Best Rust Removers Reviewed & Tested

Rust is a chronic problem affecting a wide range of materials and objects made with or featuring metal components. Left unattended, it spreads drastically, gradually causing the degradation of the metals or objects. Rust also leaves ugly stains and marks on various items, transforming them from looking new and clean to dingy and rust-stained.

Our Top 3 Picks

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Also, rust facilitates the growth of bacteria which is in turn capable of causing tetanus. With these in mind, removing rust should be your first priority before its tentacles spread to your car, lawn mower, wheelbarrow, tools, equipment or other various surfaces.

10 Best Rust Removers

1. CLR Pro CL-4Pro Calcium Lime and Rust Remover

Going by the acronym CLR, the CLR Pro is one of the most versatile, powerful, easy-to-use and cost-effective rust removers you can find on the market. As its name suggests, it's very effective against calcium, lime, and rust. Deeply embedded in its DNA is the knack for quickly breaking up and removing all three materials. Being a versatile option, it's a perfect choice for cleaning a wide range of surfaces, quickly restoring them to their original state. The rust remover poses no risk at any surface it’s recommended for use, including, surprisingly, plants and trees, making it an ideal choice for use commercially and domestically.

Not even the hardest and peskiest deposits of calcium, lime, and rust can withstand the immense yet safe cleaning power of it. The product’s all-around performance and reliable ability to quickly dissolve all the aforementioned deposits makes it the go-to rust remover for homeowners, plumbers, mechanics, electricians, and several other employees in all types of organizations. As mentioned earlier, it's remarkably safe to use. You can therefore confidently use it on septic and plumbing systems, bathrooms, kitchens, glasses, fibreglass, stainless steel, porcelain, chrome, stucco, bricks, and several more.

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Its quick and effective performance is entirely attributable to its powerful non-toxic formulation that works effectively on all accumulations of calcium and lime. Aside from that, you’ll the ease of using it. The application procedures are very straightforward. While you can choose to dilute it with water, pesky deposits and build-ups of calcium and lime won’t necessitate any diluting to unleash its full power. It’s recommended you allow between 5 and 10 minutes after application before rinsing off the particular surface.

While it’s a budget pick, it performs to the satisfaction of thousands of office employees, homeowners, plumbers, electricians, and mechanics. Its powerful non-toxic formulation does wonders with calcium, lime, and rust deposits.

Pros

Safe to use

Versatile performance

Works quickly and effectively

Easy to apply

Cons

Nothing significant

2. Iron OUT Spray Gel

Boasting a fast-acting and powerful gel, Iron OUT Spray Gel effectively takes the hard work, time, and frustration away from cleaning manifold surfaces off the rust. An all-time favourite of value-conscious users all around the world, this workhorse will quickly transform various rust-stricken surfaces in your house, workshop, or office from an eyesore to rust-free, clean, and attractive in no time at all.

As the manufacturer wax lyrically points out, it is a specially formulated non-abrasive rust stain remover whose ingenious design provides for the quick and efficient dissolution of the hardest, toughest, and most stubborn rust stains. Like our first pick, this model works on a wide range of surfaces including but not limited to sinks, showers, toilets, colourfast fabrics, and several other rust-prone surfaces.

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A unique selling point is its ease of use. It comes in a convenient trigger spray bottle that makes it remarkably easy to use on a wide array of vertical surfaces and several other hard-to-reach places. The non-hydrofluoric acid design of the rust remover allows to vastly overshadow its cheap, off-brand competitors in effectiveness, safety, and speed.

It begins to work the second it comes in contact with rust, quickly and easily removing it without burdening you with the need to scrub. A versatile choice, the Iron OUT is also a perfect choice for use with laundry loads and promises the same efficiency it achieves with other surfaces. It’ll quickly transform your clothes from dingy and rust-stained to clean and presentable.

Your cleaning arsenal will never be complete without a high-performance remover. And very few of those that convincingly replicate the performance of the workhorse that’s Iron OUT Spray Gel.

Pros

Very easy to apply

Works great on both stains and rust

Perfect for multiple surfaces

Powerful performance

Eco-friendly formulation

Cons

Comes with a mild smell

3. Evapo-Rust ER012

Boasting a wide range of recommended applications, Evapo-Rust ER012 is an ideal choice for any individual who wants to take a hands-on approach to managing rust. Like any other high-end option, it's very efficient and potent and will remove rust from various surfaces effectively and in half the time it takes other standard options masquerading as rust removers on the market. Additionally, it boasts a non-toxic formulation and therefore poses no harm whatsoever to the user or the items and surfaces on which they'll be using it. And of course, it's a cinch to use.

Perfectly combining unmatched versatility and exceptional performance, Evapo-Rust is all you need to restore your rusted steel tools, auto parts, and several household items to like-new condition. The rust remover’s formulation does not have the slightest trace of acids or corrosive and dangerous chemicals or acids. As a result, it’s not only eco-friendly but also safe to use even without gloves, even though that’s highly recommended. The formulation is industrial-strong, easily and quickly removing rust on various times in record time.

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One advantage of choosing a non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable remover is that you can quickly and confidently apply it on various surfaces. The Evapo-Rust ER012 is devoid of acids, bases, and solvents and this allows you to use it on cast iron cookware, grill grates, antiques, tools, auto parts, clocks, sewing machines, toys, and several other items. You don’t have to scrub after application even though there’ll be no repercussions if you elected to.

It is an economical choice, too. Aside from the budget-friendly price tag, the bottle contains one-gallon of the product that you can generously apply to all the rust-stained items in your home, office, or workshop, leaving them spotless in under 24 hours. The rust remover, therefore, offers the best bang for the buck.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll love the quick and effective performance of Evapo-Rust. And because it doesn’t necessitate scrubbing after application, you won’t have to lift a finger to rid various items of rust.

Pros

Features a budget-friendly price tag

Lacks the strong odour of its competitors

Perfect for removing rust on chrome

Easy to use

Cons

Works slowly

Limited applicability

4. Whink 1081

The 4th slot goes to yet another industry doyen, Whink, whose products, like other industry stalwarts, are synonymous with quick, efficient, and reliable performance. The brand’s leading rust remover, Whink 1081, easily continues this tradition. It quickly and easily gets rid of stains on a wide range of surfaces including but not limited to white sinks, white toilet bowls, colourfast fabrics, and carpets, among several others. Because it sports a non-chemical and non-toxic formulation, its safe not only to your hands but also to pipes and septic systems. Continue reading for an in-depth review of the rust remover.

A veritable remover, the Whink 1081 works all around the clock to clean and remove rust from toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and tiles, in addition to the already mentioned surfaces and items. It effectively restores the once new and shiny look of these surfaces, breathing into them a new lease on life. The specially designed formula is free of elements that are inimical to human life or those that can adversely affect your items. The absence of chemicals and acids means you don’t have to take the extra precaution of wearing gloves.

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Other performance attributes worth pointing out include the ease of application. The directions of use are overly simplified so that everyone can use the rust remover. You won't have to call the brand's customer care seeking directions or clarifications either as their instructions manual is written in a simple and easily comprehensible language. That’s the advantage of choosing it over its competitors.

In addition to being cost-effective, the rust remover comes in a 32-ounce bottle. There’s enough in there to sufficiently cover and quickly remove tinged, reddish-brown stains from rust-stricken items in the house. So, go ahead. Apply it liberally.

The Whink 1081 is a powerful, cost-effective, and versatile rust remover ideal choice for removing rust and the attendant stains. If we love it, we can guarantee you will, too.

Pros

Easy application

Efficient performance

Potent formulation for quick results

Safe to use on multiple surfaces

Cons

Comes with a strong chemical smell

5. WD-40 Specialist Spray

WD-40 Spray is the epitome of versatility. As well as quickly and easily dissolving hard and tough rust deposits and accumulations, it also breaks the bonds holding stuck part together. A perfect choice for mechanics, plumbers, and other professionals out there, it works exactly as advised, making short and quick or rusted and stuck parts and components. It’s a feature-packed product that’s also safe and easy to use on several surfaces and components around the house, workshop, and construction site. Some of the items on which it’s highly recommended for use include nuts, bolts, threads, and locks. Consequently, it’s a perfect choice for extreme DIYers on one end of the spectrum, professionals on the other end, and everyone else in between.

