How to Remove Rust from Stainless Steel in Your Home

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for appliances, counters, and sinks in a home because it is durable and affordable. Although promoted as "stainless," there are several ways the material can get rust stains such as a wet cast iron pan left on the surface for too long or deep scratches or gouges expose the untreated steel.

Fortunately, you can remove rust from stainless steel with a few products you probably have on hand.

Various factors can cause rust on stainless steel. The most common cause is a rusty pan or tool left in a stainless steel sink or on a counter transferring rust to the stainless steel. Metals often rust if exposed to corrosive elements like salt and chlorine for extended periods, or if harsh cleaning products and tools damage the finish.

How stainless steel around your home is maintained can affect possible rust formation. If stainless steel is heavily scratched by knife cuts, harsh scrubbing, or dents, this can open an opportunity for rust can form. Using stainless steel with caution will also help eliminate rust.

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Don't panic when you see rust in your stainless steel sink or cookware. Unless the rust has been allowed to grow exceptionally large, you probably have the products you need to remove it right in your pantry:

Baking soda

Salt

Lemon juice or lemons

Raw potato

Distilled white vinegar

Cream of tartar

Dishwashing liquid

If homemade rust removers don't work, try a cleaning product that contains oxalic acid like Bar Keepers Friend. Use the liquid formula that contains no abrasives and follow the label directions for removing rust from stainless steel.

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Wet the surface of the stainless steel and sprinkle the rusty area with baking soda. Or, make a paste of one-half cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of water and spread it on the stain.

Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes.

Gently rub away the rust with a damp sponge following the grain of the stainless steel.

Rinse the area well and dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

Potatoes contain oxalic acid that is used as a commercial rust remover.

Cut a raw potato in half.

Put a few drops of dishwashing liquid on the cut sides.

Following the grain of the metal, rub the rusty area with the potato.

Allow the potato to sit on the rusty area for at least four hours.

Remove the potato and wash the area well with a sponge.

Rinse and dry the stainless steel with a microfiber cloth.

Make a paste with one-fourth cup of cream of tartar and one cup of distilled white vinegar.

Cover the rusty area with the paste and following the grain, rub it in with a sponge.

Allow the paste to work for at least five minutes and then rinse it away.

Dry the area and repeat if needed.

Make a paste by mixing two parts of table salt and one part of lemon juice.

Or, dip the cut end of a lemon in table salt.

Apply the paste to the rust area with a sponge and following the grain, gently scrub away the rust.

Or, use the lemon to scrub away the rust.

Rinse the cleaned area with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

Do not use steel wool or wire brushes for cleaning stainless steel. They can cause unwanted scratches that can later lead to rust.

Avoid abrasive scrubbing powders and harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, ammonia, mineral spirits, or alcohol-based cleaners.

Do not leave stainless steel cookware and utensils soaking in water overnight.

Dry sinks after each use and clean up spills immediately to minimize excessive moisture.

Regularly clean and shine stainless steel surfaces.

Keep stainless steel appliances in a dry, conditioned space.

Read Next: The 8 Best Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaners of 2023