How to easily remove rust with common household supplies

If you need to remove rust from metal, I have two ways to easily get rid of it.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 1 BEFORE Rust MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair Theresa sad

I needed to remove rust from a treasured metal vanity chair. As a little girl, I admired this chair while my mom used it to get ready for parties and nights out with my dad. I love the shape of the chair, the mini-size, and the circles that make up the back.

Unfortunately, it rusted. I’m not sure when or how it happened, as it has always been kept inside. I live with an active family and cats, so there are many possibilities to the reason why. It doesn’t matter, because I just want to make it pretty again.

There are two ways that I’ve removed rust in the past. Both are easy, and inexpensive.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 2a Aluminum Vinegar Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair

The first way to remove rust is using vinegar and aluminum foil.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 3a Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair aluminum

Pour a little bit of vinegar on to the aluminum foil or the metal, and rub the foil into the metal. You’ll see a reaction happening, which is good. Let the vinegar sit for bit, finish rubbing the aluminum into the metal, and then rub off with a damp soft cloth.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 2b Lemon Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife slice

The second way requires a lemon.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 3b Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair lemon

Rub the lemon, or lemon juice, into the rust. Let the lemon juice soak for a bit, and then wipe off with a damp soft cloth.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 4 Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair wipe clean

Now that the chair is rust free, it’s ready for a fresh coat of paint.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 6 Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair tape feet

After taping off the feet of the chair, it’s ready for paint.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 6b Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair paint Rose Gold

I chose Rose Gold for the chair. After dusting several light coats of paint, I sealed it with a clear coat. It’s an extra guarantee to protect it against future rust.

I’m happy to have a pretty little chair again, and so glad to have that rust gone. And while I think our cat Rowdee isn’t a fan of having his photo taken, he might like the chair makeover, too.

‣ MyFixitUpLife 7 AFTER Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair
‣ MyFixitUpLife 7 AFTER Rust Remove MyFixitUpLife Metal Chair Rowdee
author avatar
Theresa
A handy designer and writer, she shares DIY projects, tool how-to, and home makeovers as a book author, home show speaker, DIY workshop coach, and radio host. Plus, she has a degree in journalism with a minor in architecture, and is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPs) and certified color consultant. She's created fast-paced makeovers for TV shows, and shares home trends and DIY tips as a freelance writer and guest on news shows and satellite media tours for TV and radio.

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