The Best Ways to Clean Rusty Tools

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Plus, how to prevent rust & store your tools properly

Co-authored by Jon Rowland and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Removing Rust
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• What causes rust?
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• Preventing Rust
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• Storing Tools
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• FAQs
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• Video
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• Tips
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• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

There’s nothing worse than going to start a new project and discovering your tools have rusted. But don’t worry—you don’t have to buy a new set just yet. Most rust can be removed with a bit of patience and a few supplies you likely already have at home. In this article, we’ll teach you all the best ways to get rust off tools (and prevent rust in the first place). Plus, learn what causes tools to rust and get answers to other common questions about removing it.

How do you clean rusty tools?

According to plant and gardening specialist Jon Rowland, soak your rusted tools in 50% vinegar and 50% water overnight or for at least 10 hours. After the soaking period, scrub the rust away with a brush. Wash the tool with soap and clean water to sanitize it, then hang the tools up so they can dry out.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Ways to Remove Rust from Tools

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1. 
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   Sanding Sanding requires a bit of manual labor, but it often removes a great deal of rust. First, apply a degreaser to clean your tool and wipe off any dirt and debris with a tack cloth. Let the tool dry, then scrub off as much rust as possible with steel wool or a stiff wire brush. Next, use a coarse-grit sandpaper on thick patches of rust, then switch to fine-grit for any remaining layers. Rinse and dry the tool completely when you’re done.

   • Depending on how rusty your tool is, sanding it may not remove all the corrosion. In this case, try one of the other methods listed below to finish the job.
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   Vinegar and salt After degreasing and cleaning your tool, place it in a container large enough to fit the entire metal part. Using 1/4 cup (31 g) of salt per liter (4.2 cups) of white vinegar, pour enough vinegar into the container to completely cover the metal part of the tool, then sprinkle the salt on top. Depending on how rusty the tool is, allow it to soak for 1-3 days, checking periodically to see if the rust has softened. Once it has, use a metal brush or steel wool to scrub the surface. Then, wash the tool with soap and water and allow it to dry.

   • Vinegar can also cause tools to rust if it isn’t cleaned off properly, so make sure to rinse your tools really well afterward.
   • This method works well for large areas of rust, as well as hard-to-reach areas.
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   Vinegar and water If your tools aren’t super rusty but could still use a vinegar bath, plant specialist Jon Rowland says, “Soak the rusted tools in [a mixture of] 50% vinegar, 50% water overnight or [for] at least 10 hours.” Check periodically to see if the rust has softened, and when it has, scrub it off with a brush. Once you’ve removed all the rust, clean the tools with soap and water, then hang them up so they can dry properly.
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   Baking soda paste If your tool only has rust stains or small areas of rust, a baking soda paste may do the job. After degreasing and cleaning your tool, pour some baking soda into a bowl and add enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rusted area and let it sit for a few hours. Then, use a brush to scrub off the paste and the rust. Rinse the tool with clean water and allow it to dry.

   • Usually, a 1:1 ratio of baking soda to water does the trick.
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   Hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar Hydrogen peroxide is a mild acid that can dissolve rust, especially when combined with other ingredients, like cream of tartar. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the rusted area and let it sit for 30 minutes to a few hours. Then, buff the area with a damp sponge to remove the rust. Wash the tool with soap and water, then allow it to dry completely.

   • Because hydrogen peroxide is an acid, it can damage metal if it’s left on the surface too long. Clean your tools thoroughly after removing the rust to avoid further damage.
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   Salt and lemon juice If your tool is flat or has only a small amount of rust, squeeze a small amount of lemon juice onto the affected area, sprinkle some salt on top, then add more lemon juice. The citric acid in the juice will react with the rust, while the salt acts as an abrasive. Use a scouring pad or the rind of the lemon to scrub and wipe everything off, then wash the tool thoroughly with soap and water and allow it to dry completely.

   • This method works best with flat surfaces because it’s harder to get into tight spaces than other methods.
   • Make sure to remove all the lemon juice and salt. If it remains, it may react with the unaffected metal and cause damage.
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   WD-40 While standard WD-40 is a lubricant, it can also sometimes help loosen rust bonds and make it easier to remove. Spray WD-40 on the affected surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, scrub it off with something abrasive, like steel wool. The WD-40 will also provide temporary protection against corrosion, preventing further rust.
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   Ketchup It may sound odd, but ketchup can sometimes remove small areas of rust due to its acidity from its high vinegar and tomato content. Apply ketchup liberally to the rusted area and let it sit for a few hours. Then, scrub the ketchup and rust off with a wire brush. Rinse the tool well with soap and water and allow it to dry completely before storing it.

   • While this is a natural rust-removing option, keep in mind that ketchup may attract insects and animals. If you’re doing this outside, cover the area to deter pests.
   • Because ketchup has a thicker consistency than vinegar, it’s a good option for objects that would be difficult or impossible to submerge in a vinegar bath.
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   Commercial rust remover If none of the gentler options do the trick, it may be time to try a commercial rust remover, like oxalic acid. After cleaning and drying your tools, move to a well-ventilated area and put on goggles and rubber gloves. Follow your rust remover’s instructions to apply it to your tool properly. These products are very strong and can be harmful if used incorrectly, so follow their instructions exactly.
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Section 2 of 5:

What causes rust?

