Rusty metal cabinets can be an eyesore in your home. While some light surface rust may come off with regular cleaning, heavily rusted cabinets usually require special treatment to restore them to their original state. Cleaning rust properly not only makes your cabinets look better but also prevents further rust damage.

With some work, you can get rid of rust and revive your old metal cabinets. Read on to learn the steps for cleaning rusty metal cabinets and restoring them to their full glory.

What Causes Rust on Metal Cabinets?

Before learning how to remove rust, it’s helpful to understand what causes rust in the first place. Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture for a prolonged period.

Common causes of rust on metal cabinets include:

• Exposure to humidity or dampness – High humidity, rain, leaks, or excessive moisture in the air can lead to rust formation on metal. Cabinets in basements, garages or bathrooms are more prone to rusting.
• Lack of proper maintenance – Not cleaning or protecting the metal regularly allows rust to slowly build up over time.
• Scratches and chips in paint/coating – Breaks in the protective finish expose the bare metal underneath to the elements.
• Prolonged wetness – Spills, leaks or splashes that sit on the metal surface eventually cause rusting.
• Salt air/water – Seaside homes tend to have higher humidity and salt content in the air, causing faster rusting.

Regular cleaning and polishing keep rust at bay. But once rust sets in, you need specific methods to get rid of it and prevent further damage.

How to Remove Rust from Metal Cabinets

Removing rust requires a bit of elbow grease. But with the right technique and products, you can thoroughly clean rust from metal.

Here is a step-by-step process for dealing with rusted cabinets:

Step 1: Assess the Level of Rust

Start by inspecting the cabinets closely to determine the rust level:

• Surface rust – This is light rust that affects only the surface, showing up as orange dust or spots. Surface rust can be easier to remove.
• Pitting – If you see tiny cavities or holes in the metal, it is pitted. Pitting occurs when rust starts eating away at the surface.
• Flaking – Heavy rust causes metal to start flaking or peeling away in chunks. Flaking indicates deep damage.

Step 2: Remove Lose Rust with a Wire Brush

Before using cleaners, you need to remove all loose rust with a wire brush. This helps products penetrate and acts as surface prep.

Get a sturdy wire brush (bronze or steel) and scrub at the rust to scrape off any flakes or layers. Apply pressure as you brush in directional strokes.

Remove all the debris and dust with a vacuum cleaner or dry cloth.

Step 3: Apply a Rust Remover Solution

For stuck-on rust that doesn’t brush off, use a commercial rust remover solution. These typically contain oxalic or phosphoric acid to dissolve and loosen rust.

Some common rust removal products are:

• Phosphoric acid-based gels – Apply thick acid gel on rust with a brush and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing off. Wear gloves as the acid can irritate skin.
• Oxalic acid solutions – Spray oxalic acid on the affected area and wipe with a damp cloth after 15 minutes. It bleaches the rust stains.
• Tannic acid solutions – Tannic acid is derived from plants and works well for spot-cleaning rust. Apply with a cotton pad.
• Rust converter liquids – These chemically convert rust into an inert material that can be scrubbed off more easily. No need for heavy scrubbing.
• Naval jelly – This old school rust remover contains phosphoric acid and can dissolve heavy rust buildup. Rinse thoroughly after use.

Be sure to follow all usage instructions provided with the product.

Step 4: Remove Rust Stains with Vinegar

Once the loose flakes are gone, you’ll still see rust stains on the metal. To remove these, use white vinegar.

Make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Apply it on the stains and leave it on for at least one hour.

Use an old toothbrush or scrub sponge to gently scrub away the stain marks. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

The mild acid in the vinegar will break down and remove stubborn rust stains without damaging the metal. Wipe down a couple of times if needed.

Step 5: Sand Down Pitted Areas

For metal cabinets with extensive pitting and cavities, the rust removers won’t penetrate fully. Use 80 to 120 grit sandpaper to manually sand away all the pits and grooves down to bare metal.

Wear proper gloves and safety goggles during sanding. Vacuum up all metal dust when finished.

Step 6: Spot Treat Severe Rust

In cases of severe rusting, using a chemical rust converter first helps transform remaining rust into a surface that sands down better. Apply the converter according to package directions.

Leave it on for 8-12 hours before sanding and polishing the converted areas. Wear an N95 mask to avoid inhaling dust.

Step 7: Prevent Flash Rusting

Once stripped down to bare metal, cabinets will immediately start flash rusting when exposed to air. To prevent this:

• Dry the metal thoroughly with clean rags.
• Immediately apply a rust-inhibiting primer or metal prep solution. Allow to dry fully.
• Apply rub-on wax or a thin coat of WD-40 to freshly cleaned areas to seal out moisture temporarily.

This keeps flash rust at bay until you apply fresh paint or enamel.

