Home Garden

The Best Way to Remove Rust From Metal Cabinets

Moisture and oxygen combine in metal and form unsightly and potentially damaging rust spots. If left to fester, rust spots can corrode clear through metals and cause thin spots and holes. Finding and removing rust spots early help to prevent further damage to metal cabinets. While a number of methods exist that aid in the removal of rust, such as heavy chemicals or sandblasting, certain methods are more practical for use in a home environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Steel wool
  • Baking soda
  • Rag
  • Anti-corrosive sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Chip away loose rust with your finger. Wear gloves to avoid cuts and rust lodging underneath a fingernail.

    • 2

      Sand excess rust away with steel wool. Continue until the majority of the rust is removed.

    • 3

      Create a mixture of baking soda and water. A 3:1 ratio of baking soda to water provides a paste thick enough to adhere to metal cabinets.

    • 4

      Apply the baking soda paste to the rusted area. Allow the paste to sit overnight.

    • 5

      Clean the baking soda from the cabinet and scrub the area with steel wool again. Clean the area using a rag dampened with warm water. Cover the area with an anti-corrosive sealant.