How to Remove Rust from Aluminum

Last Updated: October 5, 2021

Aluminum is usually rust free, when left out in the rain it won't rust on its own. However, it is still possible for another rusted metal to spread some rust onto aluminum, which can stain it. Special techniques can be used in an attempt to remove rust stains, including steel wool and several commercial rust removers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Steel Wool or Metal Scouring Pad

1
Get the correct steel wool. Steel wool comes in several different levels of abrasiveness. The level that should be used for stains grade 0000 to 000000, and it should be very fine.
- Steel wool that is too fine won't be effective, and steel wool that is too abrasive is not necessary.
2
Try the steel wool on a small area. Aluminum may or may not be damaged by steel wool depending on the specific piece.
- If steel wool is going to work, then it should not leave heavy scratches and damage on the small area.
- If it does leave damage, try another method in this article.
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3
Rub out the stains, similar to if you were to use a sponge or sandpaper.
- Keep going until the steel wool manages to scrape away all of the rust. The metal should now look cleaner than it did before after the rust has been removed.
- This will also remove powder that forms as a result of oxidization of aluminum.
4
Give it a wash for final measure. It is a good idea to wash the aluminum after you have finished using steel wool on it. These will ensure that it is clean.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Commercial Rust Remover

1
Get a commercial rust remover. Even though you are cleaning stains, you still need to use a cleaner meant for cleaning rust.
- This is a great option for highly polished and shiny aluminum. The steel wool could do damage to polished aluminum.
2
Get a cloth, nylon scrubbing pad, or something you know won't damage the metal. If you are working with polished aluminum, use a very gentle option.
- Don't use something too abrasive, or you could leave scratches.
- For older less shiny aluminum, you will usually be fine with something a little bit more rough.
3
Rub well until the rust starts dissolving. The rust stain will start to fall apart and come off of the metal when you have been rubbing for long enough.
- After all of the rust is off, you are getting closer to a clean, shiny aluminum without stains.
4
Give it a final wash to make sure all of the rust is gone. This should be done after a cleaning procedure for good measure.
- You should be left with an unstained aluminum after the washing is done.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Aluminum Foil Ball

1
Create a fairly large ball out of aluminum foil. Make sure that the shiny side of the aluminum foil is facing outwards, and that it will be big enough to scrape away the rust.
2
Begin the cleaning process by scrubbing all over the rust. Keep going until the foil ball starts destroying it and the rust fully comes off.
- Depending on your situation, you may have to be somewhat vigorous.
- You may want test on a small area to see if it scratches.
3
Give it a final wash. Once again, this should be done after a cleaning procedure. You can either soak the object in something like a bucket or do it in the sink. This helps to remove the last trace of a rust stain.