Three common myths and misconceptions abound when it comes to rust removal products, such as:

1. All rust removers are the same.
2. All rust removers can be used safely both indoors and outdoors.
3. It is not necessary to protect unaffected areas as rust removers will not harm or damage them.

First of all, not all removal products are created equal.

Each rust treatment works differently from the other products. It all comes down to the active ingredient used to remove rust from the metal. Of course, the most common is oxalic acid.

Unfortunately, oxalic acid is a toxic chemical and must be handled with extreme caution. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label at all times. Always remember to wear rubber gloves, goggles, and a face mask when using this removal product. When working indoors, you must ensure that you are in a well-ventilated room to avoid accidentally inhaling the toxic fumes released during rust treatment.

Don’t be surprised if there is confusion between rust treatment products. For example, phosphoric acid is often mislabeled as a rust remover. Actually, phosphoric acid is an oxide converter. It works by converting or transforming iron oxide, the chemical name for oxide, into a harmless, inert phosphate compound. Rust converters are a completely different class of rust treatment products.

Second, not all rust removal products can be used safely both indoors and outdoors. As mentioned above, most rust removers are acid-based. And products that contain oxalic acid should not be used outdoors. Even in its diluted form, oxalic acid can pose a threat to your garden plants, pets, and children. Therefore, limit its use indoors where it cannot harm anyone else as long as you take precautionary measures.

Third, rust removal products can damage the unaffected parts of the surface you are treating. Take the same precautions you often observe when repainting a car. Cover unaffected parts with masking tape to prevent rust removal product from reacting. Its purpose is to remove rust and not damage or damage unaffected parts.

The most recommended course of action to remove rust from metal is to use homemade ingredients first. These are ingredients that you will commonly find on kitchen shelves, such as white vinegar and lemon juice. Here’s how to do it:

If the rusty item is small, you can soak it in undiluted white vinegar overnight. Then wash the treated item with lukewarm water and dry it completely.

Another method is to mix lemon or lime juice with salt to make a paste. Apply this homemade paste to the rusted area and then let it sit for a couple of hours. Then sand or rub with an abrasive cloth.

If these two methods are not effective in removing rust from the metal surface, only then should you resort to the use of commercial rust removal products.