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
Have a question about this project?
3 of 127 questions
  • Doc's Mom Doc's Mom on Jun 09, 2023

    Does it matter if it is sugar free coke?

  • Dee Dee on Jul 15, 2023

    Do you have to use real Coke or can you use the store brand?


  • DOD DOD on Aug 21, 2023

    Ok. I understand how you removed the rust from inside the pan. But, how did you remove it from the inside? Did you put the old pay in a bucket and cover it with coke? You left that part out! LOL

Comments
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4 of 459 comments
  • Kathleen Dummer Kathleen Dummer on May 26, 2023

    I will definitely try this. My family likes leaving my tools outside to rust.

  • 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
    • Shari Shari 7 days ago

      They may have bought a new pan for this article, but it really does work. I remember when people used Coke to clean the terminals on their car batteries and cables. I have tried it on rusty water rings in the toilet. It works, but it must be Coca Cola.

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