Learn How to Clean Rust Off a Knife Easily!| Top 10 knife Sharpeners

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How to Clean Rust Off a Knife

Understanding Rust and Its Prevention

Rust is formed when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere, turning into iron oxide. Here are a few preventive steps you can take to keep your knives rust-free:

• Make sure that the knives are completely dry before being stored.
• Hand washing should always be preferred to dishwashers. These machines often allow knives to collide against each other causing costly blade and handle damages.
• Magnetic strip or knife block should be used for storage to keep the moisture at bay

To Remove Rust from Knife, We have typically 5 Master Methods:

Method 1: Baking Soda as an Effective Rust Remover

Baking soda can be an excellent rust remover when dealing with knife blade rust. Follow these steps to bid farewell to rust:

You will need:

• Water
• Baking soda
• Toothbrush
• Sponge
• Steel wool
• Cloth

Directions:

1. Clean Your Knife: Begin by wiping down your knife using a cleaning product and wiping off with cloth; using water can speed rust formation.
2. Create a Baking Soda Paste: Combine baking soda and either water or lemon juice into a thick paste in a bowl.
3. Clean Your Blade with Paste: Using an old toothbrush, generously spread this thick paste across visible rust; this should suffice if rust is minor enough that toothbrush scrubbing alone won’t do.
4. Utilising a sponge: Or for less damaging removal of rust removal try using an abrasive sponge like those available from Home Depot or Lowe’s.
5. For heavy rust: When cleaning heavy rust from blades, opt for steel wool as it offers more abrasion. Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously so as not to damage the blade’s finish.
6. Wipe Down Your Blade: Once all rust has been eliminated from the blade, clean off any baking soda residue using a cloth and thoroughly.

Method 2: The Potato Trick

Surprisingly, raw potatoes can effectively dissolve rust from knife blades due to their oxalic acid content. This method is quick and easy:

You will need:

• Raw potato
• Cloth

Directions:

1. Stab the knife into a potato: Insert the rusty knife into a raw potato and leave it for a few hours.
2. Remove the knife: After a few hours, take out the knife.
3. Rinse and dry: Rinse the knife to remove any juices, then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Discard the potato as it is no longer edible.

This method can also work using onion instead of a potato, use the one that is convenient for you.

Method 3: Oil for Light Rust Stains

Applying a light oil to the blade can effectively remove light rust stains. Different types of oils can be used here but i prefer kerosene or diesel Here’s how to do it:

You will need:

• Oil
• Cloth
• Steel wool

Directions:

1. Applying Oil: Use a piece of cloth to apply a thin layer of oil directly to the blade. Use a minimal amount to prevent dust and debris accumulation.
2. Wait: Let the oil soak in for approximately 48 to 72 hours. The oil will penetrate the affected areas of the blade and loosen rust spots.
3. Clean it: After three days, use steel wool to carefully remove the loosened rust.

Method 4: Lemon and Salt Solution

The acidity of lemon combined with the abrasiveness of salt can effectively remove small rust spots:

You will need:

• Lemon
• Salt
• Steel wool
• Cloth

Directions:

1. Cover with salt and lemon: Apply salt over the rusted areas of the blade and squeeze lemon juice over the salt layer.
2. Allow it to sit: Let the knife soak in the mixture for about two hours.
3. Scrub it off: Use steel wool to scrub the blade and remove the rust spots.
4. Clean it: Rinse the knife with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth. Avoid prolonged immersion in water, as moisture can lead to rusting.

Method 5: CLR – A Powerful Rust Remover

CLR is a trusted cleaner for removing rust from knife blades. Follow these precautions and steps:

Important Notes:

• Use CLR in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
• Wear gloves when handling CLR, as it is caustic.
• Do not mix CLR with other cleaners.
• Do not use CLR on galvanized metal.

You will need:

• CLR
• Gloves
• Cloth
• Warm water

Directions:

1. Mixture: Mix equal parts CLR and warm water to create a solution.
2. Dip the blade: Submerge the knife blade in the mixture. Make sure that CLR does not touch non-metal handles.
3. Wait: Leave the blade in CLR for precisely two minutes, then rinse it immediately with cold water.
4. Stuborn Stains: If persistent stains remain on your blade, you can use undiluted CLR and rinse it immediately with cold water.

PROs and Cons of Each Method

• Baking Soda: Safe for most blades but may require elbow grease for heavy rust.
• Potato: Simple and natural but not as effective for severe rust.
• Oil: Good for light rust, but waiting time is required.
• Lemon and Salt: Effective for small spots but may require multiple applications.
• CLR: Very effective but requires safety precautions.