Life Hack: How to clean rust from metal and how to prevent it from developing

Top tips for identifying and dealing with surface-level rust, how to prevent it, and when to throw in the towel

Life Hack: How to clean rust from metal and how to prevent it from developing

What is rust?

Any items made from iron or iron alloys are prone to developing rust when exposed to moisture or oxygen. This exposure causes a chemical process called oxidation, where iron is converted to iron oxide, a red, flaky substance. It causes the item to expand and become brittle over time, which is why treating the rust early is important. Items like pipes, car parts, and metal furniture can be affected by rust.