How to clean rusty kitchen utensils

How to clean rusty kitchen utensils

What causes Rust?

The items that you often use in your house are made of cast iron, carbon steel, and wrought iron. The items that contain iron in your daily use such as skillets, yard equipment, knives, garden tools, fireplace, and nails are just a few examples. When your favorite items are not properly cleaned and dried, they get covered with reddish-brown rust.

How Does Rust Occur?

When iron and oxygen meet chemical reactions occur and make Rust. In the presence of water or moisture in the air Metal gets rusted if it is not removed from it and if rust is not removed it continues to build up and get worse.

Does Stainless Steel Rust?

Yes if it's not properly cleaned or polished stainless steel gets rust but by taking care properly stainless steel doesn’t get rust because it contains alloy chromium which oxidizes and generates a natural protective coating on the metal.

How to Prevent Rust

To prevent rust from forming on metal cookware, do not allow the metal to air dry. Dry the metal pan with a microfiber towel right after washing to remove any water from the pans or flatware. Prevent rust from forming on cast iron by simply seasoning the pan before the initial use and continually and routinely seasoning it as it is used. You can also buy stainless steel cookware that contains chromium, which will help protect the metal from rusting. Thoroughly cleaning stainless steel pans after use will keep the metal looking great and help it last longer too.

How to Remove Rust

Here are some general tips about removing rust from stainless steel:

  1. In 2 cups of water mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
  2. With the help of a toothbrush buff the solution of baking soda on the rust stain. As baking soda is non-abrasive and will mildly take off the rust stain from stainless steel.
  • Never use firm scouring powders, as they will scratch the surface and detach the finish.
  • Never use steel wool, as it will scratch the surface.

What household products can you use to remove rust?

You don’t need to buy commercial rust cleaners since many household products can easily do the job. The most effective products include baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.


How do you remove rust from metal objects?

The most powerful way to detach rust from metal is by mixing water and baking soda until it forms a thick brew. You can roll out this brew on all the rusty spots and let it sit for at least an hour. Then scrub it with a hard brush to remove rust from metal things. Now wash out the brew and dry the item.

How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron

  1. Thoroughly scrape the pan with steel wool.
  2. Wash with soap and water.
  3. Pat completely dry with a towel or place the pan on low heat for just a couple of minutes until dry.
  4. Pour a quarter-sized amount of cooking oil into the pan and use a paper towel to coat the inside with the oil.
  5. Reseason the cast iron pan by placing it in the oven face down at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. 
  6. Put a piece of aluminum foil on the rack below to catch excess oil.
  7. Remove the pan and let it cool.
Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel
  • Try warm water
  • Use mild non-scratching abrasive cleaners on your grill
  • Spray a little vinegar
  • Apply glass cleaner
  • Pour some rubbing alcohol or other chemical solvents
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