Rust removal products that contain acids and caustic solutions as the active ingredients have a tendency to damage the surface of the metal item or object being treated. In the process, the quality and integrity of the treated item or object is compromised.
To make matters worse, rust removal products that contain acids and caustic solutions emit toxic fumes and pose a significant health risk to those that come into contact with the chemicals or accidentally inhale the fumes.
Your next problem is how to properly dispose of the used contents of the rust remover. The runoff water containing chemical residues may pose a threat to the environment. The residues could contaminate your garden soil and render it acidic. This could stunt the growth of your ornamentals and garden lawn.
As a precaution, you should avoid rust removal products that:
- Require excessive scrubbing, brushing, dipping, and other treatment that involves some form of physical agitation. There are removal products available that don’t make you waste time and exert unnecessary effort.
- Contain acids and caustic solutions that can cause chemical burns on your skin, emit toxic fumes, and risk the health and well being of you and your family. Moreover, the chemical residues pose a significant threat to the environment.
- Compromise the integrity or quality of the metal item or object being treated.
So the rust remover that you should be using in your home should ideally contain the qualities:
- It should be relatively easy to use and apply. The best remover simply requires you to soak the metal object for a few minutes or overnight depending on the degree of corrosion.
- It doesn’t pose a threat to the environment. It should be safe enough to dispose into drainage canals and sewers.
- It shouldn’t be expensive.
- It allows you to use the metal object or item soon after subjecting it to the rust treatment.
Of course, the ideal rust treatment is essentially rust prevention. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Over time, your tools, equipment, and other household metal objects will eventually rust in the presence of moisture-laden air.
So your best option is to use either homemade or organic rust removers. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Homemade rust removers are cheap, readily available, and easy to make. But they’re ineffective against badly corroded metal. At best, a homemade remover can be used as rust stain remover.
Organic rust removers are safe to use and dispose as well as effective against deep seated corrosion. But these products cost more than commercial removers.
But despite the drawbacks, you’re better off with an effective, environmentally safe, and non-toxic rust removal product.
