Table of Contents
- View The Best Rust Remover Below
- 1. IRON out Rust Stain Remover Powder
- 2. Rid O’ Rust Liquid Rust Stain Remover
- 3. CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover
- 4. Whink Rust Stain Remover
- 5. Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray
- 6. Quick-Glo Original Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover
- 7. Evapo-Rust, The Original Super Safe Rust Remover
- 8. WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak
- 9. KRUD KUTTER The Must For Rust Spray
- 10. Star Brite Rust Stain Remover
- Rust Remover Buyer’s Guide
Rust is the nemesis of every car owner, and even new cars aren’t immune to the slow creeping corrosion of your body, chassis, and important suspension components. If your car is exposed to the elements and driven in wet, snowy, and even inclement weather, there may come a time when you spot the onset of rust. Or you might have had the nasty surprise of being told by a mechanic that your car is starting to rust in integral places.
This is especially a problem for people who live in coastal areas where the sea air will eat away and grow rust patches simply while your car is parked. For classic or just older car owners, rust can be a recurring nightmare. You need to nip it in the bud and get control over the situation before you’re left with costly panel replacements or structural issues.
It can be difficult and expensive to deal with rust that’s set in; it often requires welding and patching if the rust has caused a hole. This is why it’s best to tackle the onset of rust early when it’s just started the corrosion process. That is, rather than when it’s chewed a hole in your bodywork.
To help tackle an arising rust issue, you’ll likely turn to bottled rust remover products to do the job. There is a lot on offer by many different brands, so which truly is the best rust remover you can buy? We have compiled this list of our top 10 favorites of this year to help you combat your rust issues.
View The Best Rust Remover Below
1. IRON out Rust Stain Remover Powder
This general-purpose rust remover may be designed for all surfaces within the home, but it is great to use in your car as well. It’s one of the most versatile products on our list, professionally formulated to remove rust stains from even the toughest places that may have been ingrained for a very long time. It’s a powder-based product that’s super heavy-duty. It’ll work without the need for scrubbing or buffing, which means it will save you arm-work too and a lot of time and frustration in the process.
Iron out has been a market leader since 1958, distributing top-quality rust remover for tasks in and around the home. Their current top contending product is the newest incarnation of their winning formula. It’s completely free of abrasive or harmful chemicals, meaning it won’t damage any surrounding paint near the rust stain or spot.
The rust remover will turn the rust into a clear substance that can be rinsed away without scrubbing, as well as rust removal. The product will not only remove rust but also help prevent rust in the long run, too.
Pros:
+ Preventative to stop the spread and revival of the rust stains
+ Turns rust into a clear substance within minutes that can be washed away with ease
+ Won’t damage your paint as it contains no abrasive chemicals or corrosive compounds
+ Completely versatile and can be used in all aspects of home rust removal and prevention
+ Well know and well-established brand that has spent lots of time on their formula
Why We Like It – This is one of the best rust removers for versatility. It has an easy and stress-free application, and you don’t have to scrub. It’s safe on all metal and won’t damage your car further. It’s best for those in hard water or high iron areas.
2. Rid O’ Rust Liquid Rust Stain Remover
This multi-use rust removing liquid is produced by a well respected and long-established brand to give you effective, fast, and long-lasting rust removal and prevention. You can use it on a wide variety of surfaces in and around your home environment, including effective and quick-acting results on your car or any other vehicle. This brand boasts a well-formulated compound that is proven to be more environmentally friendly than other brands, making removing rust much less damaging than previously possible.
The rust remover is easy to use, and you don’t need to scrub for it to be effective. The product goes a long way. One gallon can treat 400 square feet if you use a pump spray or power spray. This means you can treat your whole car.
It makes sure you cover any rust patches and helps with prevention for a long time to come in one fell swoop. There’s minimum effort required. The rust remover is safe on vinyl, so it won’t damage your bodywork if you have a wrap or vinyl stickers. Not only is the product fantastic, but it’s USA produced and made, too!
Pros:
+ Covers a huge area so you can treat your whole car at once
+ Rust converter – turns rust into a clear liquid that just washed off
+ More environmentally friendly than other leading brands
+ Super multi-purpose and safe for all surfaces
+ USA designed and produced with a satisfaction guarantee
Why We Like It – This is a versatile product that will remove rust quickly and easily. It can cover a huge area all at once, making full car treatment easy and effortless. It’s an instant rust converter that will prevent the spread and future onset of rust patches, making it one of the best products on our list.
3. CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover
This exceptionally versatile rust remover hits our list as a fantastic contender and the best rust remover as far as budget and value for money go. It’s inexpensive and still incredibly effective. It’s an industrial-strength, heavy-duty product designed with an expert formulation. It’s not only a professional-strength compound to remove rust, but it’s also uniquely EPA-certified, which means it’s recognized as a non-toxic formula that’s safe to use around kids and pets alike.
The CLR Calcium Lime rust remover is a rights reserved, patented formula that’s mixed with the calcium and lime to give the most effective rust removing potential. It’s fast-acting, it works within minutes, and it’s safe to use on pretty much any surface, including steel and stainless steel, and any other metal that you can think of.
This makes it one of the best rust stain removers for your car. As well as all the good-stuff mentioned above, the product is also 100% biodegradable, which means it’s clean and friendly. This is one of the best products if you care about the environment.
Pros:
+ Industrial, professional strength rust stain remover for a budget price
+ Clean and simple application with an easy spray bottle, and easily rinsed off with just water
+ Preventative qualities that will stop the spread of the rust stains
+ Safe on all metal: steel, stainless steel, iron and will combat even the toughest corrosion
+ Fast and easy job – once used will work within minutes
Why We Like It – It doesn’t take hours to work; it’s easy to apply, and you don’t have to scrub. You get results within minutes. It comes in an easy to use spray bottle too. This is a really effective way to remove rust from all surfaces. It can be used risk-free and you can use it safely on your car, as well as around kids and pets.
4. Whink Rust Stain Remover
This well-regarded product has been on our shelves since 1947 and has become a staple of home rust removal. It’s one of the best-recognized rust removers available, and this is for a good reason, too. This heavy-duty product is intended for use on the toughest rust and corrosion spots that you might come across. One user said it can even get rust stains out of any fabrics and clothes that may have come into contact with the rust patches on your vehicle! Even stains that may have seemed like they’d never come out.
This is easy to apply and use. Scrub with the product, and the stains will come away easily and effectively. This is an acid-based product, however, which means you need to be careful on certain surfaces – such as stainless steel – and around your paint.
This rust stain remover is best used on under-body work, such as the chassis, exhaust, or suspension components, where it cannot damage your body paint or vinyl. Make sure to rinse the product off well with water too. This prevents acid corrosion from leaving the product on for too many hours.
Pros:
+ Proper industrial-strength formula that will combat the toughest rust and corrosion stains
+ You don’t need to leave it on for hours as it works fast with a good scrub
+ Will clean almost any metal or enamel surface effectively
+ Highly effective at removing rust no matter how tough the stain is
+ Makes a quick and easy job of removing rust from the undercarriage of your car
Why We Like It – Although this might not be the best product for any multi-use need, it’s safe to say that it’s ultimately the definition of “tried and tested.” It’s good to use on iron and metal. You just rinse it off with water.
5. Rust-Oleum Automotive Rust Reformer Spray
This is a spray specifically designed for automotive use. If you have a more sensitive job ahead of you that may require you to re-spray the paint, or a classic investment or project car that needs careful consideration, this may be one of the best rust removers out there for your needs. It allows you to paint over the spray. This rust converter and preventative will give you the starting surface so you can continue the restoration.
The product bonds to any rust or corrosion on your vehicle, transforming into a flat-back non-rusting surface that you can paint over, or leave, depending on your needs and circumstances. The rust converter effects are instant, and you can see the chemical change right in front of your eyes. The surface will be ready to paint on in a matter of hours. The application is easy enough; simply spray the product using their any-angle spray for an even surface finish.
Pros:
+ Highly effective instant rust converter that leaves a smooth, paintable surface
+ Suitable for use on all parts of your car including suspension, chassis, exhaust and any stainless steel
components
+ Safe for use on any metal surface
+ Dries within hours, leaving the surface rust-free and ready to be painted
+ Good to use on project cars for restoration and doesn’t require any tools for application
Why We Like It – It’s specifically designed for use with cars. This is a good option for vehicle enthusiasts or restorers. It’s safe for all metal surfaces, and you can paint over it. This product will prevent any rust from spreading from the treated area in the future.
6. Quick-Glo Original Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover
This is a brilliant multi-purpose rust remover and metal cleaner. It’s one of the best rust removers for on-the-spot action. It’s non-toxic, and you don’t need to use gloves, masks, or anything of the like. It’s non-abrasive to surfaces. It’ll work great as a simple rust remover for metals such as iron, and it’s an excellent polish for chrome, stainless steel, and painted metal surfaces. Quick-Glo is a water-based rust remover that doesn’t require any extra tools, soap, or water to use. All you need is a soft cloth or microfiber to rub it in.
