How To Remove Rust From A Metal Cabinet: The Best Way To Get Rid Of The Rust From A Metal Cabinet

The Best Way To Get Rid Of The Rust From A Metal Cabinet

Having rust on the metal cabinets will make your space look old-fashioned and unattractive. Once you notice the rust on metal cabinets, remove it immediately, otherwise, if you disregard the rust, it can make the damage worse. One of the best ways to get rid of the rust is to catch it as soon as possible and start with the moderate option in order to prevent damaging the nearby area. It does'nt really matter whether you have to remove the rust from retro metal kitchen cabinets or an old filing cabinet, you can use the smooth polishing and household items.

Wear Protective Gear

Before starting the process of removing the rust from metal cabinets, make sure to safeguard yourself from any random piece or dust. Simply put on eye protection in order to stop metal pieces or dust from entering into your eyes. Also, put on a mask in order to avoid breathing in the debris. Take hold of any sharp or rough tools with utmost care in order to prevent cuts and scrapes.

Clean The Metal Cabinets

Before removing the rust, you need to rinse the thick metal kitchen cabinets, so that it eliminates any increased dirt or grime. Cleaning will help to make the rust removal process lot easier. Clean the metal cabinets with the help of warm, soapy water, but remember not to allow water run-through the cabinets. Avoid too much water, particularly in areas like seams, hinges, etc, otherwise, it can cause further rusting. If in case the cabinets are engulfed in grease or grime that are not easily cleaned, then you can apply rubbing alcohol in order to get rid of it. Eliminate any soap or rubbing alcohol with the help of clean water & then allow the cabinets to fully dry in order to get rid of rust-causing moisture.

Brush Away Loose Rust

As soon as the rusty areas are clearly visible, make sure to brush away any larger lumps or loose rust. You can smoothly remove the rust with the help of a razor blade. Take hold of the blade rigorously at an angle with even pressure. Prevent sinking into the rust with a tip of the blade, which may result in cutting out the metal.

Use Household Items

Lemon juice as well as the salt are the two main household items that can assist in smoothly getting rid of the rust. If in case the rust is noticeable on the cabinet door, then eliminate it from the cabinet in order to make this option easier. Spray salt on the rust area and wring fresh lemon juice onto the salt. Allow the mixture to work properly for a couple of hours, then clean it and remove the rest of the juice and salt. Another best optin is to create a baking soda paste with water & then apply this paste on the rust area & wait for a few hours. Rub the baking soda paste with the help of a soft-bristle brush. Cleanse the cabinet & remove the excess paste & then make it dry.

Sand Or Scour Away Rust

If in case the above steps did not work in removing all the rust, then use steel wool or sandpaper in order to help scrub away the patches. Make sure to use the very thin or narrow steel wool or sandpaper that works best. In case of larger rust patches, coarser option is the best one & in case of small patches, work with extra-fine steel wool. Apply the sandpaper or steel wool only on the rusty portions & keep it away from the non rusted areas. Scrub smoothly so that you only get rid of the rust without scratching the metal.

Clean Up The Cabinets

After removing all the rust, clean the metal cabinets once again. This will assist in removing any dust and debris from the rust-removable process. Allow the cabinets dry rigorously, particularly the sanded portion. If you ignore any moisture, it can grow more rust. With the help of a hair dryer, quickly get rid of the moisture from the metal.

Repaint Cheap Metal Kitchen Cabinets

After sanding, repaint your cabinets in order to give them a finished look. Make sure to repaint with a product that is particularly made for metal. If in case you find an exact match, then you can touch up the small areas without repainting the whole cabinet. You can also apply a primer made to inhibit rust in order to help avoid future rusting. If in case there is no need to repaint the cabinets, then apply car wax to the rusted areas after you clean and dry it. The wax will help to make the cabinet finish shine again & give it a refreshed look.