Rust pipes are a common problem in most American homes. When exposed to damp environment, metal pipes can develop rust which may ruin it entirely by eating through the ferrous metal.
How can I deal with rusted pipes?
The best way to deal with rust is to prevent it by keeping metal surfaces dry. Of course, this is not always possible. You could buy rust removal products containing toxic chemicals that are both bad for the environment and dangerous to keep around young children and pets. But there are many safer solutions you can try such as Coca-Cola. Yes, there were a lot rumors about coke as being the perfect rust remover. If so I’m still wondering about its effects over the human body.
Rust vs Coke
If you’ve ever dropped a penny in a glass of Coke, you were probably impressed (or alarmed) that the penny came out clean. Cola and other soft drinks contain high levels of phosphoric acid (a common ingredient in store-bought rust removal products) and can be used for rusted nuts and bolts or even corroded battery terminals. However, it can be quite a challenge to clean up since it is so sticky, so you may want to try a different method first.
Scrub
- A good place to begin is simply scrubbing the rusty surface with steel wool, sandpaper, a wire brush, or even a crumpled up ball of tin foil.
- If the metal hasn’t rusted too deeply, a little elbow grease will go a long way.
- But even if the rust is deep, it’s a good idea to eliminate outer flakes of rust first, before using other methods.
Vinegar and Dish Soap
- Mix in a bucket 1 gallon of hot water, 1/4 cup dish soap and 1 cup vinegar.
- Dip a soft brush in the soap solution and scrub the pipe using small circular rotations.
- Rinse the pipe off with warm water and then wipe dry.
- Use a lint-free rag to apply metal polish with small circular rotations.
- Allow the metal polish to dry and then wipe clean.
Lemon Juice and Coarse-Salt
- Sprinkle some coarse salt onto the rust, then add lemon juice.
- Don’t let it sit too long, or it might cause damage.
- Wipe off the juice and rinse.
- Try mixing lemon juice with a little vinegar for an extra strong solution.
- Not only will you be rust-free, but whatever you are cleaning will smell like citrus!
Baking Soda
- Make a paste by mixing it with water, making sure it is thick enough to stick to the rusted surface.
- Let it sit for a while and then scrub it off with steel wool or a wire brush.
- You may have to repeat this process a few times.
