How To Remove Rust From Stainless Steel Knives

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Whether you have unintentionally soaked your knife in the water too long or put it in the dishwasher when you shouldn’t have, the high chances are that it will become rusty.

Currently, there are multiple ways you can use to remove rust from a stainless-steel knife, and the good thing is that most products to use are already in your kitchen.

Here are the crucial steps to follow to remove rust from your stainless steel knife and bring your knife back to life.

Use Baking Soda

Baking powder works efficiently on stainless steel knives with light rust stains.

  1. Remove and clean any dirt on the knife and opt for a cleaning solution instead of water since moisture made it rust.

  2. Mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste. Spread this paste on the rusted parts and let it sit for roughly an hour.

  3. Use a toothbrush to scrub the rusted areas. Use an abrasive sponge or steel wool to clean extremely rusted knives.

  4. Use water to dry the paste and dry it with a piece of cloth.

Use White Vinegar

Vinegar can almost clean any substance that it encounters.

It has acetic acid, which removes rust effortlessly.

However, it would help if you only used white vinegar because the others leave some stains on your knives.

  1. Soak the rusted knife in white vinegar for about five minutes. Remember soaking it for a prolonged period might cause damage.

  2. If some rust spots are remaining after five minutes, consider using the baking soda method described above.

Use Lemon and Water

This method utilises salt’s abrasiveness and lemon’s acidity to eliminate minor rust spots.

  1. Pour salt on the knife’s rusted areas, and squeeze lemon juice on the salt’s layer.

  2. Let this mixture sit for approximately two hours.

  3. Use lemon rind to scrub the spots.

  4. For stubborn areas, gently scrub with a wire brush or steel wool.

  5. Use water to rinse off the lemon and water mixture.

  6. Use a piece of cloth to dry the knife.

Use Salted Potato and Dish Soap

Potato contains oxalic acid, which is an essential ingredient included in most cleaning agents, and it dissolves rust efficiently.

  1. Cut the potato in half.

  2. Use the dish soap to cover the cut areas.

  3. Pour baking soda or salt onto the potato.

  4. Scrub the rusted sections with the potato to eliminate the rust.

  5. Rinse the knife and dry thoroughly.

Use Citric Acid

Citric acid works fine when it comes to eradicating rust in knives.

However, it removes paint and any other coating, meaning it must be among your last options.

  1. In a bowl of hot water, pour three tablespoons of citric acid.

  2. Submerge your rust knife in this mixture, and let it sit overnight.

  3. Remove the blade and brush away the freshly dissolved rust.

Use Onion

Onion is another food that comes in handy in helping you remove rust from knives.

Onions are rich in sulfonic acid, which cleans rust from blades.

  1. Slice onion into two.
  2. Rub the rusted spots with the onions.

How to Avoid Rust On Your Stainless Steel Knife

Now that you have learned tips for removing rust from your knife, how do you keep it rust-free?

Well, keep in mind that moisture is the leading cause of rust. Thus, you should ensure your knives are clean and dry at all times.

Also, avoid putting knives in a dishwasher and leaving them in the sink for a long time.

The other option is to apply a protective coating, such as mineral oil.

How To Remove Rust From Stainless Steel Knives

Use the following products to eliminate rust from stainless steel knives.

  • Baking Soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Lemon and Water
  • Salted Potato and Dish Soap
  • Citric Acid
  • Onion