The product features a Blu Torch technology that, for all intents and purposes, enhances its already sublime performance. Thanks to the revolutionary technology, the remover is not only deep-penetrating but also quickly and effortlessly dislodges and removes rust, enabling the user to easily free up stuck bolts and nuts. As a versatile remover, WD-40 Specialist is also a perfect choice for removing rust on several other surfaces including toilets, tubs, bicycle parts, auto parts, cookware, antiques, glasses, among several others.

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Considering it comes from an industry leader, you can take their word for it when they say their product is safe to use. Even though their product is twice as penetrating as its competitors and leaves the items with formidable protection against future attacks, it’s very safe on the hands. The product is biodegradable and that should count for something.

Overall, we love the fact that it is powerful, fast-acting, and easy to use. It works like a charm with nuts, bolts, threads, locks, and rusted chains. For DIY enthusiasts and professionals, its industrial strength and extreme penetration are hard to overlook.

Pros

Made with eco-friendly, biodegradable materials

Safe to use on plants, clothing, utensils and around children

Works as advertised

A cinch to apply

Cons

Not enough for large surfaces

6. Star Brite Remover

The Star Brite aims to make your life easy by presenting you with this high-performance Star Brite remover that, among other things, won’t leave a hole in your pocket. It boats remarkable simplicity and efficiency in removing rust stains from a plethora of surfaces. Like other high-end picks, it’s a cinch to use and because its formulation lacks any corrosive, dangerous, or harmful chemicals or acids, it’s safe to use. So powerful and effective is this rust remover that some users have lauded it performance, comparing it to a miracle.

As the name suggests, it is a versatile one. You can confidently use it to get rid of rust on fibreglass, vinyl, metal, as well as painted surfaces. It features a commercial-strength formulation that will efficiently and effortlessly restore your tool or item to its original impeccable, spotless state in under 24 hours for the hardest and toughest rust deposits. That is a feat the vast majority of rust removers out there will be hard pressed to replicate. In the case of less severe rust, expect to start seeing results after just 5 minutes.

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Another signature feature is its safety and ease of use. It lacks the acids, caustics, toxics, and chemicals that cheap, humdrum models resort to in an attempt to keep up with industry giants. Consequently, it won’t interfere with the mechanical properties or functionality of items you’ll be using it on. Neither will it affect your health or well-being.

If that assurance doesn't sway your purchasing decision, maybe its ease of use will. You won't have to lift a finger to remove rust. Okay, maybe a little but only to the extent of applying it. It does the heavy lifting though. There will be no scrubbing, dipping, or brushing. The time and effort-saving design should be welcome for busy DIYers, homeowners, or professionals with little time on their hands.

Considering its sublime performance, it’s no wonder Workshop Hero is selling these by the thousands. If you don’t want to miss out on the impressive, quick, and efficient cleaning power, we highly recommend checking the Star Brite remover out.

Pros

Exceeds performance expectations

Large quantity for use on multiple surfaces

Easy to apply

Eco-friendly ingredients and safe to use

Cons

Nothing significant

7. Bull Frog 94236

Just because you’re working on a budget doesn’t mean you should compromise or settle for the next best thing. This Bull Frog 94236 spray is reasonably priced to give users a taste of pro-grade performance. Given the thickness and consistency of the rust remover, it offers impressive vertical cling and doesn’t lose its effectiveness even after long exposure to air. Another significant reason to consider the rust remover is the fact that it prevents flash rusting. If these features tickle your fancy, continue reading because the Bull Frog 94236 Rust Remover Liquid Spray packs so many more.

There’s much to like about it but none of them beats the efficiency, speed, and consistency of its performance. It has a powerful formula that effortlessly removes a wide array of stains and without exposing the user to pungent smells, toxics, chemicals or acids. However hard or tough the rust, tarnish, or corrosion is, trust the commercial-grade formulation to make quick and short work of it. Besides being devoid of all the dangerous substances, the rust remover is further non-flammable, meaning that you can use it confidently and with peace of mind without worrying about it affecting your health or the items you want to free off the rust.

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The one feature that sets the rust remover apart in a fiercely competitive field is its innovative Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor, commonly going by the acronym VCI. The technology facilitates electrochemical bonding with the material, object or surface, starving it off vital rust agents such as air and moisture. The likelihood of the surface being affected by rust in the future after applying Bull Frog 94236 is therefore substantially minimized.

