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Today we are sharing a little chemist secret for you with this homemade rust remover for utensils plus any small metal  surfaces really.

When I published our eBook over SEVEN years ago now, this was one of the recipes in it.

I have had more readers write in about how much they love this recipe, so I decided to share a blog post on it.

Homemade Rust Remover For Utensils (Or Any Small Metal Surfaces)

The reason this is best for utensils is it is made in small batches, you could really use it for any metal, but I mainly use this around the kitchen for knives, utensils, and even areas on appliances that have rust.

It is so easy to make!

Ingredients:

• Cream of tartar (buy it here)**
• Water
• Small scrub brush or microfiber cloth (Toothbrush works good)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, add a tablespoon of cream of tartar. 
2. Slowly add in water 1/4 teaspoon at a time until you have a solution that looks like a paste. It will start as a paste, but then break down into a milk as you start to use it.
3. Apply to a rust area and let this milky solution sit on the rust for 5-10 minutes, then scrub in a circular motion.
4. Rinse the utensils and dry thoroughly.

** I like to purchase this larger container of cream of tartar since it is more cost effective. In the photos, I am using one I got from the store since I was out of the kind I usually buy. You can use any type you have on hand, but it is cheaper to buy it in the 1 lb size. 

Remember to test a small area of your utensil before using this solution! Cream of tartar is acidic and slightly abrasive, so I always recommend testing a small area before using any DIY cleaner.

Why Does Cream of Tartar Work?

I love cream of tartar for household uses! It is a very unique acid that works specifically for breaking down things like rust. You can read more neat cream of tartar uses for the house in this post. This original recipe was first seen in our fantastic DIY cleaning eBook. 

The Science Behind Cream of Tartar

At its core, cream of tartar is a byproduct of winemaking. It is derived from the tartaric acid found in grapes, specifically in the sediment that forms inside wine barrels during the fermentation process. This fine, white powder is then collected, refined, and sold as cream of tartar. Its chemical composition plays a pivotal role in combating rust.

The secret weapon in cream of tartar’s rust-fighting arsenal is its high acidity. With a pH level of around 3.5, it creates an environment that inhibits the formation and spreading of rust. When mixed with water, cream of tartar forms an acidic solution that can break down rust at a molecular level.

To further enhance its rust-busting abilities, cream of tartar contains potassium, which acts as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions. This helps the acidic solution penetrate into the rusty surface, loosening and dissolving the iron oxide that causes the rust. The combination of acidity and potassium makes cream of tartar an effective and natural rust remover.

In addition to its chemical properties, cream of tartar has abrasive qualities that aid in the physical removal of rust. When applied as a paste, the granular texture of cream of tartar can gently scrub away the rust particles, revealing the clean and shiny surface underneath.

What About Larger Metal Surfaces Like Yard Tools?

For larger metal surfaces there are several things you can do. First, we have another recipe in the gardening section of our eBook that works for larger items. This is found on page 27. 

You can also check out this rust and repair recipe for tools found in this post.

 

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