How to clean a rusty knife

Simply soak the rusty metal object in white vinegar for a couple of hours and then just wipe to remove the rust. If the object is too large, simply pour white vinegar evenly over the surface of the object and give it some time to settle.

WD–40 is designed to loosen the bonds between rust and the metal surface it has adhered to by penetrating the porous layer of rust and using its lubricating properties to loosen it. To remove surface rust, simply spray it on the rusted surface, leave it for around ten minutes and let it get to work on the surface rust.

Remove Rust With Baking Soda

Baking soda works well on items with light rust stains. It also works well on items made out of thin metal. Mix water and baking soda into a thick paste and spread the paste all over the metal, making sure that rusty spots are well covered.

Get rid of rust: If you have any rust stains or tools covered in rust, Coca-Cola will eat away at the rust for you. Leave the rusty object submerged in Coke for an hour or overnight and then scrub off the rust. Wet the grout with Coke and let the area sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.

(The average pH of Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other colas is 3.4.) Carbonation combined with the acid can dissolve the metal oxides and remove tarnish from copper, brass and other metal alloys. Phosphoric acid is commonly used for rust removal.

Bubbly soft drinks like Diet Coke and regular Coca-Cola contain phosphoric acid, a substance known to do a number on rust. Pour the Diet Coke or Evaporust around the bolt and let it soak in.

Lemon Juice and Vinegar Rust Remover

Cover aluminum with table salt. Squeeze lemon juice or vinegar over the salt and let sit for up to one hour. Use a scouring pad or clean cloth to buff away rusted areas. Wash and dry normally.

If you are cleaning a large aluminum surface, soak a cloth in vinegar, then wipe it across the oxidation. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush, then wipe away the vinegar and lifted oxidation with a damp cloth.

Baking soda is great for cleaning lots of household messes, but have you ever tried it on rust? Make a paste by mixing it with water, making sure it is thick enough to stick to the rusted surface. Let it sit for a while and then scrub it off with steel wool or a wire brush.

Re: Need help separating corroded aluminum parts

Aluminum vs ferrous metal is usually easy. A little penetrating oil and heat from a heat gun (please, no open flames!). The aluminum expands more then the ferrous, and the bolt usually works free.

Dust with baking soda (it will stick to the damp areas), making sure to cover all rusty areas. Leave the item for an hour or so, then scour with steel wool or a metal brush, removing the rust down to the metal. (If cleaning a pan, use a scouring pad.) Rinse, and towel dry.

For larger items, mix a solution of one part water to one part vinegar. Wipe it on the item with a soft cloth and buff till shiny. Rinse and dry. You can also use this solution to clean the outside of an aluminum pan.

Acids used to clean and brighten aluminum include vinegar (acetic acid), lemon juice (citric acid) and cream of tartar (tartaric acid).

Vinegar does contain acetic acid so in theory yes, vinegar can dissolve aluminum if used in large amounts or for over extended periods of time. Vinegar will also eat and dissolve aluminum foil.