A simple guide to cleaning rusted bolts and screws
Are rusty screws and bolts getting you down? When storing your furniture in damp areas, such as a garden shed, the fixings holding them together aren’t safe from rust and grime.
Not only does this affect their appearance, but it also makes them more susceptible to damage. Luckily, rust can be removed, and we know just the way to do it.
Whether you need to replace a rusty screw (find our full guide to removing rusty screws here) and you can’t get it to budge, or you want to polish pre-installed fixings to keep them in place a little longer, then we’ve got you sorted.
Why should you clean rusty screws?
Over time, rust can slowly erode the quality of your screws, causing them to lose their strength.
From this weakness, screws and bolts become loose, affecting the stability of the fixture, which is particularly detrimental to structures in high-traffic areas.
When it comes to critical applications, such as public walkways, buildings, and bridges, rusted screws should be removed as soon as possible. However, for small objects like a garden table or wall decor, cleaning them can prevent further corrosion.
3 ways to clean rusty screws
Now, cleaning a rusty screw is fairly easy. All you need is the right tools, cleaning supplies, and trusty scrubbing skills!
If you’re able to remove the screws and bolts before cleaning, then do so. However, if you want to keep the screws in place and just freshen the appearence to get a bit more wear out of them, then clean them while they’re still in place.
Just don’t leave rusty screws to worsen for too long!
1. Create a vinegar solution
To start off, we’ve included something that everyone has in their kitchen: some trusty white vinegar.
Vinegar is known for being a powerful tool for cleaning, and it also works effectively on rust. Simply add white vinegar to a large container and submerge your fixings in the solution. Leave them to sit for 24 hours before removing them, then scrub the remaining rust off.
If you don’t want to uninstall the screws, then add some vinegar to a spray bottle, apply it to the rusted areas, and scrub with a wire brush. Once this is done, rinse the area with clean water and wipe it dry with a cloth.
This process works great for those boxes of screws that you’ve left to rust in your tool shed—it saves them from going to waste!
2. Apply WD-40
That’s right, you can’t go wrong with some good old WD-40.
While this won’t work as fast as specialised rust remover, it’ll do the trick. Once applied to your rusty bolts and screws, the solution helps loosen the bond between the metal and rust, breaking it down.
This will make it easier to unscrew your fixings or help to prevent any further corrosion in the meantime. Allow the solution to sit on the screw for around 30 minutes before wiping it off.
3. Use a rust remover spray
The best solution for removing rust from screws and bolts is investing in a specialised rust remover spray.
All you need to do is follow the manufacturer's instructions, spray it onto the affected area, and allow it to sit for the recommended time. The product will work to remove rust quickly, saving you time compared to other, more strenuous methods.
For stubborn rust that won’t budge as easily, scrub the spray into the screw or bolt with a wire brush, getting into the hard-to-reach areas between threads and around the bolt head. Once this is done, wipe the fixing with a dry cloth.
How to prevent future screws from rusting
If you want to avoid the hassle of rusty fixings in the future, it’s best to invest in higher quality, screws and bolts that will last longer. They may cost more, but it’ll save you money in the long run.
Screws and bolts made from high-grade stainless steel are more resistant to rust and corrosion, providing better durabilty, and longevity. For outdoor applications or projects in moisture-prone areas, stainless steel screws are a neccessity.
Look for screws with galvanised or corrosion-resistant coatings for extra protection against rust, or consider buying a rust-resistant spray. Luckily for you, we have a wide selection of specially coated and plated screws and bolts at Efixings, all at great prices.
Whether you’re a professional builder or a skilled DIY’er, we have everything you need for your next project (without having to spend a fortune).