How Does Rust Remover Work?
- Most rust removers clean the rust off of objects by changing the molecular structure of the rust via a chemical reaction. There are dozens of these solutions available commercially, but the most common contain phosphoric acid, oxalic acid or another acidic substance, such as vinegar. These acidic compounds bond with the iron oxide to change its chemical makeup. For example, the phosphoric acid converts the iron oxide to iron phosphate, a considerably weaker acid. The oxalic acid works to neutralize the acid completely. Both are successful in ridding the rust of its corrosive properties. In most cases, the rust can be rinsed off with water after this change takes place since the bonds with the surface are altered.
- Some rust removers, such as those used solely for surface stain, contain baking soda, soap or a lime-based liquid. These cleaners work by mixing with the stain and eventually absorbing it. Hence, when you wipe the cleaner off of the surface, you are wiping off the rust as well. These cleaners rarely work well on metal, unless the rust spot is new and very, very small.
- Most rust can be removed using one of the two methods above, but this does not mean that the structural integrity of the object is automatically restored to what it was originally. For instance, if you have a rusted out ladder and you clean the rust off of it, that doesn't mean that the ladder is now safe to use when it wasn't before. Rust remover can fix things aesthetically but it is not by any means a miracle cure.