Step 8: Wipe Down with TSP Substitute

As a final step before recoating, use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) substitute cleaner diluted in water to wipe the cabinets. TSP removes any leftover debris, grease or acids. Rinse thoroughly.

Once dried, the cabinets will be prepared for painting or refinishing to protect the bare metal.

How to Paint Rusty Cabinets After Removing Rust

Proper prep work is vital for getting a smooth, long-lasting finish on repaired metal cabinets. Follow these tips:

• Clean grime – Use TSP or degreaser to thoroughly clean the bare metal before painting.
• Sand surfaces – Lightly sand painted areas to rough up the surface. Also smooth any sharp rust pits.
• Apply primer – Use etching or rust-inhibiting primer specifically made for metal. Allow to fully dry.
• Use interior enamel – Opt for satin or high-gloss oil-based enamel for a durable finish on cabinets. Apply 2-3 thin coats allowing drying time between each.
• Replace hardware – Install new handles and hinges for completely refreshed cabinets.
• Seal with polyurethane – Finally apply 2-3 thin coats of clear polyurethane for added protection and sheen.

With proper prep and painting, your restored metal cabinets will look fresh and new again.

How to Prevent Rust on Metal Cabinets

Prevention is key to keep your refurbished or new metal cabinets looking pristine for years. Here are some rust-proofing tips:

• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid moisture damage.
• Use coasters under pots and pans. Don’t let damp dishes directly touch metal.
• Keep cabinet doors open to air out moist interiors. Run a dehumidifier if needed.
• Install ventilation fans above sinks or cooking areas.
• Avoid splashing water directly on cabinet fronts when cleaning counters.
• Apply a thin coat of paste wax to the inside of doors and exterior every 6 months. Buff off excess.
• Touch up paint scratches and chips as soon as you spot them to avoid rusting.
• Consider waterproof vinyl covers for cabinet bases near sinks or appliances.
• Install moisture-absorbing silica gel canisters inside cabinets to maintain a dry interior.

With proper care and maintenance, your metal cabinets can stay rust-free and look great for decades.

FAQs about Cleaning Rust Off Metal Cabinets

How do you clean rust off old metal cabinets?

Use a wire brush to scrub off loose flakes. Apply a rust remover gel or liquid and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before wiping away. Scrub with vinegar solution and rinse. Sand pitted areas and spot treat deep rust. Finish with a TSP wash before recoating.

What removes rusted stains?

White vinegar or oxalic acid solutions effectively break down and remove stubborn rust stains on metal and other surfaces. Apply and let sit before scrubbing and rinsing clean.

What is the best rust remover?

Phosphoric and oxalic acid-based removers work well for surface rust. For heavy rust, try naval jelly. Converter liquids transform tough rust for easier scrubbing.

What stops flash rust?

Immediately dry the freshly cleaned metal. Apply a primer, rub-on wax or WD-40. This seals out moisture temporarily and prevents flash rusting before painting.

How do you clean rust from metal without sanding?

For surface rust, scrubbing with wire brushes, vinegar and rust removers can eliminate rust without sanding down to bare metal. But deep, pitted rust will likely need sanding for full removal.

What kind of paint adheres best to rusty metal?

Etching primers with zinc phosphate bind best to rusty metal and provide a protective undercoat before applying oil-based enamels.

How do you prepare metal cabinets for painting?

Clean thoroughly with TSP, lightly sand, apply appropriate primer, and opt for satin or semigloss oil-based enamel paints which adhere well to metal surfaces.

Restoring Rusty Cabinets – Final Tips

• For heavy gunk, let degreaser or rust remover soak for 30 mins before scrubbing. Don’t let it dry.
• Use 320 or 400 grit sandpaper when wet-sanding for a super smooth finish before painting.
• Wear protective goggles and acid-resistant gloves while handling corrosive rust cleaners.
• Dispose of rags soaked in chemicals carefully to prevent spontaneous combustion.
• Ventilate the workspace when using chemical rust removers or solvents.
• Buff out fresh paint with extra fine steel wool between coats for an ultra smooth finish.
• Replace deteriorated cabinet bases or shelves that are too far gone instead of refinishing.

With some perseverance and these helpful tips, you can makeover your rusty cabinets to look brand new again. Just be sure to stay on top of regular maintenance to prevent repeat rusting. Happy cabinet restoring!

Conclusion

Rusty metal cabinets can often be salvaged with some cleaning elbow grease and the right products. Assessing the rust level and methodically using rust removers, scrubbing, sanding and prep steps will get them ready for fresh paint. Maintaining proper ventilation, humidity control, prompt spill clean-up and regular polishing are key to keep revitalized cabinets looking pristine. With this comprehensive guide, you have all the information needed to thoroughly clean and restore rusted metal cabinets in your home to their former glory.