How to Clean Stainless Steel or Rusty Scissors

By Linda Richard, eHow Contributor

 

 How to Clean Stainless Steel or Rusty Scissors thumbnail 

Stainless steel, by design, should not rust. Stainless steel comes in different grades, and some grades rust easily. Number 304 stainless is most common for household products. Stainless with 18 percent chromium and a percentage of nickel wears well and cleans readily. Items such as an iron skillet sitting on stainless can transfer rust to the surface, however, and tiny steel particles touching stainless can also cause rust. Cleaning stainless steel items with steel wool or similar abrasive scouring pad may cause rusting. Instead, remove the rust with common household products. Does this Spark an idea

Instructions

  1. Vinegar

    • 1
      Pour white vinegar on a soft cloth. Vinegar is acetic acid but mild enough to drink. It is a safe cleaning agent for household and kitchen products.
    • 2
      Rub the stainless steel with the cloth in the area of the rust stain. Rub in the direction of the grain, if there is an obvious grain to the stainless. Some stainless is polished until the grain is not visible.
    • 3
      Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of vinegar. Vinegar is environmentally safe so you can wash it down the sink.
    • 4
      Toss the soft cloth in the next load of laundry. It's good for your wash too.

    Oxalic Acid

    • 5
      Make a paste of oxalic acid cleanser and water. Barkeeper's Friend and Zud, for example, are cleansers containing oxalic acid.
    • 6
      Apply the oxalic acid paste mixture to rust-stained areas. Oxalic acid is more powerful than vinegar and can be corrosive to skin tissue. Inhalation or ingestion can cause serious injury. Although this is a common household cleanser, take precautions not to get it in your eyes or leave it on your skin.
    • 7
      Allow the mixture to work on the stain for five minutes. Wet a soft cloth or sturdy paper towel--something you can toss when done.
    • 8
      Rub the paste on the stainless steel with the soft, wet cloth in the direction of the grain.
    • 9
      Rinse with clear water. Clean the stainless steel item with dishwashing detergent and water to remove all traces of oxalic acid. Throw away the soft cloth or paper towel where animals or children cannot get it.