Rust on your automobile, tools, and equipment, or anywhere else in your home can be inconvenient and hazardous in the worst cases. Iron oxide, commonly known as rust, can accumulate on metal over time, particularly whenever there is moisture in them. From time to time, rust may erode on your automobile, tools, and equipment as well as other things in your home and may cause extensive harm. This problem calls for a rust remover: the absolute solution that can resolve this matter.

A rust remover is a substance made to remove rust as well as other types of corrosion. It dissolves it by reacting with the rust while limiting the damage to your things. A quality rust remover is capable of doing it and there are lots of choices in the market you can choose from.

To test and determine the most efficient solutions, we have applied them on numerous cuts of rusty metals with the assistance of professionals. After a series of tests and trials, we've drawn up a list of the five best rust remover products. And, to assist you in finding the right product for your needs, we've compiled a list of some of Amazon's best-selling items. 

So, using this comprehensive review as a guide, be sure to take advantage of their special deals on Amazon by clicking the buttons below!

Best Rust Removers Comparison & Rating

Rust Removers

Features

Evapo-Rust ER004 , The Original Super Safe Rust Remover, Water-based, Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, 32 oz
  • 32 ounces
  • removes rust without scrubbing
  • no acids
WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak, One Gallon
  • 2.24 ounces
  • NSF Category P1 approved
  • meets 50-State Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) requirements
Quick-Glo - Original, 8 oz - Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover, Featured on Jay Leno's Garage. Made in the USA & Non Toxic
  • 8 ounces
  • water-based formula
  • functions as a barrier from oxidative deterioration for a year
CLR PRO Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover, 1 Gallon Bottle
  • 128 ounces
  • contains no phosphates, ammonia, or bleach
  • also eliminates calcium, lime, and hard water deposits
RustAid GSX00101 Goof, 1 Gallon GAL Rust Stain Remover
  • 128 ounces
  • spray and rinse off 
  • also good for removing calcium deposits and limescale

1. Evapo-Rust ER004 Rust Remover

Evapo-Rust ER004 , The Original Super Safe Rust Remover, Water-based, Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, 32 oz
Specifications:
96% Overall

Brand

Evapo-Rust

Form

Liquid

Volume

32 ounces

Applicable Material

Metals, Plastic, PVC, Viton, Paints, Cast Iron Cookware, Grill Grates, Antiques, Tools, Auto Parts, Clocks, Sewing Machines, Toys, and more.

98%
performance
97%
action speed
97%
ease of use
90%
long-term protection
Pros:
  • A 32-ounce, water-based rust remover that's good for the environment.
  • The product is non-harmful, biologically degradable, non-corrosive, skin and eye-safe, does not contain fumes or unpleasant smells or any acids, bases, solvents, or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
  • Reusable, and a gallon will de-rust up to 300 pounds of metal steel.
  • No special equipment is needed like gloves, eye protection, masks when using it.
  • Its application won't damage non-trusted steel or harm plastics, PVC, Viton, and most paints.
  • Removes rust without scrubbing or sanding in minutes.
  • Safe to use with cast iron cookware, grills, antiquities, equipment, car parts, clocks, machines for sewing, toys, and more.
Cons:
  • Bear in mind that it works better if the rusted part can be submerged in the solution, so it's not suitable for larger projects.
  • It would not secure parts or things from inevitable future corrosion, so if they are not protected, they can rust again.
Final Take:

Recognized as being one of the first rust removers in the industry, Evapo-Rust ER004 Rust Remover creates new hope for most of your rusty household products. This is so simple to use that almost anyone can bring rusty metal tools, car parts, including housewares back to life. It has a non-toxic, eco-friendly water-based formulation that eliminates rust in minutes without any scrubbing deemed necessary. It is reusable and can be used again as long as the rust is not too heavy.  It is highly effective in removing rust, is non-corrosive, and non-irritating to the skin. It is odorless and non-flammable and can be safely disposed of anywhere. It is free of chemicals and is safe for the unrusted part of the materials. For the fact, this is indeed a great and promising product.

2. WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover

WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak, One Gallon
Specifications:
96% Overall

Brand

WD-40

Form

Liquid (Soak)

Volume

2.24 ounces

Applicable Material

Auto Restoration, Tractors, Antiques, Farm Equipment and Implements, Trailers and Hitches, and Rusty Tools

95%
performance
96%
action speed
96%
ease of use
95%
long-term protection
Pros:
  • Removes rust and restores the appearance of old metal or parts.
  • Without scraping, chipping, or scrubbing, this non-toxic soak made with biodegradable components generally makes the rusty metal look perfect again.
  • Designed for your difficult-to-solve problems with industrial-strength consistency and extreme absorption.
  • Removes rust safely and effectively without the use of acids or caustic chemicals.
  • Proudly meets 50-State Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) requirements and is NSF Category P1 approved.
  • Excellent for auto restoration, antiques, farm equipment, and implements, trailers and hitches, and rusted tools.
  • Non-irritating to the skin and has no poisonous fumes in the rust-removal formula.
Cons:
  • You need to use a large amount of this solution in order to achieve favorable results.
Final Take:

Get your hard task done with a WD-40 Rust Removal Specialist. It's designed to eliminate rust as well as fix metal or other car parts' finishes. It's a non-toxic, biodegradable remover that doesn't need scrubbing, chipping, or scraping to work. Its industrial-strength cleaning agent allows it to penetrate rust residue. It's free of acids and caustics and is ideal for auto repair which can also be used on heavy steel exterior applications such as swing sets including sheds. And with as little as 24 hours, WD-40 declares that its formula will make old metal look like new once more without any need for time-consuming grinding, chipping, or scrubbing. The fact that WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak emits no fumes is indeed the biggest surprise.

3. Quick-Glo Chrome Cleaner and Rust Remover

Quick-Glo - Original, 8 oz - Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover, Featured on Jay Leno's Garage. Made in the USA & Non Toxic
Specifications:
95% Overall

Brand

Quickway Brands

Form

Wax

Volume

8 ounces

Applicable Material

Chrome, Brass, Stainless, Sinks, Glass, and Whitewalls

95%
performance
95%
action speed
93%
ease of use
96%
long-term protection
Pros:
  • Superior, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly cleaner that was first used in 1957 as a rust remover/metal polish.
  • Has a formula that works well on hard surfaces including chrome, brass, stainless steel, sinks, glass, and whitewalls.
  • Can tolerate heavy oxidation or rust for a long time.
  • Comes in a water-based formula.
  • Does not emit any harmful fumes and does not necessitate the use of gloves.
  • Functions as a barrier from oxidative deterioration or harm for up to one year.
  • Breaks down easily into smaller pieces to allow for gentle polishing during the cleaning and waxing process.
  • Comes in an -easy-to-apply wax form.
Cons:
  • A bit expensive for the content amount it offers.
  • Leaves swirl marks once applied.
  • The abrasive aggregate mixed with the wax has aggressive nature, so using it to delicate surfaces like antique pieces is not ideal.
Final Take:

Quick-Glo Chrome Cleaner and Rust Remover is a way to go if you're searching for a rust remover that would be both safe to use and formulated to handle materials with substantial toughness. By having Quick-Glo, you already have a 2-in-1 product that is non-toxic because it uses an environmentally friendly formula since 1957. It can quickly remove heavy oxidation, rust formation, and even a wide range of rust elements. It produces no poisonous gases and is so safe to use that you can utilize it without gloves. Likewise, this rust remover is water-based, making it simple to apply without the use of soap or a bowl of water. Aside from that, it cleans, polishes, and waxes the surface intended for a perfect finish.

4. CLR PRO Calcium Lime Rust Remover

CLR PRO Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover, 1 Gallon Bottle
Specifications:
93% Overall

Brand

CLR

Form

Liquid

Volume

128 ounces

Applicable Material

Boat, Vehicle, Bathtub, Toilet Bowl, Sink, Glass, Chrome, Fiberglass, Stainless Steel, Coffee Machine, Humidifier, and Dishwasher

93%
performance
93%
action speed
92%
ease of use
94%
long-term protection
Pros:
  • Features a multi-purpose non-toxic cleaner built for surfaces related to toilets and bathrooms.
  • Part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice Program, which recognizes it as a safer alternative to chemicals because it contains no phosphates, ammonia, or bleach.
  • Excellent for removing rust from tools, machinery, automobiles, and siding.
  • Also eliminates calcium, lime, and hard water deposits, as well as soap scum, discoloration, and dirt, quickly and easily.
  • Can be used for cleaning and shining stainless steel, countertops, baths, toilets, tiles, fixtures, and sinks.
Cons:
  • Not a leave-and-forget type of solution; still needs scrubbing.
  • Though it can be used as a glass cleaner, it can leave spots.
  • Contains a strong odor. Needs proper ventilation when being used.
Final Take:

With its strong but non-toxic mixture of active ingredients, CLR PRO Calcium Lime Rust Remover is truly an alternative to harsh chemicals that is both safe and reliable. It acts quickly and efficiently making it one of the most useful formulations intended for home as well as outdoor application. Lactic and gluconic acids are used in the formulation, which is less toxic but no less powerful than stronger acid-based removers. It works on rusted tools, outdoor equipment, car parts, stainless steel, plastic, tile, glass, as well as rusted toilets, and is an excellent substitute for ammonia- as well as bleach-based products.