Additionally, given the ease of applying it, you’ll be able to reach the furthest surfaces or items in hard-to-reach spots. You won’t have to strain. And at 16 ounces, there is enough of Bull Frog 94236 Rust Remover Liquid Spray Liquid Spray to last several uses. You can, therefore, apply it generously, especially considering that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Even with the toughest and most stubborn, the Bull Frog 94236 works with remarkable ease and speed to make your items sparkle once more. It’s a versatile option you can use on several surfaces.

Pros

Costs a fraction of the price of high-end models

Safe as it doesn’t have strong chemicals

No rough or repulsive smells

Easy to apply

Cons

Sometimes leaves dark spots

Takes the effort to clean off after application

8. Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver

If you have rust-stained metals you want to restore to their original state, consider using the Loctite dissolver. While it works wonders with metal surfaces, easily dissolving rust in a matter of seconds, it’s just as efficient with auto parts, antiques, patio furniture, glass, bolts, nuts, lawn movers, mailboxes and tubs, among several others. Boasting a rare blend of technology and innovation, you’ll love the heart-stopping performance of it. It’s a perfect choice for heavy-duty rust removal projects considering its effectiveness and affordability, and ease of use.

It has a specially designed formula which the brand teases as being capable of removing heavy deposits of rust in a matter of minutes, leaving the metal sparkling like brand new. For the best performance results, and to thwart the likelihood of rust returning, it’s highly recommended that you follow up by priming or painting the surface, eliminating the likelihood of air and moisture reaching the bare mental.

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As for ease of use, Henkel goes all the way to ensure their Loctite is easy to use. You can apply it in a snap by either spraying it or using a brush, whichever means you’ll most convenient or suitable to your circumstances. Unlike most rust removers, applying the rust remover is quite straightforward. Besides preparing the object or surfacing, all you’ll have to do is apply, wait for the recommended time to elapse before rinsing it off.

The only downside to using it is that you’ll have to wear the recommended protective gear. The product is known to irritate the respiratory system, the eyes, and the skin. This could be indicative of the presence of various irritant substances in the list of ingredients. Aside from this minor setback, the rust remover works like a charm.

Overall, it is a perfect choice for those looking for a cost-effective yet effective way of restoring the lost glory of various metal surfaces. The application process is not very labour intensive, too.

Pros

Easy to clean up after application

A potent formula for quick results

Perfect for heavy rust deposits

Budget-friendly pricing

Cons

Not the best for vertical surfaces

9. Boeshield Rust Free

The beauty of Boeshield Rust Free is that it’s an all-rounder. It doesn’t limit you to metal surfaces, bolts, kitchenware or laundry like some rust removers do; it removes rust and stains from practicality all surfaces. Such an all-around performance makes the go-to rust remover for the vast majority of homeowners, seasoned professionals, and extreme DIYers who deal with a wide range of rust-stained materials or objects. Other factors that immensely endear it users include remarkable ease of use, the safe formula, and the fact that it’s fast acting. An in-depth review of this workhorse follows next.

If your heart is set on acquiring a fast, safe, and easy to use option, this Boeshield Rust Free would be it. Not only is its formula biodegradable and non-flammable, but it's also similarly free of toxics, chemicals, and acids. And that can only mean one thing; safety. While it poses no risk of corroding your objects and surfaces or irritating your skin, the industrial-grade formula works exactly as advertised.

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Not even the thickest, most stubborn, or heaviest deposits of rust can withstand the onslaught of Boeshield Rust Free. It removes rust from a broad range of surfaces and objects including cast iron, vinyl, chrome, fibreglass, tiles, glasses, auto and bicycle parts, and several others.

You’ll also love how hassle-free it is to apply it. The innovative design of the bottle allows you to spray the formula with ease and outstanding precision, which is important for those who want to target rust in tight or hard-to-reach spots. And even though it's a little on the expensive side, it'll give you your money's worth several times.

To conclude, it comes with all the bells and whistles value-conscious users prioritize when searching for a rust remover. With this rust remover always within reach, the tinged, red-brown stains rust leaves behind will quickly be a thing of the past.

