On removing rust and shining metal articles
1. If using a homemade rust remover, apply a mild acid of your choice—lemon or lime juice, cola, or vinegar—and let it soak for about five minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. Wipe dry. Repeat until all the rust is gone. Neutralize mild acid solutions with a stream of water and wipe dry.
2. Use aluminum foil for an easy, low-cost method for removing rust from chrome. Aluminum reacts with rust chemically, resulting in a material that can be easily wiped or scrubbed off. Since aluminum is softer than most metals, it will not scratch the surface of the chrome or the metal underneath it.
3. Before you attempt to remove the rust on the chrome, clean dirt and debris from the metal using soapy water, or with car wash soap if cleaning painted car parts. This helps you locate and access rusty areas more easily.For very dirty or very rusty surfaces, use vinegar or another mild acid suggested below, then follow up with foil.
4. Dip aluminum foil into water. You can use any water, but saltwater is best, since the electrolytes and salts will help speed up the chemical process. Tear off strips of aluminum convenient to use on the rusted area.
5. Rub the aluminum foil over the rust spots. Rub the aluminum foil back and forth over the rust spots. You do not need to use much pressure, although heavily rusted areas may require slightly more effort and a longer rubbing time.Dip the aluminum foil in water again whenever it gets dry.
6. Rinse the surface of the chrome. Once you have removed all the rust, wipe the surface using a rag to reveal the shiny metal underneath.
7. Use cola, lime juice, or other mild household acids. Any cola or soda that includes phosphoric acid in the ingredients can be used to remove rust. Other options include lime juice or vinegar. These mild acids can remove rust without significant risk to the surrounding metal.Diet cola does not have sugar in it, so the process will be less sticky. However, the sugar does help the acid to adhere to the rust.Avoid strong or concentrated acids,
Soak or cover the chrome with the acid.
Ideally, soak the object for 15 minutes before removing. If you cannot soak the object, then simply pour the mild acid over the surface.
Wipe or scrub the rust off.
You may need to use a rough sponge or gentle dish scrubber to remove the dissolved rust. Scrubbers designed for use on glass cookware tend to have the lowest risk of scratching your chrome. To remove heavy rust, rub gently with strips of aluminum foil or scrub with scouring pads.
Same for brass. You can soak the article in kemon water or vinegar for 15 minutes and wipe. It will shine better.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup vinegar and add enough flour to make a paste. Rub onto the brass and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and buff dry.
Another way- Squeeze half of a lemon onto a sponge and sprinkle salt on top. Rub over the sponge over the surface and then rinse it off. The results are pretty amazing.
A handy way - use ketchup. It has citric acid plus vinegar.
Squirt a dollop of ketchup on a rag and rub over the surface. Wipe off the residue with a damp cloth and buff dry.
