- A cheap way to remove rust is to use white vinegar. Vinegar costs about $1 per gallon. Completely submerge the rusted item in full-strength white vinegar and let it sit overnight or for a few days. Vinegar will not damage the metal. If the object cannot be soaked in vinegar, put the vinegar in a spray bottle and keep the area saturated with vinegar for as long as it takes. Take a wire brush to the soaked objects to remove the rust, it should come off easily.
- The popular drink Coca-Cola is an effective and cheap way to remove rust. You can buy a 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola for under $2 at any supermarket. Use the Coca-Cola much in the same way you use the vinegar. Soak the item overnight in a bath of Coca-Cola. Use a wire brush to remove any remaining rust. Rub the bumper with a Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
- It sounds like a margarita, but using lemon and salt is a cheap way to remove rust. Both of these ingredients can be found in any supermarket. Lemons sell three for $1 and salt costs less than $1 a pound. For small objects or minimal rust spotting, this is a practical rust removal method. Squeeze the juice of several fresh lemons. Spray or soak the item as you would with the vinegar and Coca-Cola. After soaking, shake salt to cover the item and use a wire brush to scrub the rust off.
- If you are not much of a home remedy person, purchase a can of Bar Keeper's Friend. Bar Keeper's Friend removes rust cheap. It may cost more than the other methods, but currently, according to the Bar Keeper's Friend website (see "Resources"), the price is only $6 per can. Bar Keeper's Friend is a non-abrasive powder that removes rust and hard water stains. Shake out enough powder to cover the rusty area and rub with a wet cloth or rag.
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