Pros

Safe to use on multiple surfaces and items

Works quickly and effectively

Spares the user strong, chemical smells

Easy to apply on multiple surfaces

Cons

Expensive for such a small quantity

10. Quickway Brands Chrome Cleaner

Everything about this cleaner is exemplary. Everything considered, it's the closest you're ever going to come to perfection, which is why we preserved the 10 slots for the best. Like other removers, the product is a perfect choice for removing rust and is designed to be eco-friendly. Unlike the vast majority of them, however, Quickway Brands Quick Glo Chrome Cleaner goes beyond just removing rust. It’s a versatile, water-based rust remover that cleans, polishes, and waxes. Coupled with the fact that it’s made in the United States, its performance is second to none.

Being eco-friendly, it is devoid of all the environmentally harmful chemicals, acids, and other related elements. By extension, it won’t cause any irritations or trigger allergies should it come into contact with your skins. Further, it’s safe to use around children and pets. Its superior formula translates to an equally superior performance on a wide range of hard surfaces. It quickly, effortlessly and efficiently removes rust and polishes metals. Its performance on chrome, brass, stainless steel, sinks, glass, tubs, and whitewalls is nothing short of exceptional.

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The cleaner doesn't produce any strong smells or dangerous fumes and you won't have to use any gloves when applying. It's a cinch to use, too. Considering that it is water-based, there's no point breaking out the soap and bucket. Still, it easily and quickly gets rids of stuck-on bugs and grime from the grill and chrome and polishes and waxes just as efficiently. And the best part is that once applied, it acts as a protective barrier preventing the recurrence of rust for up to one year. Less frequent applications translate to significant savings on resources.

Plumbers, enthusiastic DIYers, homeowners, and professionals swear by it. They laud its ease of use, efficiency, speed, versatility, and performance. Use it just once and you'll be one of the aficionados.

Pros

Perfect for a number of surfaces and items

Safe to use around children, pets, and plants

Quickly restores the original look of items

Leaves protective layer

Cons

Necessitates elbow grease for effective performance

Selection Criteria

Affordability

Sometimes preserving a treasured object may necessitate going to extreme lengths to get rid of rust. However, weigh the cost of the rust remover vis-à-vis that of replacing the product. The vast majority of rust removers are quite affordable, meaning your wallet won’t take a big hit should you decide to buy one. In case the rust remover is costlier than the product in question, it’d be prudent to just buy another one.

The price of rust removers ranges from as little as 20 bucks to as much as 80 bucks per gallon. If you want to effectively remove rust from a large surface and give it high-quality protection against future attacks, a high-end but not necessarily expensive model would suffice.

Safety

The market offers two different types; safe and harmful. The former are devoid of the harmful and dangerous CFCs, propylene glycol, chemicals and toxics found in the latter, which also means they are safe to use around children and pets and plants.

The rust remover should also not be too strong as to cause the metal or surface you want to treat to corrode further. And if possible, it should leave a protective layer to prevent the return of rust for at least another year. Safe and harmful removers can be difficult to tell apart. Check to see if it’s certified by USDA or better yet, choose our list because we took great care in ensuring they’re all certified by reputable quality-check agencies.

Convenience

This refers to how easy or difficult it is to use the rust remover. You’ll have to choose among three different forms of removers; spray, gel, and immersion. For convenience, we recommend going for spray rust removers. They don’t require any special handling. Also, if you can’t stand strong smells, there are odourless removers available on the market and featured on this list.

These eliminate the need for wearing a respirator and safety goggles. Lastly, consider the recommended duration of use. For effective rust removers, the results are both quick and efficient while for some, you’ll have to wait for up to 24 hours. Also, some products require that you scrub the surface before and during application while others don’t.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most effective way of preventing rust from recurring?

A: Keeping your tools clean and dry after use and away from constant exposure to moisture is the surest way of preventing the recurrence of rust. If you can, make a point of religiously oiling them to prevent air from coming in contact with the surface of the tools, especially if you’re planning on keeping them away for a long time.

Q: Are there natural, homemade alternatives to removing rust?

A: You can elect to use a blend of baking soda, vinegar, and an aluminium foil. However, keep in mind that the results will pale in comparison to those that you can achieve with our picks.

Conclusion

Keeping your tools, locks, equipment, and other various surfaces in pristine condition require the use of a rust remover. Our list features 10 of the best money can buy. As well as offering the best bang for the buck, they are easy to use, effective, safe, and for the most part, cost-effective.

We can guarantee that they’ll quickly and easily get rid of rust and the attendant stains, leaving your materials and objects looking like new.

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