How to Remove Rust From Outdoor Furniture

If your patio furniture is made from iron or an iron-based material, then chances are high you’re going to deal with rust at some point. And when that happens, knowing how to remove rust quickly, cheaply, and effectively can save you a lot of time and effort over the long-term—as can learning how to prevent rust from occurring in the first place.

Much of today’s outdoor patio furniture is treated for rust prior to sale, but it’s not always wholly effective for keeping your pieces rust-free year after year. That’s because outdoor furniture is exposed to a lot of elements, including those that are at the root of rust development. Over time, all of this exposure can put a heavy toll on the finish and cause rust to appear, which is an unwelcome sight on an otherwise picture perfect patio.

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Below, we’re covering why rust happens, plus helpful tips for how to remove rust and how to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Here’s what to know.

What is rust and why does it occur?

There are two factors that cause patio sets to rust: the material that they’re made out of and the elements that they’re exposed to.

Rust is an iron oxide—i.e. the result of iron meeting oxygen and water, a process known as oxidization. In the beginning stages, it appears as small spots of reddish-brown flakes. If left untreated however, it can expand to cover a larger surface area, eventually eating away at enough of the iron that it impacts the structural integrity of your furniture.

Only iron can rust, which means that this a problem you’re liable to face if your patio furniture is made out of wrought or cast iron, or if it’s steel with an iron coating. If you want to avoid it entirely, look for patio furniture made out of non-rusting materials such as aluminum, teak, or all-weather rattan.

How to remove rust from furniture

Any piece of iron furniture left outside is prone to oxidization—and thus rust—since it’s obviously going to come into contact with both air and moisture. Fortunately, the process for how to remove rust is actually quite simple, and you likely already have what you need right at home.

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Here are several options that should be effective at removing rust and getting your furniture looking good as (almost) new again:

1. Gently scrape the rust away

   Using a wire brush or piece of steel wool, lightly scrub the affected area to remove rust flakes and create a smooth surface. If your patio furniture is painted, you’ll need to be doubly careful since you don’t want to accidentally remove the paint in the process (though if the rust problem is particularly bad, a new paint job may be in the cards anyway).

2. Use baking soda

   Is there anything that baking soda can’t do? This alkaline ingredient helps counteract the effects of oxidization, in turn getting rid of rust without the need for harsh and harmful chemicals.

   To use it, make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then use a wire brush or piece of steel wool to scrub it off. If you’re still seeing some rust, repeat the process another one or two times.

3. Use Coca-Cola

   Ridiculous as it may sound, that can of Coke in your fridge can actually be quite helpful when it comes to rust removal. That’s thanks to carbonation, which can dissolve iron oxide for a rust-free finish.

   For this simple task, just pour Coca-Cola directly onto the rust stain and start to scrub away at it with a clean microfiber cloth or sponge. Keep in mind that the brown mixture that comes off (a combination of Coke and rust) can stain, so don’t wear your Sunday best while you do this.

4. Use a potato

   For another creative option for how to remove rust, head to your pantry and grab a white potato, which is high in oxalic acid—an organic compound that, among other things, can be a pro at removing rust from iron furniture.

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   Cut the potato in half to expose its inner flesh, then sprinkle it with some salt and scrub the rust with it. The oxalic acid in the potato creates a chemical reaction that will combat the rust, while the salt will act as an abrasive to remove flakes. When you’re done, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth and you should be good to go.

5. Use white vinegar

   White vinegar is similar to baking soda in that it can be used to tackle a huge range of household cleaning tasks. That’s because it’s both acidic and naturally antimicrobial, making it quite effective at removing certain types of stains—including rust.

   Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and add a pinch of salt to increase the acidity level. Spray it on the affected area and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then gently scrub off with a wire brush or piece of steel wool.

6. Use a commercial rust remover

   A final option is to use a commercial rust remover, available at any home improvement store. Because these are heavily chemical-based they can be a great method for removing rust, though you’ll want to take proper precautions when using them, such as wearing gloves and goggles.

   We recommend trying one or more of the natural rust removal methods above first and then, if you’re not having success, looking into a commercial remover. That way, you can save yourself money (and chemical exposure) if the natural method gets the job done.

How to prevent rust from forming

In most cases, getting rid of rust is quite easy. The same goes for preventing it from forming in the first place though, so might as well make yourself familiar with some of the things that you can do prevent oxidation and keep your patio furniture rust free.

Start here:

• • Protect it from moisture – Cover your patio set when not in use to keep it dry. You could also store it inside, such as in a shed or your garage, if you have the space.
  • Dry off furniture right away – It doesn’t take long for iron oxide to form, so if your patio furniture does come into contact with moisture, dry it off immediately with a clean towel.
  • Use a rust-resistance paste wax – Pick up a bottle of rust-resistant wax and give your patio furniture a good rub down. This provides a protective barrier between the iron and the outside elements, and as a bonus, it also keeps your furniture looking extra glossy and clean.
  • Keep your furniture clean – Set aside some time at least twice a year to give your iron patio furniture a thorough cleaning. Warm water, a gentle detergent, and a clean rag are all that you’ll need, after which you can dry the pieces off with a towel.

The more extensive the rust damage, the more you’ll have to do restore your furniture. However, most instances of rust can be easily removed—and prevented—with a bit of care, so stay proactive and keep an eye out for any rust that does form so that you can get rid of it as soon as possible.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor