The Easiest Rust Remover

Shawna Bailey
by Shawna Bailey
2 Materials
$2
5 Minutes
Easy

I’m a really big fan of rescuing objects, because I don’t believe in throwing things away that still have use in them. Sometimes though you get something and think, “that’s the end of this”, like this rusty pan. But then I found this great tip to remove rust from metal using coke and tinfoil.

Here’s my rusty pan. It's clearly seen too many cheesecakes. I didn't think I could bake with it again.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

All I used was a bottle of coke and a scrunched up piece of tinfoil.

Step 2: Pour the Coke

I poured the coke all over my pan. There is some chemical reaction that quickly gets the rust off. This is mostly surface rust, so I could wipe it off after a few minutes. For deeper rust you have to let it sit for longer.

Step 3: Scrub with Foil

The coke loosens all the rust, and the foil takes it off. With just a few scrubs all the rust comes off.

Step 4: Rinse Your Pan

Just rinse the coke and rust off your pan. My hands actually got kinda orange while doing this. I'm not sure why...

Tada! All clean. Instant rust remover.

Look at the difference! Now I can bake again!


Suggested materials:
  • Bottle of coke
  • Tinfoil
Frequently asked questions
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3 of 130 questions
  • Gig69451122 Gig69451122 on Nov 06, 2023

    Doesn't the foil scratch the pan? Seems any additional scratches would be future breeding grounds for rust. Any thoughts? I'd like very much to try, & not ruin my pans. Ty

  • JanM JanM on Jan 05, 2024

    Will this work on old OLD burnt on rust and drippings?

  • Gig69451122 Gig69451122 on Jan 18, 2024

    Does this work with diet coke too? Is it safe with non stick surfaces?

Comments
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4 of 473 comments
  • Cyndi Cyndi on Aug 15, 2023

    I am sorry.. I don't think this is real! I think they just bought a new pan. Look at the latch. There is no way all that came off. Sorry... I just don't believe it.

    • See 1 previous
    • Laurie Baines Laurie Baines on Jan 21, 2024

      My mom used to tell me coke would eat rust off a nail. Tip that’s been going around for decades!

  • JOHN KESSLER JOHN KESSLER on Dec 26, 2023

    Worth a try, I have some baking pans with spots of rust. People have used Coke for years to remove automotive rust. Makes me wonder why people drink this.

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