Best Rust Removers: Clean and Protect Your Vehicle
Prevent the spread of rust and remove it for good with these high-quality rust removers.
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No matter how carefully you maintain your car with regular cleanings, detailings, waxes and other types of care, you can still fall victim to one of the most common problems on the road: rust. Thanks to moisture and damp weather, salt on the roads paired with humidity that hides moisture across your vehicle’s undercarriage, rust and corrosion are incredibly common. And even when you take great pains to protect your car from rust, it can still sneak up on you. But there is one way to fix unsightly, damage-causing rust. You can apply a rust remover.
Rust removers are specialty automotive products (and even household products) that are designed to eliminate rust as soon as you spot it. Whether rust appears on your still-glossy paint job or underneath your car in less visible locations, a rust remover can target that growing corrosion and help you restore its vital parts back to solid, glistening metal. We’ve rounded up the best rust removers right here.
Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter
A water-based rust remover that restores metal surfaces and extends the lifespan of the material. The formula also protects and prevents further corrosion
- Easy to apply
- Quick to clean with soap and water
- Non-flammable
- Can be used on nearly any appliance or marine vehicle
- It has to be applied by hand and does not include a spray bottle
- It’s recommended that you use it with a primer to prevent discoloration in the metal
Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover
This is a non-toxic and eco-friendly rust remover that is simple to apply. It’s water-based and is capable of removing rust without scrubbing
- Versatile and can be used on metal, plastic, PVC, rubber, and steel
- Non-corrosive and biodegradable
- Works best on surface rust, so for anything deeper you will need a sandblaster
- Will lose effectiveness if not stored properly
WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak
This product removes and dissolves rust on metal materials. It’s non-toxic and biodegradable
- Solution effectively grinds away rust without using acids or caustic chemicals
- Its powerful blend keeps you from having to scrub or chip away the rust
- You will need to buy a spray bottle to reach more difficult areas
- May also take a lot of the compound to successfully remove rust
Benefits of Rust Remover
- Maintain your car’s appearance. As it grows, rust becomes more than an ugly spot on your car. It can literally eat through the metal body, leaving behind ugly holes and jagged areas of damage. If you want to keep your car looking its best, a rust remover can prevent rust from expanding and causing whole-car damage that ruins its sleek, stylish appearance. With a rust remover, you can eliminate small spots and keep your vehicle looking its best.
- Prevents damage. As rust and corrosion take hold in various places on your car, damage can become a serious problem. These seemingly small and unsightly issues can eat holes both in your car’s body and some of its essential parts. A rust remover helps you prevent this costly and sometimes irreparable damage. By catching rust and removing it early on, you’ll be able to avoid the more significant damage that can happen after years of ignoring or avoiding rust.
- Avoid costly repairs. Like we just mentioned, letting rust grow unfettered can result in some serious repairs. And the cost of fixing corrosion damage can be pretty expensive. Keep a rust remover in your car maintenance toolkit, however, and you can avoid these costly expenses. Instead, you can remove small amounts of rust right at home, saving yourself from paying even more later on.
- Maintain resale value. By keeping your car in good shape with a rust remover (and eliminating any rust right when you find it), you’ll actually help your vehicle maintain its resale value. No one wants to buy a car that’s riddled with rust or totally unattractive thanks to corrosion-caused damage. A rust remover can help you maintain your car in the ways most critical to its value for potential buyers.
- Versatility. Rust removers aren’t just for vehicles! These products are actually versatile cleaning and maintenance products for other metal items too. You can put a single bottle of rust remover to work beyond your garage — you can use it to clean up rusty tools, remove rust throughout your house, and even use some formulas to remove rust on stainless steel appliances or ceramic items link sinks and tubs.
Types of Rust Removers
Sprays
Some rust remover products come in spray bottles or aerosol cans for easy application. Typically, these products are designed for rust stains and not deep rust. Spray formulas are good if the rust is located in a hard-to-reach spot. They usually don't require the user to chisel or scrape away the rust.
Soakable Formulas
If you have a metal surface area with a lot of built-up rust, you may need to soak the part to treat the corrosion. Sometimes this process takes just a few minutes, but tougher jobs may require an overnight treatment. Look for brands that have reusable liquid, so you get more bang for your buck.
Powders
For minor rust stains on carpets, clothing, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, you may want to use a rust remover powder. You can sprinkle the formula into your toilet bowl or even into a washing machine if necessary. This type of product is good if your water has a high level of iron in it.
