How to Remove Rust on Metal Accessories

Who knew galvanized metal would be all the rage (again). Do any of you remember your parents or grandparents pulling out the metal lawn chairs with nylon straps? Metal is back and is all the rage with our accessories. Metal is durable and practical. The only problem? Rust follows metal. Here is an easy, inexpensive way how to remove rust on metal accessories.

With spring in full gear it was time to clean the accessories.

Why do we dread cleaning when it feels so good?

Like when I finally took on the challenge and figured out how to remove rust on metal accessories.

I love oversized trays, but so does the rest of the family and not everyone embraces the concept of a coaster.  And, during football season my trays took a beating with spilled bottles, cans and glasses. It is a struggle to teach the guys in my house the value of a coaster.

For a few months (closer to a year)  I convinced myself that rust added a vintage look to my favorite metal trays. Over time I used my tray where I could disguise the rust.

How to Remove Rust from Accessories

The best part of this rust removal tutorial is you likely have the cleaning products under your kitchen sink. My favorite cleaning products were all that was needed for this job!

Yep, just a cup of baking soda (thank you Costco for the 10-pound bag of baking soda) and a new steel wool pad. And, have a bowl of warm water and rag to wipe off the tray to check on your progress.

Oh, and some good old muscle. Repeat. Repeat. Does anyone notice the upcycled Snapple bottle?

And, after a few repeats of baking soda, steel cleaning pads and warm water I had a visibly cleaner, rust-free metal tray.

I was psyched with the results and love that everyday staple cleaning products worked great. Keep this in mind when thinking about ditching some tired metal accessories or when checking out the spring garage sales that will be popping up before you know it.