Vinegar Rust Removal Tips

Safe way of removeing rust from metal

[@docteurshepherd]

Can't believe this doesn't have more views. Thank you very much for spreading your wisdom sir!!

[@streetsmart1164]

Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.. glad to help. Regarding the views... It's as if there is no rust in the world... That's Cool.

[@docteurshepherd]

Street Smart I like your way of thinking, less views means less unhappy people with rusted parts.

[@DanDan-fu6sd]

I was worried about doing this until I heard "inert vinegar". It was all I needed to hear. Great info and great job. Thank a bunch.

[@streetsmart1164]

👍

[@frecklefacedgit]

Brilliant. Don't understand how you don't have more 'likes' for all your views. This is a really safe environmental and personal safety way of dealing with rust.

[@SA-ol5tn]

You are a good Dad! I love how you treat your daughter! Thank you for the informative podcast!

[@paulhealey8221]

Thank you for this great demonstration. Sure beats those very expensive $24 a gallon rust removers or the dangerous muriatic acid methods. Well done!

[@streetsmart1164]

I'm glad it was helpful, Thanks

[@Pain-gj1tr]

Final rinse with Baking Soda/Water mix, to neutralize the acid from the Vinegar. helps with Flash rust.

[@4centhotdog]

Thanks, I just did this on a bike chain and only rinsed with water. Dried with a fan and had rust on it again in an hour! I'll do it again and try with the baking soda

[@fresnofiahman8999]

Will this work for skateboard bearings? I used vinegar to get rid if rust. Will the baking soda and water mix work to for the rinse.

[@lee99lee99]

@@4centhotdog try wd40 for exemple or another oil

[@fernandosalas8589]

@@4centhotdog as soon as it's clean should've painted it and put some grease all over the chain. Here in NYC the steel bridges the rust is removed then painted of course using primer first. If they don't paint it the rust will come back in days. That's on thing I hate about metals RUST.

[@lazurm]

@@fernandosalas8589 Never put grease on a bicycle chain. Better to degrease it (after a new one is ridden for a couple of hundred miles first) and then apply wax or Rock and Roll lube. Once it's badly rusted it's time for a new chain, period.

[@BillySBC]

Vinegar works really well, but after you finish you need to wash the surface with a water/baking soda solution to neutralize the vinegar acid. Very nice video. Thanks for posting it.

[@faithlesshound5621]

A sodium bicarbonate soak should work for other acids too, such as HCl ("muriatic acid") and you may need a plain water soak after that before you go on to any painting or other surface treatment.

[@layzy24]

What happens if you don't neitralize it? Does rust come back even quicker?

[@scottcates]

@@layzy24 Vinegar neutralizes itself on the surface by continuing to react with the workpiece until it reaches equilibrium PH with the environment.

[@lazurm]

I'm using the paper towels (or thin cotton towels) saturated with vinegar and strategically placed on my mail box to cover all the rusted areas. I cover it with Saran Wrap to prevent rapid evaporation and, to keep it covered over time, keep the whole thing in place with small magnets which keep it all nice and tight. This should maximize the vinegar affect with the least effort until it's ready to be removed with steel wool.

[@ittaicarmon8347]

This paper towel tip is pure genius. Can't wait to try it - thanks, that's just what I needed.

[@streetsmart1164]

Thanks, . just a tip, the towels need to be kept wet with vinegar. Respray towels with vinegar every, 10 to 30 minutes... depending on evaporation rate. Good luck !

[@paulone-off7286]

This is exactly what I needed to see, have some rusty bits lying around for 2 weeks wondering what to use, would be a nightmare to wire brush the full towbar and bumper, brackets etc, so vinegar shpping here I come. Your daughter gets approval as well dude.

[@dirtyhairy8884]

Great tips! I enjoy the father - daughter collaboration. Thanks!👊

[@streetsmart1164]

Thanks, to you Too

[@CappySeventyOne]

Fantastic, thanks a lot, this will help us hugely with sorting out my son’s “new” and very tired rusty race car parts.

[@mikeyboy2154]

thx never saw the paper towel method before. Great video.

[@streetsmart1164]

Thanks,..Just a reminder, the towel method is most effective when the towels are kept wet with the vinegar. On large pieces, a pump spray tank is better than the spray bottle.

[@I_Can_Do_That]

That paper towel method is awesome.

