While metal windows and doors are sturdy and durable, they are also susceptible to rust and corrosion. The main culprits that cause rust are oxygen, carbon dioxide, and high moisture levels.
Exposure to these elements affects the quality and durability of your window/door metal.
Excessive rust chips away the metal, gradually weakening the frames.
The more frame deterioration, the easier it becomes for unwanted air, moisture, and dust to permeate your home, making it less safe and secure.
But windows and doors experts say this does not have to happen, especially if you keep your windows and doors in pristine condition.
Here are some easy tips for removing rust from metal windows and doors.
1. Use Mild Dish Soap and Salted Potato to Remove Rust from Metal Windows and Doors
Dish soap and potatoes are the most readily available, cheap and potent combo that removes rust from windows. Potatoes contain oxalic acid, a potent anti-rust component. Together with dish soap, they will dissolve the rust within minutes.
The procedure is straightforward. Cut the potato into half a slice, and cover it with dish soap for a few minutes. Next, sprinkle some salt onto it to help scrape off the rust. You can then rinse the windows and doors with clean water and a soft rag, letting them dry.
2. Keep Your Windows and Doors Rust-Free with White Vinegar
White Vinegar, known for its antimicrobial qualities, is a multipurpose cleaner that can help remove rust from metal. The trick is to spray the liquid directly onto the stubborn rust. Let it stay on for half an hour at most. You can then scrap off the rust using steel wool.
A wire brush can also help remove all rust remnants from your window/ door frames. Use a mild detergent and clean water to clean the metal surface thoroughly, and let it dry.
3. Get Rid of All Rust Traces on Your Window and Door Frames Using Baking Soda
The most potent yet affordable and safe cleaning household item is baking soda. It’s an agent that can remove both light and thick rust.
The process involves mixing a few spoonfuls of water and baking soda to form a thick paste. Apply it to the metal and let it linger for about 30 minutes. Take a soft cloth, dab it into warm, clean water and wipe off the rust residues.
Remember though. Some rust stains can be overly stubborn. So combine baking soda with a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide, forming an even stronger solution that removes the rust in seconds.
4. Remove Rust from Metal Windows and Doors with Lemon and Salt
Another natural, safe, and readily available rust-removing product is lemon and salt combo. The lemon has sufficient acidity, while salt is abrasive to help remove rust from metal.
Cut a single lemon into half. Please take one of the halves, squeeze the juice out, and add a generous amount of salt to it. Do not throw away the lemon rind. Instead, add some salt to it, too, and scrub the rust away.
Apply the lemon-salt juice on the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub off the residue with a steel wool or wire brush. Finally, rinse the window/ door frames with clean water and leave them to dry.
5. Use Citric Acid to Banish Rust and Dirt from Your Windows and Doors
Most health stores stock citric acid, a recommended food ingredient. But many people do not know that it works like a charm in removing rust from metal. You have to be cautious, though, because citric acid can quickly erode paint and coatings.
The application process is simple: take two tablespoonfuls of citric acid and immerse it in a bowl of warm water. Apply the liquid onto your metal frame and leave it overnight. Use steel wool to scrub off the rust layers and rinse the surface with clean water, leaving it to dry.
How to Prevent Rust from Building on Your Windows and Doors
The best medicine to keep your frames rust-free is prevention. A brilliant trick is to apply a protective coating on the metal frames. Mineral oil works like magic. So, take a soft cloth, dip it into the oil and generously apply it to the metals regularly.
Final Remarks
Rust can affect the ultimate functionality and longevity of your windows and doors. If you notice any traces of it, use the easily available natural products in your kitchen to scrub rust from metal and leave your windows and doors looking as good as new.
The tips mentioned above can help. But also use preventive measures to ensure rust doesn’t build on your frames in the first place.