Removing rust: natural products and techniques by surface type

Little by little, it takes over everywhere: in my kitchen, my bathroom, my garden...

... rust, if I don’t deal with it quickly, it can become really hard to get rid of!

At least, that’s what most people think, but thanks to some of the amazing tips shared by the best housekeepers on Yoojo, I’ve found ways to easily tackle rust stains with no fuss!

In this guide, I’ll be showing you the best natural products to eliminate rust and the different techniques I use depending on the surface I’m cleaning!

3 miracle natural products to clean rust

No need to buy expensive and toxic chemical products! Rust is a natural process that can easily be removed with everyday household items.

Let me prove it with these 3 miracle products you probably already have at home, which will help remove even the toughest rust stains.

Lemon juice + Salt = Rust remover

To remove rust on a tiled floor or vinyl surface, I sprinkle the affected areas with lemon juice and then cover it with fine table salt (or coarse salt).

I leave it for at least an hour. As soon as I see the rust stain start to fade, that’s the sign that it’s working. Then, I scrub the area vigorously with the rough side of a sponge, followed by rinsing with cold water.

If some stains remain, I repeat the process. This is especially true for old rust stains that are harder to remove.

If I don’t have lemon juice, this trick also works with white vinegar. But I always test it on a small, hidden spot first to make sure it doesn’t discolour the vinyl. I’ll talk more about this in the next sections!

White vinegar: The natural rust remover

White vinegar, a household cleaning hero, is also effective against rust because it acts like a solvent. Here’s how I use it:

If the rust isn’t too thick, I pour white vinegar over the affected areas in my kitchen or bathroom and leave it for a few hours. Then, I scrub with a brush to remove the loosened rust and rinse with clean water.

With white vinegar, I can also make a paste by mixing it with chalk powder. I apply the paste to the rusted area, let it dry, and then clean the area with a microfiber cloth before rinsing and drying it.

Another trick is to use vinegar in its simplest form. I pour it over the rusty areas and let it work for 24 hours.

After this time, I scrub the area with a sponge to eliminate all rust traces and then rinse. I make sure to protect any non-rusted areas with a cloth during this process.

On chrome surfaces, I dip household aluminium in white vinegar and use it to scrub the rust spots.

Baking soda: Multiple solutions for your rust problems

If you don’t have baking soda at home, add it to your shopping list right away…you can use it for so many things 

1/ Make a paste with baking soda and water.

Once your mixture is thick enough, apply it to the rust-affected areas. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then scrub with a brush and rinse.

2/ Here's another natural trick using baking soda.

The proportions are: one tablespoon of baking soda for one tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply your solution to the rust stains and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Then rinse with clear water or use a damp sponge.

3/ Another more abrasive method is to use baking soda with a potato.

Cut a potato in half and sprinkle the exposed side with baking soda. Then rub the rusted areas with your potato coated in baking soda.

This should solve your rust problems!

Removing rust stains on different surfaces : the easy solutions

Each surface has its own little “trick and tip.” Whether it’s tile, iron pipes, or your stainless steel tap, I explain how to get rid of that pesky rust.

Removing rust from tiles

Removing rust from tiles is fairly easy, as you can just apply a rust remover and wait for it to take effect. 

Here is our two-step technique that will help you get rid of even the most stubborn stains:

1/ Use baking soda with a bit of water to create a paste that you apply to the rust stain. Leave it for 20 minutes and then scrub the residue off with a brush and a sponge. 

Usually, this should solve your problem. If not, move on to step two.

2/ Cut a lemon in half and squeeze it over the rust stain so its acidity can tackle the stain. Add a generous layer of salt over it and let it rest for about an hour. 

Clean your tiles, which should now be shiny and as good as new! 

Removing rust from iron

Rust forms on objects containing iron in the presence of water and oxygen, leading to the oxidation process... so it’s normal that your iron pipes and old taps in your countryside house are particularly prone to rust development. 

Fortunately, rust is not irreversible, and you can easily get rid of it. 

First of all, on iron objects, avoid scrubbing with an abrasive sponge. You risk scratching the metal. Instead, opt for techniques that allow the product to sit.

The best strategy is to use a paste made of baking soda and water, as you can place it on any surface without it sliding off (perfect for pipes). If needed, you can also use kitchen cling film to keep the paste in place. 

After 20 minutes, remove the baking soda and clean your iron object with a sponge soaked in hot water and sprinkled with soda crystals. Don’t forget to wear gloves and finish by rinsing with water to leave everything spotless. 

Removing Rust from Stainless Steel

Your bathroom is undoubtedly filled with stainless steel, from pipes to sinks. Even though the name suggests this metal is stainless, you can still find surface rust on it.

Because the air is humid when you take a shower, it’s a room particularly prone to rust formation.

No need to go heavy here, use a non-abrasive sponge with lemon juice and scrub for a few minutes. 

If that’s not enough, use a spray with white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and scrub with a cloth. 

Usually, surface rust is very easy to remove... and that’s a good thing!

Help, I Can’t Remove the Rust

Sometimes, that pesky rust is stubborn, no matter which technique you use. If you have a lot of rust to clean or can’t do it alone, we recommend browsing the profiles of the best housekeepers near you. 

Filter by city, read previous clients’ comments, discover their qualifications and experience, and easily choose your ideal cleaner.

Don’t feel like searching? 

Ask for a personalized cleaning service right here, on Yoojo, and let the cleaning professionals in your area send you their offers... plus, posting an ad on Yoojo is free and without obligation !