[@reelrunner8810]

Terrific, thank you. The idea of wrapping is great. I think there are some interesting options to explore here 👌

[@sulijoo]

I have an old jigsaw, been in the shed for decades unused. The blade, the part that holds the blade, and the flexible plate it rests on were covered in rust. I didn't have any vinegar (other than malt!) but I did have some Windex. Turns out it literally says on the label that it cleans with vinegar (I'm assuming distilled white vinegar). So I immersed the jigsaw - the affected parts - in a shallow square dish containing Windex and left it for 24 hours. Much to my surprise the water was now a browny red colour, and the jigsaw was a lot cleaner. So when in doubt, if you don't have any vinegar but you do have Windex, try it!

[@butterfly_8241]

WOW!!!!! The Vinegar and paper towel method is going to be my goto on my old 61 Lincoln Continental. Thank you so much folks!

[@TheWickerShireProject]

I've used it to clean most rust. 3 to 12 hours depending on metal type and depth of degradation. It works and its cheap! Tools we just coat them rubbing old motor oil with a rag. Denatured Alcohol to remove oil and then hit them with Rustolium where applicable. Next we reapply WD-40 any movable parts/hinge mechanisms.

[@melbendigo]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I'm cleaning rusted areas of my tub before patching with epoxy, and I brought a jar of naval jelly which I've been too afraid to open. I'm SO happy to find a MUCH less toxic way! And with the paper towel method, I think the vinegar will work for this application! You saved me so much stress and headache! :-) I'm grateful!

[@streetsmart1164]

You are very Welcome... Best of luck with that project !

[@bobhughes9628]

How awesome that that you have the best helper a father could have!!

[@streetsmart1164]

It's totally "Awesome", Thanks Bob.

[@DeuxRouesUneTente]

The paper towel tip is awesome! I've got rusted parts on the motorcycle I've just bought that wouldn't be easy to take off... I might just leave them on and do this! Thank you.

[@streetsmart1164]

On the vehicle, rust removal... That's a great idea ! When using the paper towel method , be sure to keep the towels saturated , (respray about every 30 minutes), and, a 1" to 2" wide paint brush to push out air bubbles . Good luck !

[@Fortuna_716]

Great idea, I've always wondered how to soak big objects, you solved it for me lol

[@muhammadimranahme]

Thanks mate, I was worry about how to remove rust from metal stand I use your tissue paper technique it work very well....

[@Colombo5218]

Brilliant! Thank you to you both and greetings from Australia.

[@dipseadiver]

Exactly the example I was looking for. Thank you

[@nipunagamage694]

Good tips. Is there anything I can do to stop those from rusting again after getting out of the vinegar bath? They start to rust very quickly even I wash them with water. Also some aluminum parts are showing some rust marks after the vinegar bath.

[@streetsmart1164]

I posted a second video, showing how to alleviate the rust "flash" issue, also, the next steps would be preparing the metal for primer, paint or a light oil coating, using sand paper, steel wool, abrasive pads or a fine bristle stainless steel wire brush. The final preparations would inherently remove any and all rust flash. Thanks for watching, Good Luck.

[@JN-hp1cc]

I've never seen the paper towel method before, this is really great! Thanks team.

[@60seconds529]

thank you, my two saw blades look brand new again and the axe head too, enjoy an excellent day

[@streetsmart1164]

I'm glad to know it worked for you,.. Thanks!

[@robertneven7563]

thanks sir, i am verry glad to learn a lot to remove rust from me verry old motorcyccle , 50 years old he is , rims are verry rusty

[@shaker3459]

And its cheaper than any over priced rust remover. Nice tip!

[@DuongNguyen-gg3uc]

Hello @Street Smart; Great job. Thanks,

[@shaheenamumtaz6333]

Sir how long we have to dip in vinegar solution ??? N thnxx in abundant for sharing such a nice way ... actually I just want to remove rust from metal furniture does it work on it ????

[@demarques1911]

I use it all the time...love it

[@lorenthompson4657]

Wow, this is amazing! Thanks!

[@amphonism17]

Thank you, that's really helpful. And I'm wondering if a piece of cloth or rag instead of paper towel would also work as well?

[@streetsmart1164]

You're welcome, . Paper towels have the advantage of flexibility and easily make contact to various surface shapes using a 1" paint brush,

[@johnstarkie9948]

Why don’t you try it, and let us know?

[@dannygeouge8459]

What a great video, thank you!!!

[@scruffy4647]

Good tutorial. Have you experimented with different types of vinegar? Apple cider, distilled, white. The cleaning vinegar, appears to have the highest % of acidity. My rust removal has primarily been on motorcycle gas tanks. I use to use muriatic acid. I don't use it anymore, too much special handling and disposal involved. Soo, I am going to try the vinegar method. As others have mentioned, the flash rust after treatment is the other component to address.