5. RustAid GSX00101 Rust Remover

RustAid GSX00101 Goof, 1 Gallon GAL Rust Stain Remover
Specifications:
93% Overall

Brand

RustAid

Form

Liquid (Spray)

Volume

128 ounces

Applicable Material

Exterior Walls, Foundations, Driveways, Fences, Sheds, and Lawn Furniture

92%
performance
94%
action speed
90%
ease of use
94%
long-term protection
Pros:
  • Removes rust stains from a wide range of outdoor surfaces .
  • Removes rust from exterior walls, walkways, foundations, driveways, fences, sheds, and lawn furniture.
  • Safe to use in concrete, stucco, wood, fiberglass, brick, painted surfaces, and vinyl siding.
  • It's also good for removing calcium deposits and limescale.
  • Accurately neutralizes and breaks down rust stains produced by well water, lime as well as calcium layers.
  • Just spray and rinse off so no scrubbing is needed.
Cons:
  • Can leave marks on areas with colors that easily fade (eg. painted walls and colored bricks).
  • Very dangerous for plants and grass.
Final Take:

RustAid GSX00101 Rust Remover can handle even the toughest stains in your outdoor spaces. It neutralizes and dissolves challenging rust stains generated by well water, limescale, including calcium deposits on a range of out-of-doors surfaces. It's safe to use on concrete, stucco, wood, fiberglass, brick, painted surfaces, even vinyl siding. Likewise, it can be used on a fence, shed, or lawn furniture, as well as external walls, walkway, base, or even driveway. This rust remover will revitalize your surfaces and there is no need to scrub while using this product, simply spray it on and rinse it off. Wait and see as it magically removes tough stains and rust from other outdoor surfaces.

Best Rust Removers - Buyer's Guide

ease of use

Rust treatment may be applied to the affected metal surface by brushing, soaking, or spraying it. It's best to think about how a product can be used and which solution would help you finish the project. The amount of corrosion, if the rusted part can be fully obtained, and the size of the damaged area can all influence which application method is best for you.

safety

Metal corrosion is a chemical reaction, and rust oxidation also necessitates another chemical reaction. Although each brand does have its method of rust treatment formulation, this often indicates that each one contains its very own set of extremely active chemicals, such as phosphoric acid. It's critical to identify whether or not a rust remover is safe to consume before using it to keep yourself protected. Understanding how to handle and clean up these contaminants is also important.

flammability

Consider the area in which you'll store and use the rust remover, both during storage as well as application. Bear in mind that holding aerosol cans or even some liquid rust removers in a warm storage capacity can cause a fire.

long-term protection

After removing corrosion on a rusted piece, the whole last question you would like to deal with is, will it rust again? Fortunately, many excellent rust removers have a protective layer that prevents the component from corroding further. Know how to attack your metal pieces with the right strategy, choose a product that has long-term protection for your materials.

Best Rust Removers - FAQs

What is a rust remover?

A rust remover is a formula that removes rust from the surface. It is made of chemicals that react to it by dissolving it with rust.

Is it possible to make a home remedy rust remover?

Rust remover can function differently based on its formulation. The harsher brands would have phosphoric or hydrochloric acid in them, which works with the iron oxide to eliminate it. On the other hand, natural acids like lemon and vinegar, have a similar impact. And yes, rust remover can be made at home with traditional household items like baking soda and vinegar.

Does the rust remover affect the paint?

Yes. Bear in mind that since acid is known to dull or strip paint, you need to use a water-based or gentle acidic remover to avoid any damage.

How to store a rust remover?

Rust remover should be kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. It should be kept away from freezing temperatures, which is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Author

Jimmy Black started his career as a construction and carpenter foreman. After years of hard work, he decided to go on his own. Now, Jimmy is one of the trusted experts at SolidSmack who knows at first glance whether your hammer would do a great job or not. He still involves himself in various construction projects and works for individual clients. Behind formalities, he enjoys being a father to two lovely kids who keep on asking him why they can’t quit school and travel the world like Dora The Explorer.