Unlike other rust removers, this is made with pumice rather than sand. It breaks down quickly and not only removes rust easily, but it will also bring a polished finish to the treated surface. This environmentally friendly rust remover forms a protective coating across surfaces to prevent oxidization and corrosion for up to one year after the initial application. This will save time and money in the long run, as you won’t have to apply more products for a long time after using this.
Pros:
+ Specially designed for automotive purposes
+ A water based product that causes no hard to the environment or surface
+ No extra tools required for application other than a clean cloth
+ Does a great job quickly and efficiently
+ Prevents rust for up to a year after the first use, so you don’t need further products
Why We Like It – This is a real stand-out product, and one of the best rust removers for prevention and commutative use. It will make light work of any rust stains, as well as deeper rust that may be causing you an automotive headache.
7. Evapo-Rust, The Original Super Safe Rust Remover
This is another solid contender as one of the best rust remover products on the market. The Evapo-Rust formula is water-based and removes rust within minutes. It’s fully biodegradable and non-corrosive, making it safe for the environment, as well as your eyes and skin. The water-based compound means that there is no need for scrubbing. You don’t need to sand the area of rust, as this will remove rust effectively and will do all the work for you. It’s a simple rust remover to use.
You don’t need any special equipment or tools to make this product work well. Evapo-Rust will not harm any surfaces; it’s good to use on cast iron, stainless steel and untreated steel, chrome, and painted surfaces. Evapo-Rust is also versatile and will give you a great bang for your buck. As well as your car, you can use it for many things in your home, such as antique restoration, cleaning metal toys, plumbing, sinks, and tools.
Pros:
+ Evapo-rust is safe for all metal surfaces, including iron and steel
+ One gallon of Evapo-Rust can treat up to 300lbs of metal
+ Will effectively clean metal tools, such as sockets and spanners, so it’s perfect for mechanics or car enthusiasts
+ Acid-free and non-corrosive so is safe to use on anything
+ Water based, environmentally friendly compound
Why We Like It – Evapo-rust is versatile. We love that it’s non-toxic and environmentally friendly, too. It acts fast, and it makes light work of rust-stains. It’s one of the best rust removers for safety and also for other purposes, such as to clean tools and equipment.
8. WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak
WD-40 is a household name, and now they produce a brilliant rust remover that you can soak any corroded parts, tools, and metal in. It removes rust stains, serious rust patches and prevents the further spread of rust. The soak itself is non-toxic.
For most rust stains, there is no need for scraping, scrubbing, and sanding. It’s 50-state VOC compliant and certified NSF category 1. It’s one of the best rust remover products that you can buy for auto-restoration, as it cleans rusty tools and may even be used for cleaning hard-to-fix farm machinery rust.
It couldn’t be easier to use this product effectively. Just take the item, panel, or tools you wish to clean and let them soak in the solution for at least 30 minutes. This allows the rust remover soak to sink in and lift the tough rust from the metal.
For the absolute best results, you should allow the item to sit in the solution for 8 hours or overnight. This will give you the ultimate clean. There generally isn’t any need for extra equipment, but for really tough rust, it’s a good idea to go over the item with a wire brush first to help start to lift the rust.
Pros:
+ A trusted and well-established brand that is a household name
+ It’s easy to use. Just leave to soak overnight for the best results
+ State specific and national certifications
+ Perfect for tools and machinery
+ Non-toxic, water based and acid-free formulation
Why We Like It – Wd-40 is a famous and trustworthy brand, and this product lives up to their professional reputation. This is one of the best rust removers on the market; it’s one of the easiest products to use with a really simple application.
9. KRUD KUTTER The Must For Rust Spray
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This unique water based solution is one of the best multi-use rust removers and cleaning sprays. It’s good for a multitude of applications. The powerful acid-free formula will get into every nook and cranny, effectively breaking down tough rust from hard to reach corners. This product will remove rust quickly by dissolving it with its quick-acting chemical compounds. It also works as a rust prohibition that will protect your car for up to a year.
To use the rust remover, you simply spray the product on the area and let the solution soak for a minute or so – there’s no need to wait for a long time. Then wipe away to reveal a rust-free surface that’s ready to be painted over, or simply left. The prevention qualities of the product will keep the metal protected and rust-free for up to 12 months, so you don’t have to use the product constantly, saving you time and money.