Chemical-Based Rust Removers
Many people use chemical rust removers, which are great for tackling stains and rust buildup. For example, acid-based removers are very fast-acting and effective and typically take just a few minutes to work. However, they emit toxic fumes and need to be used with protective equipment in a ventilated area. They can also be a little too corrosive and cause surface damage if not used correctly.
Eco-Friendly Rust Removers
If you don't want to deal with potentially hazardous chemicals, choose one containing chelating agents instead. These products are acid-free and non-toxic, so they're better for you and the environment. They don't work as quickly as chemical-based rust removers, but they're still effective at cleaning a variety of tools and surface areas.
Rust Converters
If you have so much rust that it's difficult to remove, consider using a rust converter. It turns rust into a black coating that will protect the surface area and act as a primer, so you can paint it with oil or epoxy-based products. Rust converters work on iron or steel but not on aluminum, copper, or stainless or galvanized steel.
Top Brands
Corroseal
Corroseal is made by the Rodda Paint Company in Portland, Ore. It's designed for a wide variety of uses, including shovels, wheelbarrows, garden tools, boats, trailers, car undercarriages, truck beds, and industrial applications. The Rodda Paint Company was founded in 1932. One top product is the Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter.
Evapo-Rust
Evapo-Rust was founded in 1997 and is a non-toxic, biodegradable, non-corrosive formula that removes rust without harming unrusted surfaces. The company is based in Springdale, Arizona. Its popular product is the Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover.
WD-40
The WD-40 Company is headquartered in San Diego, Calif., and made its eponymous formula in the 1950s. It produces a series of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers, including the WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.
Rust Remover Pricing
- Under $10: Did you know that you can find rust remover that’s as cheap as $4 or $5? It’s true—some products are incredibly affordable and can be purchased for significantly less than $10 in total. In this budget-friendly range, you’ll find small containers that are great for small spot treatments or spray-on applications.
- $11 to $25: You’ll find most rust removers priced within this range, giving you plenty of different options and solution types for a relatively reasonable investment. You can choose from just about any type of rust remover within these prices.
- $26 and up: If you need an exceptionally strong rust remover or simply want to buy more at one time, expect to spend more. Some rust remover products, especially those sold in bulk packages that can provide you with a whole lot of uses, can be priced as high as $50.
Key Features
Purpose
You should decide what you plan on using the product for before you make a purchase. If you want to remove the rust from a collection of tools, then you need a product that will allow you to soak them. If you plan on using the rust remover in the bathroom, the product should be safe to use on septic systems and pipes. There are also non-toxic and biodegradable options if you want something that is environmentally friendly.
Application Process
It goes without saying that most people want a rust remover that is easy to apply, but some formulas are easier to use than others and require less preparation. Check to see if the product requires you to scrub or scrape the surface area during application. If possible, look for one that dissolves rust quickly and efficiently without requiring much elbow grease.
Protective Barrier
In addition to removing rust, some products also incorporate a protective barrier that prevents rust from coming back. This is a great added feature; otherwise, you may have to reapply the product when rust returns. Some of the best products have anti-moisture seals that keep rust and corrosion at bay.
Other Considerations
- Size. Rust remover products come in a variety of sizes. Choose one that matches your task to save money and space. Some brands come in quart containers, gallon jugs, or spray containers. Which one will meet your needs? Also, take into consideration how much square footage the product can treat. Some formulas are designed to work on up to several hundred square feet without a problem.
- Suitability for Different Materials. Before applying any kind of rust treatment or remover product to your vehicle, make sure you check what kinds of materials it’s suited for. Some are perfectly safe to use on paint and clear coats; others really only work on bare, untreated metal. Always make sure to consider the materials it’s recommended for — and you can give it a small spot test before applying it widely.
- Versatility. While versatility may not be one of the top features you need to look for in a rust remover, it’s worth considering. There are quite a few rust removers that’ll work both on your vehicle and other items, from your tools to your home appliances to all kinds of metal goods. If you find yourself frequently frustrated by rust, then you’ll get some great bang for your buck by choosing a rust remover that’s very versatile. One that can be used for multiple products is the best investment for your needs.
Best Rust Removers Reviews & Recommendations 2021
The water-based Corroseal rust remover and latex metal primer both restores metal surfaces and extends their lifespan. The formula is also designed to protect and prevent further rust corrosion. It's not designed for use on freshly blasted steel or new galvanized surfaces.
