.
CONS: Although more than capable of completing the majority of rust removal jobs, there is a trade off to this biodegradable cleaner’s effectiveness.
2. Corroseal Rust Converter Metal Primer
The Corroseal Rust Converter Metal Primer is a versatile answer to restoring, protecting and extending the life of your metal equipment. The water-based formula can be applied with a brush, roll or spray and appears as a thick white covering at first. Then, once the rust conversion has started, you’ll see the primer change to a sleek black color. It’s truly a quick and easy way to breath life back into rust-ridden items.
PROS: The range of available sizes means you can order the right amount for the job(s) you have in mind.
CONS: Finish can be a bit rubbery when a thick layer is applied which may not be suitable for some users.
3. Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Powder
If you’d prefer not to have to use any elbow grease when ridding your metal items of rust, then the Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Powder could be the choice for you. This versatile powder, which can be used in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room, rinses away tough-to-shift rust stains with ease. It’s a great choice for households in high iron and hard water areas and effectively works to extend the life of machines and maintain softener performance. In addition, this USA-made product is also safe for use in your septic.
PROS: This effective rust remover can help your baths, sinks and softeners to shine like new.
CONS: As the product is a skin and eye irritant, it’s important that it doesn’t contact your skin and that it’s only used in well-ventilated areas.
4. Quick-Glo Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover
Whether you’re cleaning chrome, brass, stainless steel or glass, the Quick-Glo Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover is a non-toxic way to remove rust and water spots and give your material a good shine at the same time. This USA-made cleaner is non-toxic, eco-friendly and doesn’t produce harmful fumes, meaning you can use it outside and inside your home and without gloves. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to put a shine on their metal surfaces. One treatment with this remover will leave a protective barrier on your belongings which can last up to one year.
PROS: Because of its non-toxic and eco-friendly composition, this remover can be used outside and inside without worry.
CONS: If you have a lot of rust-ridden items, eight ounces may not get you very far.
5. CLR PRO Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
The CLR PRO Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover is an industrial-strength rust remover. It works quickly to leave metal and other surfaces calcium, lime & soap scum-free while also giving them a streak-free shine. Whether you’re cleaning countertops, bathtubs, showers, tiles or fixtures, this versatile rust remover can be used all around the home. Furthermore, the cleaner is EPA-certified and part of a program which offers safer alternatives to more harmful chemicals. This USA-made product is free of ammonia, phosphates and bleach.
PROS: This is a versatile cleaner which can be used to clean rust-filled surfaces around your home or office space.
CONS: As the cleaner is EPA-certified, it may not be the most effective cleaner on the market.