10 Best Rust Removers in the Philippines 2022 | Turtle Wax, Buildrite, and More

When choosing a rust remover, it's important to take note of the active ingredients and formulations to be able to treat rusty surfaces effectively. Read on to know more about the different types and application methods of rust removers.  

At first glance, you might mistake one for the other. But while rust converters and rust removers both carry out the task of eliminating rust where they shouldn't be, they differ quite a bit. Choosing between the two depends on what item you are working on.

Rust removers lift rust completely, leaving a bare metal finish. It is ideal for cleaning rust off of various hand-held tools, devices, and parts, such as cutting shears, scissors, or pliers. It requires submerging the tools in the solution, thereby soaking the entire object.

If you're worried about soaking the non-metal parts of your shears, a typical rust remover is safe to use on plastic or vinyl. This product can also be used multiple times and be stored again in its original bottle or container after use. As long as it still removes rust, it can be used over and over. 

This type consists of chemical solutions that turn the surface rust into a smooth dark finish, which now acts as the barrier for the surface. Rust converters are commonly applied to larger objects that are difficult to sandblast, such as metal roofs, tanks, and vehicle frames, to mention a few.

This quality to a rust converter prevents the thinning of the metal, which is more difficult to replace in the long run. Once covered with a converter, the metal has a barrier that resists the harsh conditions that often lead to further corrosion, such as weathering, salt water, rain, and sunlight. 

However, caution must be practiced during the application itself. Unlike a rust remover, a rust converter may only be applied to the rusty area. Any excess rust converter should not be placed back in its container, as it would contaminate the rest of the unused portion.

Chemical removers are narrowed down mostly to acids, petroleum-based solvents, and sodium hydrosulfite. Before purchasing a product, make sure to read the label to know the ingredients your rust remover contains.  

Commonly found in powdered-form rust removers, sodium hydrosulfite has been proven to remove rust stains from a wide range of surfacesーfrom limestones, marbles to concretes. What's more, it also dissolves rust stains on fabric! This makes it a good choice for your outfits with rivets, like your favorite pair of jeans or your well-worn denim jackets. 

When used as a cleaning product, this sodium salt helps you do away with vigorous scrubbing and eliminates rust stains in just a matter of 5 to 30 minutes. Thus, it's perfect for cleaning toilets, kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that typically have stubborn stains. 

A long list of common household cleaning ingredients typically contains an acid or two. Acetic acid, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, oxalic acid, and citric acid are just some of the components which eat away rust stains fast. The downside to this is the harsh fumes which might lead to a burning pain in the nose and throat when inhaled.

The corrosive quality of most acids makes them a poor choice for getting rid of rust in clothes and other non-metal materials like plastics, cement, fiberglass, and chrome. Metal-based equipment like tractors and vehicles, on the other hand, can easily withstand harsh acids. 

When using a rust-removing acid, it's recommended to put on gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the toxic chemicals that may cause health issues. It's also best to clean your items in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of the fumes. 

Probably the best bet for those who keep tools, petroleum solvents act as both a lubricant and a cleaning agent. Petroleum has rust-inhibiting properties suitable for water-exposed tools. Unlike their acid counterparts, this type is not as corrosive. 

However, the application can be a bit tricky. Most variations of this product use pressurized gases for dispersal, making it flammable while also posing respiratory risks. In addition, you have to wait for 24 hours for the product to take full effect. The good thing about petroleum-based rust removers is that they offer lubrication for your tools instead of buffing away the nasty rust.

Otherwise known as chelants, these chemical compounds react with metal ions in creating a stable, water-soluble complex. Their molecules bind to the rust particles, making it easier to wipe off the rust without scratching the untreated area. This type of remover has become the more common option for an acid-free, non-toxic, and eco-friendly way of erasing rust troubles. 

The most typical means of applying rust removers are spraying, soaking, and powdering. Read on to know the pros and cons of each type of application.

If you'd like to skip the brushing or scraping part of the cleaning process, then go for rust-removing soaks. This will be highly ideal for lifting rust from automotive parts and other individual tools. Using a liquid formulation, you only need to fill a clean basin with the solution and submerge your tools in it. 

You also need not hoard on abrasive pads and scour the rusty areas when using a soak solution. In just an hour or so, it removes light rusting for metal surfaces. For heavily rust-stained materials, it usually takes overnight to dissolve rust. Most variations of soak solutions are also non-toxic and acid-free, making them a good choice for indoor cleaning. 

If your problem areas at home include kitchen sinks and bathtubs where soaking is out of the question, your next best bet is a spray solution. This is a liquid formulation that you apply by spraying on the rusty area and wiping it off after 30 minutes. There are powerful spray solutions that also work on calcium buildup, making spray rust removers a more well-rounded option for a spotless home. 

As mentioned earlier, salt compounds in powder form offer the least abrasive answer to rust on clothing and other porous materials. This also works wonders in your toilets, bathrooms, and appliances. All you need to do is pour a little of the powder solution into your washing machine to clear your appliances from the high iron concentration in the water. 

In this section, we have collated the best rust removers with a guaranteed spotless clean finish. Whether you're looking for a heavy-duty solution or just one for spot treatments, you're bound to find a good one on this list!

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Most households invest so much in tools to make home repair and maintenance much easier. To make our investment last a long time, it's essential to take care of them properly. Here are some easy-to-follow steps from Construction Fasteners & Tools to help you keep your tools in tiptop shape:

1. Wiping - The go-to and most sensical way to care for tools is simply lifting off dust and dirt through good-old wiping. While it only removes surface-level gunk, it already marks the first step in keeping your toolset in its best condition possible.
2. Damage Check - As you wipe the dust off your tools, it'll be easier to see scuffings, breaks, and other damages which you might have missed with the tools all covered in gunk. Cracks and breaks will naturally render the tools less efficient and might also put you at risk for accidents. Once identified, damaged tools can either be fixed or replaced.
3. Grind Off Out-of-Place Edges - The more you use your tools, the more they get out of shape. This is especially true for tools with metalheads, like hammers. To protect yourself from potential harm, grind off any edges to prevent breakage and maintain the shape of your hammers.
4. Lubrication - The final step prior to storing your tools properly is to have them lubricated. Dab an amount of lubricant on tools with moving parts, such as pliers and chains. Not only does it keep the surfaces protected from dust, but it also prevents early signs of rust buildup. 

Cleaning might be a tedious task to do, but it definitely gets easier when you have the right tools. Check out the links below to complete your cleaning arsenal and get your home spotless in no time!!

There's no reason to part with your tools and equipment because of rust buildup. Rust removers are instrumental in keeping your kitchen and other metal items spotless and squeaky clean, with all the working parts running as smoothly as they did on day one. 

With the right kind of rust remover, we guarantee that your appliances and equipment will last you years of usefulness. We hope our buying guide and top 10 list have been helpful in pointing you in the right direction. Here's hoping all your rust-tainted problems go down the drain!

Author: Aibel Ugay

Editor: R. Umlas

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