The product is easy to apply and allows users to paint, prime, and convert rust in one single step. You can brush it, roll it, or spray it on. The 1-gallon product will provide 200 to 250 square feet of coverage. Overall, a little bit goes a long way. It is quick to clean with soap and water. It’s also non-flammable and non-corrosive, and it can be used for marine, automotive, industrial, and household purposes.
One problem with Corroseal is that it must be applied by hand and does not come with a spray bottle for easier application. In addition, even though a primer isn't required, it's recommended that you use one to prevent discoloration in the metal.
This non-toxic and eco-friendly rust remover is easy to apply. It’s water-based and removes rust in just a few minutes without the need for scrubbing or sanding. Evapo-Rust doesn't contain any acids, bases, solvents, or VOCs, and it's safe for your eyes and skin. It also doesn't produce any fumes or odor. The rust remover comes in a one-gallon container and works on up to 300 pounds of steel.
This product is versatile and can be used on metal, plastic, PVC, rubber, and steel. It works great on automotive parts as well as on antiques, cast iron cookware, grill grates, and more. Plus, it’s non-corrosive, biodegradable, and environmentally-safe. You don't need to wear special gloves, eyewear, or a mask to use it.
However, the Evapo-Rust works best on surface rust, so if you have deeper rust, you will need a sandblaster to remove it. Also, if you leave the product open for a short time, it will lose some of its rust-removing power.
The WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak removes and dissolves rust on old metal and metal parts and is non-toxic and biodegradable. It doesn't require the user to scrape, chip, or scrub the surface area to make older metal look new. The product is also VOC-compliant.
The industrial-strength solution effectively removes rust without the use of acids or caustic chemicals and provides deep penetration on tough materials. It's great for treating trailers and hitches and automotive restoration as well as cleaning rusty tools and farm equipment. Overall, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and works better than many rival products.
One problem with this formula is that it leaves behind a dark coating on the metal, which you may not like. You also need to buy a spray bottle to reach more difficult areas. In addition, it may take a lot of the compound to successfully remove rust on certain surfaces.
The Permatex Rust Treatment is simple and fast working — but best of all, it’s a treatment that will work on both existing rust and future rust. This easy-to-apply product requires just one step (and very little effort), making it perfect for absolutely anyone to use.
You can choose to either brush or spray the Permatex formula onto your vehicle’s rusty surfaces. Where rust already exists, the liquid will turn that rust into a tough black polymer coating. Once it dries, it’s no longer rust, and it can be painted and treated just like any other metal. And wherever this product is placed, it’ll form a protective layer that fights future rust and corrosion for the long term. It’s kind of like a protective primer that you can add before painting or finishing different metal components or surfaces.
The only real drawback of this rust remover is its black coloring. When it’s applied, you can see it clearly. And that means you’ll definitely need paint to cover it up if you’re using it on your car body.
If it’s a versatile, multi-use rust remover you’re searching for, it’s hard to beat CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover. Considered a go-to cleaning product for plenty of car, tool, and home enthusiasts, this single liquid product can tackle a whole bunch of different types of corrosion or hard-to-remove substances. And it gets to work on rust in no time at all.
With CLR, you’ll be able to quickly dissolve rust (along with any calcium or lime deposits) with little effort on your part. It works on an array of materials, including stainless steel, ceramic, chrome, and fiberglass. In addition to your vehicle, you can put it to work on everything from your coffeemaker to your shower head to your dishwasher. No matter where you use this liquid, it’ll work powerfully and remove even the most stubborn stains and spots. The formula is non-toxic, septic-safe, and includes no phosphates, making it safe for the environment and many applications. Just make sure you test it in a small spot before using it widely.
Need an extra tough rust remover that can get rid of even the toughest corrosion and rusty buildup? A can of B’Laster PB Blaster Penetrant Rust Remover will do the trick. This heavy-duty spray-on product is specifically formulated to handle the hardest rust, including rust that’s actually frozen or rusted-together parts and components.
This formula, which comes packed in an easy-to-apply aerosol spray can, can penetrate rust in no time. It’s concentrated enough to bust apart rusted, frozen items in just seconds. And the innovative Control Flow Technology lets you monitor and control how much is sprayed with every press of the can’s trigger. It’s even able to be used on industrial equipment and marine applications, in addition to your everyday automotive needs.