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1. 
   Rust forms when iron reacts with oxygen and water. Iron (or steel) is highly susceptible to oxidation, meaning it easily reacts with oxygen. When water or moisture is introduced, it and the oxygen bond to the metal, causing oxidation. This leads to the formation of iron oxide, better known as rust. Tools often rust due to continued exposure to humidity or water vapor, which is why it’s important to keep them clean and dry.

   • Stainless steel and other metals do not rust, but they can corrode.

Section 3 of 5:

Preventing Rust on Tools

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1. 
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   Clean and dry your tools after you use them. To keep your tools in the best condition possible, clean them after every use. Wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth. If necessary, wash them with soap and water to remove stubborn debris and residue. Then, dry them completely before storing them, as any remaining moisture could cause them to rust.

   • When cleaning power tools, make sure they’re unplugged, then use a clean cloth to wipe them off. On occasion, clean them more deeply with a damp cloth.
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   Keep your tools out of the elements. If you use your tools outside, be sure to bring them inside when you’re done using them. This will protect them from rain and other elements that may lead to rust or damage. After washing and drying them, store them in their toolbox or hang them up in a dry, climate-controlled environment.
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   Apply a corrosion inhibitor spray. Cleaning specialist Eduardo Peralta says, “A rust inhibitor may be applied before using a recently-bought tool or before first use. It may also be applied after a rust cleaning for conservation.” Corrosion inhibitor sprays add a protective coating to your tools’ surface to prevent rust from forming. Follow your inhibitor’s instructions to apply the product correctly. Many corrosion inhibitor sprays are long-lasting, so you’ll only have to reapply every year or two.
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   Lubricate any moving parts. Applying a lubricant to your tools’ moving parts can keep them in working order and help prevent rust. Refer to your tool’s owner manual to see which products can be safely used, then follow the lubricant’s instructions to apply it correctly.
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Section 4 of 5:

Storing Your Tools Properly

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1. 
   Store tools in an area with low humidity. After cleaning and drying your tools, it’s important to store them properly so they don’t rust or become otherwise damaged. Humidity can cause your tools to rust, so avoid storing them in areas like your basement or garage, if possible. If you can’t find a storage location with low humidity, set up a dehumidifier instead.

   • If you don’t store your tools in a toolbox, hang them up when you’re done using them. This keeps them off the wet ground and allows them to dry completely.
   • If you keep your tools in a toolbox, keep the box moisture-free with silica gel packs.

Section 5 of 5:

Getting Rust Off Tools FAQs

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1. 1
   How do I get rust off of large tools? If you have large rusty tools, like a shovel or hedge clippers, see if you can submerge them in a large container, like a 5-gallon bucket. Then, proceed to clean them with vinegar as you would smaller tools. If that isn’t an option, spray vinegar directly on the tool, then soak a towel in vinegar and wrap it tightly around the rusted part. Place the tool in a plastic bag, tie it loosely, and let it sit for 24 hours. This should dissolve the rust so you can scrub it away with a scouring pad.

   • After you’ve removed the rust, hose down the tool to remove any remaining flakes and dry it thoroughly.
2. 2
   How do I remove rust from power tools? Power tools require special care because of their electrical components. First, unplug the tool and remove any batteries. Scrub the rust with a dry wire brush to loosen it, then apply a rust remover designed for power tools. Gently clean the rusted areas with steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper, then wipe the tool down with a clean, dry cloth. Apply a thin layer of machine oil to the tool’s metal surface to prevent future rust.
3. 3
   What dissolves rust quickly? Use a commercial-grade product, like oxalic acid, to remove rust quickly. Whichever rust remover you choose, be sure to follow the instructions on the package to use it properly. These chemicals can also be strong, so protect yourself by wearing gloves, a face mask, and goggles as needed.
4. 4
   Why does vinegar remove rust so well? Vinegar removes rust because of a chemical reaction. The acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the iron oxides in rust to create a water-soluble salt. This salt can then be rinsed or scrubbed away, effectively removing the rust.
5. 5
   How often should I clean rusty tools? To help prevent rust in the first place, clean your tools after every use. Wipe them down with a cloth to remove dirt and debris, then rinse them with warm water to remove any stubborn bits. Dry them thoroughly before storing them. If rust appears, clean the tools as soon as possible to prevent further corrosion. The more rust there is, the harder the tools will be to clean.
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Tips

• If your tools are very rusty, it may take several tries to remove all the rust. Be patient.
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• In most cases, rusty tools can be saved. If they’re so corroded they have holes in the metal, however, it’s time to throw them away.
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Warnings

• Even if you aren’t using strong chemicals, wear goggles and a face mask to prevent rust flakes from getting in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
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