How to Remove Rust from Metal Table Legs: A Detailed Guide

Furniture and outdoor items can rust over time and become unsightly. It also poses a safety risk to users. But don't worry too much! Removing rust is easier than you think. This article will show you how to remove rust from metal furniture in detail and easily. It includes effective methods, step by step guides, and useful tips that you need. Let's dive in!

Methods to Remove Rust from Metal Furniture

There are several effective methods to eliminate rust from your metal furniture. We recommend trying natural rust removal methods before resorting to harsh chemicals. Here are some detailed techniques:

Method 1: Salt and Lemon

Use a mixture of lemon and salt to remove rust from metal furniture
Credit: @radarreklama on Canva

This natural method combines the abrasive nature of salt with the citric acid in lemon to remove stubborn rust stains. Follow these steps:

1. Squeeze the juice from a lemon into a bowl and add a generous amount of salt.
2. Apply the mixture onto the rusty areas of the furniture.
3. Let the mixture a few hours to soak.
4. Scrub off the mixture using an abrasive kitchen sponge to restore the shine.

Method 2: Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient that is readily available in most homes and easily purchased at your local grocery store. It is also effective for removing rust from metal furniture. Follow these steps:

1. First, you make a paste by mixing baking soda with water. For harder rust, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water for superior cleaning ability.
2. Apply the mix gently to the rusty metal surface with a cleaning cloth.
3. Leave it to work for 15-20 minutes.
4. Then, scrub the area with wire wool or an abrasive scrubber until the rust particles are removed.
5. Repeat the process if necessary.

Method 3: White Vinegar

Remove rust with white vinegar
Credit: @Pat_Hastings on Canva

Vinegar is highly acidic and antibacterial, making it an excellent natural cleaning agent. Follow these steps:

1. First, wash the rusted area with vinegar.
2. Wait for 10-15 minutes, then wipe off the dissolved rust with a stiff brush or an old rag.
3. For stubborn rust stains, use sandpaper to remove them better.

Method 4: Potato

Potatoes contain oxalic acid, which can dissolve rust stains on metal furniture. Follow these steps:

1. Cut a potato in half.
2. Apply some salt or dish soap to the cut surface.
3. Rub the potato on the rusty surface to initiate a chemical reaction that weakens the rust.
4. Clean the furniture with an old rag.

Method 5: Cola

Use cola to remove rust
Credit: @MoiseevVladislav on Canva

Believe it or not, cola can effectively remove stubborn rust stains from metal furniture due to its carbonation properties. Follow these steps:

1. Pour cola onto the rusted surface.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Next, rub the surface clean with a soft cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse with water to remove residue.

Method 6: Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil can be used to clean rust from iron, stainless steel, and chromed steel. Follow these steps:

1. Create a mixture of salt and warm water
2. Scrunch up a ball of aluminum foil and dip it in the above solution
3. Rub the rusted surface to loosen the rust residue
4. Rinse the surface and repeat until the rust is completely removed

Method 7: Mild Cleaning Agent

How to remove rust from metal chairs
Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds on Canva

Rust can be easily removed with a mild detergent in the early stages. Follow these steps:

1. Apply a suitable cleaning agent for metal surfaces onto an old rag or directly onto the rusty area.
2. Gently rub the rusty surface with the cloth.
3. A moment later, the rust stains will turn brownish-red and gradually come off with continuous rubbing.
4. Finally, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off.

Method 8: Commercial Rust Remover

Natural rust removal techniques are generally safe and cost-effective, making them ideal choices before considering harsher alternatives. But if you’ve tried and failed to remove stubborn rust stains, use a chemical remover.

These are harsh chemicals, so you’ll need to follow the instructions and be careful to use protective gear like gloves and goggles when handling them. They’re also quite expensive, but they deliver incredible results in a short amount of time.

Should read: How to Paint Metal Table Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove Rust from Metal Furniture

Use sander to remove rust on metal table legs
Credit: Benjamin Clapp on Canva

All of the above methods are effective in certain cases. Not sure where to start? Check out how to remove rust from steel table legs now.

One of the most convenient ways to remove rust is by utilizing white vinegar. Follow the recommended steps as mentioned above for rusted areas. If vinegar is ineffective, lemon juice can serve as an alternative solution due to its acidic properties.

For mild cases of rust, a bit of manual effort can often suffice. But in case the rust is particularly stubborn, consider using sandpaper to effectively remove it.

For mild cases of rust, a bit of manual effort can often suffice. Employ a stiff brush to vigorously scrub the rust until it is completely eliminated. In instances where the rust is particularly stubborn, employing sandpaper may be necessary to effectively eradicate it.

Once the rust has been successfully removed, it is essential to take preventive measures to inhibit its recurrence. Initially, clean the table legs with soapy water to eliminate any dirt or debris that may contribute to rust formation. Subsequently, ensure thorough drying. Finally, apply a thin layer of WD-40 or another suitable metal protectant to provide a barrier against future rust formation, thereby preserving the integrity of your table legs.

Why Does Furniture Rust?

Rust usually appears on metals due to contact with acids, water, oxygen, and moisture in the air. Rust forms a surface layer that is orange-brown, powdery, and sometimes pitted. If not treated promptly, it will corrode deeper, even causing holes in the surface.

Ways to Prevent Rust

We don't need to wait for the furniture to rust before finding a way to deal with it; you can learn and prevent it in advance by the following ways:

• Cover and protect: If you place a metal table or chair outdoors, cover it carefully with foil or store it in a warehouse during severe weather such as heavy rain or snowstorms. In case of rain, dry it as soon as possible with a dry towel.
• Apply protective coatings: Use metal paint or clear varnish to provide a better protective layer. Choose a waterproof, rust-proof type, such as WD40.
• Regular cleaning: There is nothing like regularly checking the condition of metal furniture. If rust is detected early, it will be much easier to handle.

Choose high quality metal legs to prevent rust
Credit: Flowyline Design
Buy now: 401 Wishbone 28H Modern Table Legs

If the rust on your metal table legs is too severe to be fixed by the above methods, you should consider upgrading to another high quality piece of metal furniture. At Flowyline, we offer products that are crafted from powder-coated steel, known for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. In addition, our diverse collection of table legs and table bases will also make you proud of your aesthetic taste!

With the available suggestions and effective, quick, easy application as above, you know how to remove rust from metal furniture from now on. Sign up for our email list to receive useful home decor tips and attractive offers. If you're looking to upgrade or add new pieces, visit our website to explore our quality metal table legs.