How to Get Rust Off Metal Cabinets

Rust on metal cabinets can be an eyesore, but thankfully, it is not too difficult to remove. With some simple homemade solutions and a bit of elbow grease, you can restore the look of your metal cabinets. Here are some effective ways to get rust off metal cabinets.

Cleaning Supplies You Will Need

Before starting to remove rust, gather the necessary cleaning supplies:

• White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Baking soda
• Steel wool or sandpaper
• Rags or paper towels
• Rubber gloves to protect your hands
• Eye protection like goggles (if using intense scrubbing)
• Plastic drop cloth or newspapers to cover surfaces

Make sure you have enough rags or paper towels on hand. Removing rust can get messy, so lay down a plastic drop cloth or newspapers to protect floors and surfaces. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection too if you plan on rigorous scrubbing.

Removing Surface Rust

If the rust on your metal cabinets is light or surface rust, these DIY solutions can help remove it:

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply it onto rusted areas using a rag or brush. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub away the rust with a sponge or scouring pad. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that lifts rust without harming metal.

Vinegar

Dip a cloth or rag in undiluted white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Rub the vinegar-soaked rag over rust spots. Let it sit for at least one hour. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves rust. For stubborn rust, let the vinegar sit overnight before scrubbing.

Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, lemon juice contains citric acid that can dissolve rust. Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly over rusted areas. Let the juice sit for 30 minutes to an hour before scrubbing off. You can also combine equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the solution onto rust and let it soak in.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

For heavily rusted cabinets, mix a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Spread it on rusted parts of the cabinet and allow it to bubble for 20 minutes. Scrub with steel wool or a wire brush. The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar breaks down rust.

Salt and Vinegar

Make a paste with salt and vinegar. Apply it to rusted metal and let it sit for 2-3 hours. Use a scouring pad to remove the loosened rust afterwards. The salt acts as a mild abrasive with the vinegar to get rid of rust.

Removing Stubborn Rust

If the above methods don’t fully remove all rust, use these techniques:

Sandpaper or Steel Wool

Lightly rub very fine grit sandpaper or steel wool over remaining rust spots. Sand gently so you don’t scratch the cabinet’s finish. Wipe away any rust particles with a dry cloth. Be careful when sanding near branding or logos printed on metal.

Naval Jelly

Naval jelly contains phosphoric acid designed to dissolve rust on metal. Wear gloves when applying it. Brush a layer of naval jelly onto rusted areas. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing off. Rinse cleaned areas with water. Naval jelly can also protect metal from future rust.

Rust Remover Spray

Special rust remover sprays are available at hardware stores. Spray it directly onto rust, wait 5-10 minutes, then scrub with an abrasive sponge. These sprays contain oxalic acid, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors that remove rust and prevent flash rusting.

Sandblasting

For extensive rust removal, you may need to sandblast. This abrasive process uses high-pressure air mixed with sand to strip rust completely down to bare metal. Leave sandblasting to professionals if you don’t have experience handling the equipment.

Preventing Future Rust

Once you’ve removed all visible rust, take steps to prevent new rust from forming:

• Clean with mild soap and water, then wipe dry immediately. Avoid letting water pool.
• Apply paste wax or silicone wax to seal pores in the metal.
• Consider painting cabinet exteriors with rust-inhibiting primer and enamel paint.
• Install moisture-absorbing silica gel canisters inside cabinets.
• Use cabinet dehumidifiers to maintain low indoor humidity.
• Immediately clean up any water spills or leaks near cabinets.
• Keep cabinets away from moisture sources like dishwashers, sinks, and windows.

With diligent cleaning and moisture control, your renewed metal cabinets should stay rust-free for years to come. Don’t let troublesome rust damage the looks of your cabinets. Banish it quickly and simply with these DIY rust removal methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Rust from Metal Cabinets

How do you remove rust from metal cabinets without removing the paint?

Use rust removal methods that are gentle on surfaces like vinegar, baking soda solutions, or rust removal sprays. Avoid harsh abrasives like sandpaper or steel wool if you don’t want to disturb the paint.

What kind of vinegar removes rust best?

White and apple cider vinegars work well thanks to their acetic acid content. Avoid malt vinegar.

Can Coke remove rust from metal cabinets?

Yes, Coca-Cola can dissolve rust due to its phosphoric and citric acid content. Pour Coke over rusted spots and let sit for a few hours before scrubbing.

What removes rust instantly?

Naval jelly works fastest to dissolve rust, lifting it in just 10-15 minutes before scrubbing needed. Phosphoric acid-based rust converter also changes rust to an inert black layer quickly.

Can baking soda and aluminum foil remove rust?

Yes, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it on rust, then cover with aluminum foil and let it sit overnight. The chemical reaction can help lift rust for scrubbing off the next day.

Does WD-40 remove rust?

No, WD-40 is not formulated to remove rust. It can loosen rust buildup, but it does not dissolve or convert rust. Use specific rust removal products.

Can I just paint over rust?

It’s not recommended. Rust will continue oxidizing under paint, causing bubbles and flakes later on. Remove rust properly before priming and painting metal.

Conclusion

Rusty metal cabinets don’t have to stay an eyesore. With a few inexpensive and straightforward DIY solutions, you can restore their clean sheen. All it takes is some vinegar, baking soda, scrubbing pads, and elbow grease to conquer rust. Just be sure to address the root causes of rust to prevent recurrence. Follow these tips, and your cabinets will look factory-fresh again.