[@layzy24]

He said it was inert tho. Reffering to no need to Neutralize it. Or is that not the case here?

[@car_ventures]

@@layzy24 I think what he meant by inert was the acid stops doing anything, whereas harsher chemicals would continue eating away at the metal. Vinegar does need to be cleaned off though as it will flash rust as it dries. So in other words, it'll get rid of the rust that was there, but upon drying it will create new flash rust. If that is left untreated, it will be easier for further rust to form. So neutralising with baking soda keeps the clean metal finish. Hope that helps!

[@MrPADDYOT]

Very good video, nicely prepared and demonstrated.

[@southothehighway]

What if you cover the towel with Saran Wrap?

[@HikeordieTV]

Perfect. Thank you.

[@pranksterguy1]

Thank you!

[@f.r4416]

this is genius idea with tissue paper thank you i have a small issue tho with vinegar i use vinegar and everything gets perfectly clean, then i rinse it and put it on warmer to dry. but no matter what i do, there is a layer of orange rust that appears later on its own... its not a deep layer, its like a thin layer of dust but with rust instead... why is that ? what should i do after i take stuff out of vinegar ?

[@streetsmart1164]

I did a follow up vid "vinegar cleaning update"...addressing that issue, . Usually, a final wipe with unused vinegar then thoroughly dried solves it.

[@manzanaresantonio]

I had some oxidized vacuum tube covers from my receiver, I soaked them completely on white vinegar for 24 hours and the rust was completely gone!

[@garyh30]

The saturated paper towel has me in shock

[@streetsmart1164]

I've been asked, why not cloth towels... The paper towel is easy to rip and maneuver into tight corners. BTW, an all plastic pump sprayer is great for larger projects.

[@garyh30]

Thanks brotha

[@olivierfaber8478]

Cool method, testing if it works at the moment on a cruiser bicycle,Greets from The Netherlands .

[@streetsmart1164]

Thanks, and Good Luck !

[@jamesross6485]

i use vinegar on the bbq same way w/ towels didn't get rid of paint or anything worked great

[@kayBTR]

Great idea using a paper towel or cloth with vinegar if the object can’t be put in a container filled with vinegar!

[@streetsmart1164]

Thanks ! ; )

[@nathanwood6248]

I Watched your other video on drying the vinegar completely so it doesnt flash rust again, how did you do that with that glovebox lid in this video where the edges are folded over? How did you ensure it was completely dry inside?

[@streetsmart1164]

Great question, I used compressed air to dry it out. Actually blowing the vinegar out of the seams from inside. Thanks

[@nathanwood6248]

@@streetsmart1164 thankyou!

[@paokpantou6021]

Thanks. Greetings from Greece brother

[@wisdomsquare28]

Thank you! Good to know!

[@24Wayney]

Excellent demonstration! I have large wrought iron candlesticks which have rusted. Looking forward to wrapping the awkward shape with kitchen roll. I didn't have a large container to soak them! 👍

[@uktony1525]

Very useful video, thank you.

[@deirdre444]

Thank you so much!

[@dushooter]

Gonna go do this on my 06 performance peeling Grey crown vic

[@b.8349]

Excuse me.I want to ask a question.Did you use white vinegar or apple vinegar?

[@israeljuarez1800]

Thank you so much, so I am guessing that's what I've been doing wrong, since haven't been able to take off rust of my tools, gotta degrease them first....

[@peterwall8191]

1:48 Vinegar strips paint like a charm. oil yeah, but paint .. nope! It will strip paint, leaving bare metal, in a couple of hours. SIGH! Half done job! You immerse metal into vinegar, you make a solution of baking soda in water to wipe it down with. It neutralises the acid that would otherwise keep eating into the metal. You clean with a dry cloth, then oil it. Don't wait , oil it immediately. Otherwise, it will just rust again. Have fun!

[@lutherburgsvik6849]

Thanks for posting this video. I have been using a bench grinder to clean up rusty tools, which gets a little stenuous after a while (mainly in the neck), so I might give the vinegar method a go. Just one question: Is it possible to re-use vinegar that has has had rusty items soaking in it? Or does the vinegar lose its rust removing ability and have to be thrown away? Thanks.

