Forgot a pot in the sink? Don't let rust spoil your day, or your sink. Try these no-fail methods to remove rust.
Time 15 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
CostLess than $10
Introduction
We all have things we love about our kitchens. I love my big stainless steel sink. I also love my cast iron skillet. Unfortunately, these two faves don't mix, especially when my sink is so well-loved (aka scratched).
Here's what happened: The weather finally turned a somewhat-chilly 65 degrees down here in sweltering Texas, so I made some veggie chili and skillet cornbread. I left the cleanup to my (dear) other half. Whoops! After a night in the sink: Hello, rust.
Luckily, removing rust from stainless steel isn't a big deal. You probably have what you need in your pantry. For more muscle, store-bought cleaners cost next to nothing — a can of Bar Keepers Friend is two or three bucks.
Whether you have a rust ring in your sink, a little spot on a mixing bowl, or a bigger spot on your toaster or dishwasher, these tried and true methods I've been using for years will get your stainless steel gleaming again.
Tools Required
- Microfiber Cloth
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Old toothbrush
Materials Required
- Baking soda
- Bar Keepers Friend
- Coarse salt
- Dish soap
- Lemon juice
Watch How To Remove Rust From Stainless Steel
Project step-by-step (4)
Step 1
Clean first
No matter what method you use, for best results always clean the rusty item first.
- Add a little dish soap to the sponge.
- Run it under warm water and squeeze to get some suds going.
- Scrub the surface of the rusty sink, pot or appliance to remove any grime or food.
- Rinse well with clean water.
Step 2
Baking soda method
This is my go-to. It’s easy and cheap because I always have baking soda on hand.
- Wet the sponge with warm water.
- Pour a generous amount of baking soda directly on the rust in the sink or other horizontal surface.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the moist sponge, if cleaning a vertical or rounded surface.
- Rub the baking soda on the rust, adding more water as needed, to make a paste.
- Scrub with the grain of the steel to preserve the finish. Use the toothbrush in crevices.
- If the rust doesn’t immediately vanish, let the paste sit for about 30 minutes, then scrub again.
- Rinse well with clean water, then dry with microfiber cloth to prevent spots.
Editor’s Tip: Check if can you paint stainless steel to give it a fresh look.
Step 3
Salt and lemon method
If you don’t have baking soda, this works well on light rust. Use coarse salt for better scrubbing power.
- Pour a generous amount of coarse salt on the rust or sponge.
- Squeeze a lemon on the salt, or dunk your sponge in lemon juice.
- Scrub the rust with the grain, letting the paste sit for up to 30 minutes if needed.
- Warning: Lemon juice is acidic and could harm finishes if left on too long.
- Rinse well with clean water, then dry.
Step 4
Commercial cleaner method
Bar Keepers Friend contains rust-removing oxalic acid. It’s cheap and safe for multiple household surfaces, including stainless steel.
- Wet the sink or sponge with warm water.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of Bar Keepers Friend on the rust, or on your sponge.
- Scrub with the grain to remove rust.
- Let sit if needed, following directions on the label.
- Rinse well with clean water, then dry.
