How to remove rust from tools

Key Steps

• Use a mix of Cif Cream Multi-purpose mixed with water to clean your tools.

• Sand the rust away.

• Use a salt and vinegar mix to submerge your rusty tools.

• Leave for around 3 days before buffing away rust with steel wool.

• Use commercial cleaners safely where natural options don’t work.

Tools can get rusty easily, particularly ones that are kept in damp garden sheds or garages. Sadly, rusty tools aren’t as efficient. Here we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for how to remove rust from tools using both commercial cleaners and homemade solutions. Once you have finished cleaning your rusty tools, use our guide to organise your garage and keep your tools tidy to help prevent rust returning.

Did you know you can mix Cif Cream Multi-purpose cleaner with water to remove rust from tools? Submerge your rusty tools to clean them, then sand away the rust.

How to remove rust from stainless steel and other metal tools: 3 easy hacks

With a few easy steps, we’ll show you how to get rust off tools using home remedies and commercial cleaners.

No matter which way you decide to remove rust from tools, it is important to make sure you do so safely

• Always wear protective clothing when using commercial cleaners.

• Take care when cleaning tools which have sharp parts such as garden shears.

1. A solution of Cif Cream and water can be very effective for cleaning rusty tools

• Mix them together until you create suds.

• Submerge your rusty tools in the soapy water.

• Use a cloth to gently clean away any grease and grime from your tools.

• Sand the rust away.

• Use steel wool to scrub any final stubborn rust off the tool surface.

• Rinse your tools off.

• Thoroughly dry them, any remaining water could cause rust to return.

2. A natural answer for how to clean rusty tools uses vinegar and salt 

• Place the tools into a bucket or bowl.

• Cover the rusted area completely in white vinegar.

• Add 1/4 cup of salt to the vinegar in the container, spreading it evenly over the rusted areas of the tool.

• Leave for 1-3 days to allow the solution to soak off the rust.

• Use steel wool to buff off the rust.

• For stubborn rust spots, submerge the tools in a mix of two-parts water and one-part baking soda.

 3. If these methods aren’t strong enough to remove rust from your tools, try a stronger commercial cleaner instead

• Take care to wear gloves and eye goggles whenever using strong chemical cleaners.

• Do the cleaning outside if possible, or make sure that the area you’re working in is properly ventilated.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using any chemicals.

With our guide for how to clean rusty tools you can have your tools ready to use and performing at their best in no time. For more rust removal tips, why not read our articles on homemade rust removers.