One of the best perks of this rust remover is its ability to remove while protecting. Each time you apply this product, it’ll add a non-evaporating lubricant that helps protect new rust and corrosion from forming.
Krud Kutter is a big name in household cleaning products, but Krud Kutter Rust Remover is a product you’re going to want to keep handy in your garage. This spray-on rust remover is so simple to apply that when it gets to work, it can have you wiping away spots of rust in just seconds.
Made with a proprietary formula, Krud Kutter Rust Remover works to dissolve rust and oxidation with quick-working chemicals. It’ll work on all types of unpainted metal, including cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, chrome, and even brass. You can apply the liquid and let it sit as long as needed; tougher, more severe rust spots will require more time to fully remove and potentially multiple applications. But light to medium rust can disappear in 10 minutes only. Wipe the liquid away with a soft cloth, and you’ll see the rust go away.
The only drawback to Krud Kutter’s product is that it takes more time — and more elbow grease — to get rid of more significant rust.
Not every rust remover can be safely applied to painted metal surfaces — but Delux Rust Remover Plus can. This remover and cleaning product is formulated so it’s tough on corrosion and rust stains yet gentle on paint, helping you keep your car’s exterior looking its best even when you don’t want to cause any damage to its style and color.
This rust remover is a bit different in its formula than others. It’s not all about metal. It can remove tough rust stains on painted steel, but it’ll also work on concrete, stone, vinyl siding, awnings, and ceramic. It’s made for more aesthetic materials, meaning it can get rid of unsightly rust and leave your paint or original coloring intact. Each 1-gallon jug is also able to be used in two ways: either diluted with water for a gentler solution or applied directly for tougher rust.
Unfortunately, the biggest disadvantage of this rust remover is its inability to work on bare metal. If you’re experiencing rust that goes beyond your painted exterior, it won’t be tough enough to get the job done.
If you’re facing some seriously heavy, long-oxidized rust, you need a heavy-duty solution: Loctite Rust Dissolver. This product is so effective at dissolving longtime rust that it’ll work on boats and other marine- or water-based items, cleaning up their rust in no time at all.
Just a little bit of this extra-tough formula goes a long way. You can apply it to any metal surface, including iron, steel, and other ferrous metals. With a 40-plus year history of working effectively, you’ll be able to see impressive results in just 5-10 minutes—and that’s even if you have a whole lot of rust! Once you’ve applied the rust remover, clean it off with water and watch your surfaces shine once again, free of any corrosion. You can even spray or brush the product onto your parts or surfaces, depending on how you’d like to apply it.
Tips
- To make the process more effective, first, scrape or scrub away the rust with a wire brush. Then you can apply the rust remover to speed things up.
- While rust remover may not be dangerous to your skin, you should still consider wearing gloves to avoid it from getting on you.
- Rust remover isn’t a fix-all guarantee. There may be rust that is too large or too deep to properly be removed by the solution. You will need to grind it down or take it to a professional if the remover isn’t effective.
- It’s important to properly dispose of the rust remover. Different removers have their own levels of toxicity, and they could impact how you get rid of it.
FAQs
Q: What materials can I use a rust remover on?
You can apply rust removers on a wide selection of metals and other materials. They work best on iron and metal but can also be used on steel. You can use them on vehicles or construction machinery. You can also use them on plastic and fiberglass to remove rust on boats.
Q: Do I need to wear protective clothing when using rust remover?
Many rust removers can contain a high level of toxicity, so it’s wise to protect yourself from harsh chemicals. Consider wearing thick materials, and use gloves and eyewear to keep your eyes safe. Also, a paint mask will prevent any chemicals from entering your mouth.
Q: What’s the difference between a rust converter and a rust remover?
A rust converter covers the rust to prevent it from spreading. You can then chip it away or paint over it to match the previous color. A rust remover completely removes rust from a surface.
Q: What is the best rust remover for chrome?
If you have chrome components that are spotted and speckled with rust, there are a few different products you can use. Any of our best rust remover products mentioned here that are safe for chrome will do the trick. However, CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover and Krud Kutter Rust Remover are two of the best solutions if you’re trying to eliminate rust on once-sparkling chrome.
Final Thoughts
For one of the best ways to fight against rust, consider the Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter.
Or save some cash and get the Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover to combat rust and prevent it from spreading.
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