Can Aluminum Foil Really Get Rid of Rust?

Add this trick to your arsenal of natural cleaning methods. Find out why it works and how to do it successfully.

While there are some cleaning trends you should definitely skip, others prove to be game changers for your home. If your metal furniture or fixtures frequently rust, the latest #CleanTok hack may just be one you make part of your regular cleaning routine. With this cleaning trick, you can quickly and effortlessly remove rust with something already in your kitchen: Aluminum foil.

Learn how to use aluminum foil to successfully stop rust in its tracks, plus alternative methods worth experimenting with to make your things shine like new.

Related: 14 So-Helpful Aluminum Foil Hacks from a Midwestern Mom

Why Does Rust Form in the First Place?

Certain items rust faster than others, especially those that are frequently exposed to moisture. Outdoor patio furniture, showerheads, and bikes left exposed to the elements are all prone to rusting, because rust is a reaction to metal being exposed to oxygen and moisture. Outdoors that typically means rain or snow, and indoors, it means moist environments such as the bathroom or kitchen. There are preventative measures you should take to avoid rust in the first place, such as covering furniture, storing bikes in the garage, properly running the bathroom fan when showering, and keeping humidity levels low throughout the house in general.

If you do notice an appliance or piece of furniture is developing rust, there are also plenty of ways to undo the damage. One of the most common methods is to use a commercial rust remover. But if you don’t have any—or prefer natural cleaning methods—your next best option is to reach for the aluminum foil.

Related: The 10 Best Rust Removers of 2024

Yes, Aluminum Foil Really Removes Rust

The way that aluminum foil works to eradicate rust is actually pretty simple. When they come in contact with one another, a chemical reaction occurs that essentially reverses the oxidation process that caused the rust in the first place. You can think of it in terms of exfoliating your skin: There are chemical exfoliators, such as acids and peels, and there’s physical exfoliation, like scrubbing your face with a washcloth. Rubbing aluminum foil on rusted surfaces is kind of like multitasking, since it produces the necessary chemical reaction while manually removing it.

Related: Should You Scrub Your Oven with Aluminum Foil? Cleaning Experts Say Yes

The hack involves tearing off a sheet of aluminum foil and crumpling it into a ball that’s manageable in size. While it’s not necessary, it’s highly recommended to use either water or white vinegar as a lubricant to help the foil slide along the metal. (Note that vinegar should not be used on stainless steel or cast iron, but you can still use aluminum foil with water to clean anything made of these materials.)

Lightly wet the aluminum foil ball with water or vinegar and rub surfaces until the rust is removed. One caveat worth mentioning for those who are sensitive to sound is that it can trigger an adverse reaction similar to hearing nails on a chalkboard. Fortunately, aluminum gets rid of rust fairly fast, so consider it a small price to pay for the end result.

The most common question about this hack is whether the foil scratches the metal surface. Because aluminum is softer than metal, the answer is no, it will not. In fact, it’s a safer alternative to using a steel wool scouring stick for this very reason.

Related: Aluminum Foil Is the Secret to Sparkling Silverware—Here's How to Use It

Alternative Methods for Removing Rust

Although aluminum foil should be abrasive enough to do the trick, you might need to step up your game for seriously stubborn rust. In that case, you can try some of these other viral hacks, whether with or without foil.

Soda: If the item is small enough, such as a gardening tool, soak it in Coca-Cola (which contains phosphoric acid, a known rust remover) for a few hours. Then, rub it with balled-up aluminum foil until the rust is gone, rinse, and air dry completely.

Baking Soda: You most likely know the power of baking soda as a household cleaner, so it should come as no surprise that it can help remove rust. Create a paste by mixing it with water and applying it to the rusted areas for a few minutes before scrubbing it with foil or a brush. Once it’s faded, rinse clean and allow the metal to dry. Be sure not to use baking soda on actual aluminum, however, as it can discolor it.

Lemon Juice: Lemons are another powerful tool in your natural cleaning routine, and their acidity makes them ideal for removing rust. Start by sprinkling salt onto the rusted surface, then squeeze lemon juice directly over it. Allow it to sit for a few hours, then scrub the area with a brush, rinse, and dry to reveal shiny metal once again.

Related: 21 Eco-Friendly Ideas for Cleaning with Lemons in Your Home

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