[@streetsmart1164]

Your welcome. Great question, the vinegar will eventually become weaker with use but, only the time required to strip a part is affected. Also, extra attention is required on "cast" parts. There are low grade castings which seemingly deteriorate (lose layers of material)in a vinegar bath. On questionable cast tools/ parts, dip for no more than 15 minute intervals and check progress. Thanks and Good Luck.

[@petersack5074]

@@streetsmart1164 Right. Generators made in 'cheap. ?.....er china, use low grade potmetal, for fuel petcocks on gas tanks. I found this out, when soaking a rusted tank, in vinegar for 4 days. It chewed up, the housing.......some kinda grey, soft metal. Don't know xactly, maybe pewter or something.....

[@madnecessity]

Thank you for this Absolutely golden😃👍

[@cosmicfxx]

Any specific type of vinegar? Or apple cider vinegar specifically? Great vid btw, thanks for share

[@VintageToycollecters595]

Thank you now i can fix my big mouth Billy bass singing fish!

[@jamesfulerten8494]

Great info !

[@HOMBREooDEooACERO]

I really like how the bottle is labeled "viniger"

[@johnhall8455]

It’s simply acetic acid….just be careful how long you leave the objects immersed…once it’s removed the the acid, it will continue to dissolve the metal….keep checking it…

[@franksmith7419]

Nice, well done.

[@piob9801]

What if the metal that I want to clean is rusty but it also has a paint? Do I remove the paint first with paint thinner then apply vinegar afterwards?

[@kerryfoster1]

Great video but can I use this on my car panels and wheel arches?

[@deswalk]

Good video thanks

[@craigcampbell7292]

What will soaking a wood handle do? For instance a wood handled screwdriver or chisel? Will the wood deteriorate?

[@streetsmart1164]

The wood tends to absorb the rust deposits, creating a permanent discoloration. I've cleaned the wood thoroughly then masked the wood with Duct tape and then used the towel method for a minimal amount of saturation. Good luck.

[@ko9026]

So cool thank you!!

[@fontanot]

Great job

[@chrislrob]

Wow! Paper towel method! Thanks!

[@steveguest8028]

That’s brilliant thanks 👍

[@pibby56]

I have a bird bath that I acquired and after 7 years i need to clean the rust off of it. I filled it with ginger for 24 hours and now using a wire brush. It looks much better but still needs a lot rust to get rid of. Can you make any suggestions? Should I just try the paper towel method several times? Wish I could add a photo of the bird bath.

[@streetsmart1164]

Just a guess, but, if it's a cast iron basin, it may require a more aggressive method of rust removal, such as media blasting or a metal striping acid used at a special facility.

[@pibby56]

@@streetsmart1164 it could be cast iron

[@marilynmendez4187]

I want to re-paint some rusted outdoor furniture. If this method would work? Do you dilute the vinegar with water? Or it’s just pure vinegar. The vinegar and oil is to pre- clean/ remove any paint residue? Thank you!

[@streetsmart1164]

The water/oil demonstration, was to highlight the fact that the vinegar will not clean rusty parts that have oils on their surface. Likewise, painted parts with surface rust, will not clean up with vinegar. The vinegar is used undiluted. Using the vinegar as a cleaning solution in conjunction with paint prep should remove most of the rust. Of course depending on the amount of rust results may vary. Great questions, Thanks.

[@Superschleider]

why is it called viniger on the bottle?🤔

[@petermcmurray2807]

Brilliant thankyou

[@streetsmart1164]

You're welcome

[@davidfirth6535]

Exellent thanks.

[@WesterlyPrune99]

Just wondering, If the vinegar comes in contact with wood or leather will it damage it? I plan on trying this technique on the Metal parts of a steamer trunk but the metal parts are surrounded by said leather and wood.

[@streetsmart1164]

The wood will soak up the vinegar along with the rust deposits,.. turning the wood black . I would imagine that the same result would apply to leather. I recommend that you research an alternative technique of rust removal. Great question, Thanks

[@WesterlyPrune99]

Street Smart - thanks for the info I’ll have to try your technique on another project some day

[@jerrysegal2903]

how long before the strong smell of vinegar goes away or does it linger?

[@streetsmart1164]

@@jerrysegal2903 until it’s dry.

[@fernandosalas8589]

Nice sweatless victory.

[@matir6172]

I have a really rusty BBQ lid. The paper towel method seems ideal because of the size of it. How long do you think i should leave on the soaked paper towel?

[@streetsmart1164]

Great question,... The minimum time to see reaction is about one hour (on bare metal), the paper towel will tint Burnt orange. If what you are cleaning has a painted surface with rust combined, it will take more time because the paint coating will slow the vinegar /rust reaction. Good luck.

