How to remove rust from knives

Have you ever found a knife in an old toolbox that you wish could be useful? Or have you accidentally left your favorite knife out in the rain? Chances are they have caught rust on them. A rusty knife, be it a kitchen knife or a military knife, is of no use. They are dangerous and can cause fatal accidents.

Even though your knives are made of stainless steel, they still can show rust spots after prolonged use and improper handling. Stainless steel is stain-resistant and not stain-proof. So, the question arises: how do you make your knife shine again? Here is a quick guide to remove rust from knives and give them a squeaky-clean look. You just need to look around for the tools required.

How Do Knives Rust?

Before we dive into removing rust from knives, let us understand how knives rust.

Rust is a common name for a compound called iron oxide. It is the brown-orange flaky material that you see on any metal. This forms when iron and oxygen react to moisture.

Iron, the main component in steel, when it comes in contact with water and air, you get rust.

Fortunately, the small spots of rust might not be dangerous at all. But they do add impurities to your food. A wound from a rusty knife might cause more infection. Another reason to avoid rusting is that a rusty knife looks bad.

How to remove rust from knives

Now, let us address the elephant in the room. What are the methods of cleaning off the rust from knives? There are many ways to remove rust from knives, some of which are stated below.

Using Vinegar

White vinegar has properties that can clean off the rust from your knives. You only need a bowl, a soft sponge, white vinegar and dish soap.

• Place the blade of your knife in a glass of vinegar for half an hour in case of minor rust. Leave it overnight in case the blades are damaged. Make sure you use vinegar that has acetic acid to attack rust. Other types of vinegar may leave stains.
• Take the knife from the vinegar and scrub using a soft sponge. This will help remove any rust spots.
• Wash the knife with dish soap and water once the rust is removed. Let the knife dry, or pat it with a towel.

Using Baking Soda

Along with baking soda, this method uses a soft sponge and some water.

• Clean the blade of your knife with a cleaning solution so that the dirt cannot interfere with removing rust.
• Add the baking soda to some water to make a sludgy paste. Apply this paste to the rust spots present on the knife.
• Let this sit for a minimum of 60 minutes.
• Using a soft sponge, scrub the knife thoroughly. This will remove the rust stains.
• Rinse the knife with water. Pat it dry.

Using WD-40

You will need WD-40, fine sandpaper, and cloth for this method.

• Spray the affected parts of the blade with a spritz of WD-40
• Gently sand the blade with sandpaper to take off the rust. You can also use steel wool.
• Wipe the blade with a clean cloth, and your knife is ready. Avoid using WD-40 on a kitchen knife.

Using Lemon

This procedure requires a soft sponge, salt, and a lemon.

• Use salt to cover the rust streaks.
• Drizzle some lemon juice over the salt.
• Give the mixture a few hours to settle.
• Using a gentle sponge and the lemon rind, carefully scrub the blade.
• Wash with water, then pat dry.

Using a Potato

For this approach, you will need a potato, dish soap, and either baking soda or salt.

• Cut a potato in two.
• Use dish soap to coat half of the sliced potato.
• Dust the potato with baking soda or salt.
• Use the potato to scrub the rust spots.
• After rinsing well, completely dry.

How to Keep the Knife Rust-Free?

Once you have cleaned the knife and removed all the rust stains, it is important to keep your knives rust-free. Here is a list of precautions you might need to take.

• Keep the knives clean and dry after washing.
• Avoid washing your knives in the dishwasher. Hand washing is the best way to ensure your knives are clean and rust-free.
• Store knives in a dry and low-humidity area.
• Apply a protective coating from time to time to avoid rust stains. The coating can be of mineral oil or canola oil.

Unfortunately, even the best knives can get rust spots. Try storing them in the proper place. Keep removing rust spots from time to time. Avoid future rust stains. By following these simple steps, it will be easy to keep your knife sharp and shiny all the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let us look at what is to be done to remove rust from knives. Remember, vinegar and baking soda are your best friends when eliminating rust.

A paste of baking soda and water or a simple vinegar bath of your blade will help you eliminate the rust stains.

Using a lemon, a potato, or salt can also greatly benefit. A simple application of lemon and salt on rust stains will make them disappear. A half-cut potato with dish soap and baking soda can also do the magic.

WD-40 always comes in handy when it comes to removing rust. It is formulated in such a way that a little amount of spray will help remove the rust spots easily.

Use the above methods and keep your knives squeaky clean. Removing rust means you can stop worrying and focus on the real purpose of your knives.

It does not matter if it is a kitchen or a military knife; maintain the newness of your knives with these hacks.