Step By Step Process Of Removing Rust From Metal Cabinets
Metal cabinets that get affected by rust will make your area look out of date and run-down. As soon as you notice rust on metal cabinets, you need to get rid of it as quickly as possible, otherwise, it can make the damage worse. The best way to get rid of the rust from metal cabinets is to work on it early and start with one of the smoothest options to prevent damaging the surrounding area. You can use gentle abrasives and household items in order to get rid of the rust, no matter whether you are dealing with retro metal kitchen cabinets or an old filing cabinet.
Step 1: Wear Protective Gear
When working with metal & particularly if you are going to remove the rust, then you need to protect yourself from any stray shards or dust. Therefore, wear eye protection in order to keep metal pieces or dust from getting into your eyes. Also, you must use a mask in order to make sure that you don't breathe in the debris. Tackle with any sharp or rough tools with care in order to avoid cuts and scrapes.
Step 2: Clean The Metal Cabinets
- First of all, clean the powder-coated metal kitchen cabinets, which will help in removing any built-up gunk before you tackle the rust. Now, rusty areas will be visible better that will make its removal easy.
- Cleanse the metal cabinets with the help of warm, soapy water, but make sure not to allow the water to run down the cabinets. Too much water, particularly in seams, hinges, and similar areas, can cause extra rusting. If in case the cabinets are affected by grease or grime that will not get washed away easily, use rubbing alcohol in order to remove it.
- Wipe away any soap or rubbing alcohol with the help of clean water. Dry off the cabinets in order to get rid of the rust-causing moisture.
Step 3: Brush Away Loose Rust
As soon as the rusty areas are noticeable clearly, brush away any larger chunks or loose rust lightly and gently. With the help of a razor blade, smoothly scrape off the rust. Take hold of the blade with utmost care at an angle using even pressure. Keep away from digging into the rust with the help of a corner of the blade as you may cut out the metal.
Step 4: Use Household Items
Two of the important household items including lemon juice and salt can help smoothly get rid of the rust from metal cabinets. If the rust is on the cabinet door, get rid of it from the cabinet in order to make this option easier. Spray some salt on the rust and firmly press fresh lemon juice onto the salt. Allow the mixture a few hours to work, before scrubbing it and clean away the remaining juice and salt. Another household option is to make a baking soda paste with water. Apply this paste to cover the rust and wait a few hours. Scrub the baking soda paste with the help of a soft-bristle brush before washing the paste off of the cabinet and dry it.
Step 5: Sand Or Scour Away Rust
If in case the natural solutions are not able to get rid of all of the rust, then use the finest steel wool or sandpaper in order to help scour away the patches. For larger patches of rust, coarser is the best option. As far as small patches are concerned, start with extra-fine steel wool. Apply the sandpaper or steel wool only on the rusty areas, & prevent it from applying on the metal that isn't rusted. Rub smoothly in order to make sure that you only get rid of the rust without scratching the metal.
Step 6: Clean Up The Cabinets
After getting rid of all of the rust, clean the metal cabinets again. This will help get rid of any dust and debris from the rust-removable process. Dry the cabinets rigorously, particularly the sanded areas. If you leave any moisture, it can cause the rust to appear again. With the help of a hairdryer, quickly eliminate the moisture from the metal.