[@fikrimuhammad5511]

Hello there, Sorry for my ignorance. Is it safe for aluminum? Since I have metal bracket that rusted at the top of my graphics card heatsink which is made from aluminum.

[@streetsmart1164]

Great question, I've used the vinegar on aluminum, which seems less affected by the vinegar. That being said, I'm not sure how dissimilar metals will react. My suggestion is to try a minimal amount on a small area and gauge the progress. Good luck.

[@goforbroke2]

I use the paper towel method on my old school barbells, works great.

[@thomasdunco7033]

Excellent.

[@anchiecerrada7413]

good tip

[@getmorecontent.]

Vinegar is a powerful frequency.

[@andreslatorre1466]

Hello , After use the vinegar what can I do to protect them against rust again?🤷🏻‍♂️

[@streetsmart1164]

Great question, Spray silicone, WD-40, other light lubricants will protect from moisture. Johnson's paste wax, will provide more protection, with no oily film. "Enamel" based spray Clear coat can be used, in Clear gloss, Semi gloss or flat finish,.. the most durable finishes would be provided by zinc, cadmium, nickel, chrome vendors. I hope this helps, Thanks

[@chauffeurmarco]

Is it simply the regular white vinegar?

[@streetsmart1164]

Yes, none simpler.

[@PeanutDenise1121]

Krispy critters cereal!!! Omg hahhha

[@funfirst5049]

After you clean with steel wool, rinse, and dry, how fast before it starts to flash rust?

[@streetsmart1164]

Great question, ..If flash rust ends up on the part, it's usually easy to remove by wiping it with unused vinegar, followed by drying it completely. I hope this helps.

[@user-ti8ft4ho8q]

What type of vinegar did you use or do you that is most affective?

[@streetsmart1164]

Regular grocery store vinegar

[@conwayfox6233]

only thing is if you leave metal in vinegar to long it will be destroyed by it

[@ritacecaci5118]

What is the oil & vinegar for?

[@streetsmart1164]

Only to illustrate that the metal parts to be cleaned of rust using vinegar, must be free of any oils . Thanks

[@122amazonls5]

In a floor board. Can you pour on floor to soak

[@streetsmart1164]

A floorboard could be saturated.. (assuming that there are no holes to drain through).

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

Kewl!!

[@streetsmart1164]

Toto-lee !

[@ninjaarcades7356]

Kool

[@jstevo1349]

how many times can you reuse the same vinegar bath?

[@streetsmart1164]

I've used a couple of paper towels as filter inside of a funnel, to catch rust debris then reused the vinegar several times. Here's another tip,...do not disturb the item once it is in the bath. After an hour of soaking, carefully remove the item and the vinegar should appear mostly unused. Hand clean the item separate from the bath (wire brush, steel wool, abrasive pad,) and a smaller amount of vinegar out a spray bottle. I hope this helps, Thanks

[@andersn6164]

Hi. Nice! May I ask what % strength acid the vinegar you use. In Norway we have like 5,7 or 35 % strength in the grocery shops

[@streetsmart1164]

Just, ordinary Heinz brand, on the label it reads, "5 %" acidity, that works on rust when straight, no water. Great for rust, ..a bit much for a salad.

[@andersn6164]

@@streetsmart1164Thx, and no need for neutralizing with baking soda, Just rince with water(?) and air dry, and the paint if needed?

[@streetsmart1164]

@@andersn6164 The baking soda, should work (I received comments about using it as a neutralizer) to control flash rust. I personally have not had to take that step, for the simple reason that I prefer to put the time towards surface prep, like sanding or scuffing for purposes of adhesion of primer or paint. Correctly performed, it removes all of the flash rust. I hope this helps and thanks for the great questions.

[@andersn6164]

@@streetsmart1164 Thx for great tip and quick response!

[@MrDmorgan52]

@@streetsmart1164 there is a cleaning vinegar that's 6%

[@mariwillalwaysgivethanks]

Can I do this on aluminum swing patio furniture?

[@streetsmart1164]

I have had varying results with aluminum, good for cleaning and no noticeable improvement.. I know there was a product sold specifically for cleaning aluminum, it's a jell called " Navel Jelly"... but it must be specifically for aluminum

[@mariwillalwaysgivethanks]

@@streetsmart1164 Wow, thank you replying. It's a swing patio set that's 12 years old. It's sturdy ,but has some rust. It's probably cheaper to buy a new one...