For very small or intricate items, soak them in vinegar for up to 15 minutes.
Baking soda paste (mix with water) works well for delicate items that might scratch with steel wool.
Regular maintenance—wiping down metal items and keeping them dry—reduces rust buildup.
Why This Trick Works
The acid in vinegar or lemon juice reacts with the iron oxide (rust), breaking it down into removable compounds. The salt or baking soda provides gentle friction to physically lift the rust, restoring the metal’s shine quickly and safely.
Conclusion
Cleaning rusty objects doesn’t need to be time-consuming or expensive. With just vinegar or lemon juice, a little salt or baking soda, and a quick scrub, you can make metal tools, kitchenware, or decorative items look almost new—in just 5 minutes.
