5 DIY Ways To Do Knife Rust Removal
Introduction
Knife Rust Removal is a pain, but it's one of those things we all have to deal with at one point or another. As knife enthusiasts who have been forging and collecting knives for years, we own large collections of high-quality blades (which are meant to last a lifetime). However, we still have blades that need occasional rust removal maintenance. Even the best knife will start rusting if not taken care of properly... In this article, we are going to go in-depth on ways to prevent rusting as well as how to clean a rusty blade.
What is Rust?
Rust is a chemical reaction that occurs when iron combines with water and oxygen. Rust can occur on any metal, but it's more common to see in areas where there's an abundance of moisture in the air, such as near the ocean or in humid regions.
Why Do Knives Rust?
The majority of knives are made from some kind of steel which is a metal that is susceptible to rusting. Several factors can increase the likelihood that your knife will rust:
- The type of metal used in the knife. Stainless steel has higher corrosion resistance than carbon steel, but both are prone to rusting if they're damaged or exposed to moisture. Luckily steel and stainless steel rust removal is possible!
- The environment in which your knives are stored. If you keep them in a damp or humid place, they'll be more likely to develop rust spots. If you store them in a dry area but expose them to water without properly drying, this can also lead to corrosion because of residual moisture that can get trapped inside the knife as well as any minerals from water that have been absorbed into its surface.
- How often you clean your knives after use (or don't). Leaving food on an uncleaned blade overnight is one thing; leaving it for weeks at a time is another!
How To Remove Rust From Kitchen Knives
The best way to prevent corrosion on your kitchen tools is through regular cleaning with soap and water—or better yet, mineral oil—and proper storage away from corrosive elements like heaters and sinks ledges where excess moisture may collect during cooking activities."
However, if your blades already developed some rust spots, you can try the following 5 DIY methods to help remove rust from knives.
1. How To Remove Rust From A Knife With White Vinegar
White vinegar rust removal is an easy, inexpensive DIY way to remove rust from your kitchen knives or blades.
- Dip the knife in white vinegar.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes if it's cooking-grade stainless steel and about an hour for other grades of steel. You can also use a rust remover like CLR to speed up this process, but be sure not to leave your knife in too long or you'll damage its finish.
- Rinse off with warm water and dry with a towel before handling again so you don't get any more rust on your hands than necessary!
- Repeat as necessary until no more rust remains on the blade; if there's still some left after two rounds of this process read on.
2. How To Remove Rust From A Knife With Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent tool for DIY rust removal. It's safe and easy to use, and it won't damage the surface of your knife.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water; depending on the size of your knife and the amount of rust, you may need to add more water or baking soda.
- Dip a soft cloth in this solution and rub it onto all areas where rust appears to be present, paying close attention to tough spots like serrated edges and rusted screws.
- Apply some elbow grease by rubbing vigorously for 10-15 seconds; then rinse under warm water until all traces are gone! Dry thoroughly before storing again so as not to leave any moisture behind that could cause new corrosion issues later on down the line (which is bad news bears).
3. How To Remove Rust From A Knife With A Potato
You can remove rust with a potato. Shocking, but yes, it works! Potatoes contain Oxalic acid which is a powerful acid rust remover as it reacts to destabilize rust particles on the blade. To remove rust from a knife with a potato follow the steps below:
- Boil a potato in water for about 15 minutes
- Peel the potato and cut it in half
- Rub the cut surface of each half of your peeled, boiled potato over any rusty area on your knife until all visible rust is gone
- Rinse off all remnants of the potato pieces and dried peel from your blade/tool and repeat until no more rust remains
4. How To Remove Rust From A Knife With An Onion
While a little bit unconventional, onions can be effectively used for DYI rust removal from a knife. Onion contains Suplhenic acid and reacts with rust when rubbed against it.
- Peel and slice the onion. Slice the onion with a sharp knife (ideally not the rusted knife), remembering to cut away from yourself.
- Put the onion slices on the blade of your knife. The best place is near where you hold it when using it, but don’t put them too close to where they could get in your way!
- Place on a flat surface and leave for 24 hours before washing off with water and drying off with a paper towel or cloth (not used towels!)
5. How To Remove Rust From A Knife With Toothpaste
Another simple and effective DIY method to remove rust from knives is by using toothpaste.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (or other similarly soft brush) to scrub the affected areas clean.
- Dip a cloth into warm water and wring out as much excess moisture as possible before wiping the blade down with it until it's dry again.
- Use some of your favorite toothpaste (white or gel—it won't matter) and apply it directly onto the blade; then gently scrub away until all traces of rust have been removed from its surface!
When to Get A New Knife
If you have tried all of the above methods and still can't remove rust from your knife, then it's probably time to get yourself a new knife. The truth is that sometimes the rust on the knife will be far too advanced to remove without some extremely heavy-duty solutions.
A good chef’s knife should last you many years, so investing in one that will hold up is important. If you find yourself having to replace your knives often because of rust or other issues, then something is wrong with the quality of what you're buying and you should consider getting something better ASAP. Some sneaky manufacturers design their knives with poor-quality steel in order for them to rust quicker and force you to replace your knives often.
At The Forged Blade we strive to design beautiful high-quality knives that are meant to be used for a lifetime. This is why our razor-sharp knives come with a lifetime guarantee and are extremely rust resistant. If you are looking to upgrade your knife, take a look at our collection below:
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