Pros:
+ A fast acting, powerful compound, and professional formulation
+ Water based and non-toxic – safe for skin and eyes
+ Up to 12 months protection from oxidization and rust
+ Helps to remove even the toughest rust and stains
+ The easy to use spray bottle makes the job even simpler to complete
Why We Like It – This is one of the best products available for the prevention of rust and oxidization, giving up to a year’s protection! It’s super fast and safe to use on all metal. It’s skin safe, too, which is great news for people who work around kids or pets.
10. Star Brite Rust Stain Remover
This multi-functional product is easy to use and one of the best for cleaning corrosion stains caused by nuts, bolts, and hardware. It’s effective for tough stains, and it dissolves the oxidization upon contact, so there is no waiting around for the action to happen. It’s safe to use on pretty much anything, and although it has been specially designed for automotive use, it’s great for use in the home and garden too, which means you will get plenty for your money.
Not only are the credentials of the formulation impressive, but the credentials of the company itself are impressive too, trading for 50 years. Star Brite has made some of the most notable automotive cleaning products on the shelves, and this is no exception to their winning series of products. It works fast and there’s no scrubbing or rubbing required to get the best results out of this fantastic rust remover.
Pros:
+ Water-based formula with no acids for ‘clean cleaning’
+ Works on contact so there’s no waiting around
+ Specially formulated for automotive use, so it’s a great choice for motor trade professionals or enthusiasts
+ It’s okay to use on anything and everything and can be used all around the house
Why We Like It – This versatile product comes from a well-established household name, so you can rest assured of the effectiveness and simpleness of this well rounded and fast-acting product. The acid-free formula means that, once you are done with your car, you can use it in the house, too.
Rust Remover Buyer’s Guide
It can be difficult to choose a product that you’re new to or to choose a new one if you’re used to a specific item. To help you with the decision making, we’ve put together this guide to answer the questions you may have.
Does WD 40 Remove rust?
Yes, and no. WD-40 has made some fantastic rust beating products that will deal with serious rust patches and real heavy-duty rust removers. But not every wd-40 will remove rust. The classic wd-40, for example, is not a rust remover and is simply an abrasive spray and lubricant, so you want to make sure to watch out for the brand’s specific rust remover products.
We have listed their absolute best remover in our top 10 list. It’s brilliant for those of you who have some hefty restoration projects or patches of corrosion that may need a bit more of a soak and more attention than a small stain.
What household product removes rust, and are there any household rust removers that I can use on my car?
There are several multi-purpose household rust removers on our list that can also be used on your car or any other vehicle. They do just a good a job as some of the automotive-specific products that we’ve listed. These can be a fantastic option for those of you who may want to use a rust remover for more purposes than just your car or vehicle.
You can also use them within the house, for cleaning up porcelain and enamel sinks and toilets and fixing plumping rust. You can even clean up old clockwork or antiques, as well as garage or gardening tools. You can clean any rusted metal you can think of.
Household products (that aren’t marketed as a rust remover) can’t get rid of rust stains or corrosion. It’s important to find a product designed specifically for this application, as using a non-specific product may cause further damage to the area, or it won’t work, which will mean you’ll have to buy a rust remover anyway.
You also won’t get the protective properties of a rust remover, so any surface will be left vulnerable to rust and corrosion in the future. All the products on our list will protect the surface to various extents, so these will be a great choice to prevent further damage.
How do I choose the right rust remover?
To choose the right rust remover, and to ensure it’s the best one for you, think about what job you need it to do. If you only need it to remove small patches of staining from rust, then a simple spray stain remover may be the best and most cost-effective choice. It will also be good for on-the-go cleaning. Some also act as a polish or shine enhancer, which makes it perfect for those of you with classic, show, or stance cars that need to combat rust. But it would also be good for on-the-go polishing and touch-ups at events.
If you have a restoration project, a large patch of staining, or even corrosion that has started to eat away the metal, a soak or dip is probably your best bet. This will act on deeply ingrained rust that may be hard to remove with a spray and a wipe. The wd-40 soak is a fantastic choice for theses purposes, as it’ll do a good job of getting rid of severe corrosion, and it will also set you well on the way towards completing your restoration work.
Conclusion
It can be tough to know what to treat your car with when you start to spot rust. It can be tempting to panic and go straight to welding and industrial treatments when you might just need a simple job that you can do yourself. Hopefully, this article will have helped you choose the best product, so you can do the best job of cleaning up the rust.