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Little-known lifehack: Cheap product to help remove rust from metal

Little-known lifehack: Cheap product to help remove rust from metal How to remove rust from metal (photo: Freepik)

Metal decor is prone to rust because they are often stored in places with high humidity levels. Not drying dishes after use is also a common mistake that can lead to the appearance of rust, according to the Tasting Table website.

What can help

To get rid of rust, you can use potatoes.

Specifically, you need to cut a potato in half, then pour dishwashing liquid on the cut side and rub the rusty object with it. For better effect, you can add baking soda to this solution.

If the dishwashing liquid and soda are rubbed off from the cut side of the potato, take another slice and repeat the procedure. In the end, rinse the object well and wipe it dry with a cloth.

How potatoes remove rust

Potatoes contain oxalic acid, which effectively dissolves rust. When oxalic acid and rust come into contact, they create a double removal reaction. After this, rust transforms into iron oxalate, which can be easily washed away with water.

If rust stains have been present for a while, you can combine equal parts of vinegar and lemon juice and apply the mixture to the rusty areas. Do not leave this mixture on the stains for more than five minutes, as the acid may damage the material.

The effectiveness of this method is due to the acidity of lemon juice and vinegar and the abrasive texture of salt. Adding vinegar to the mixture increases its acidity for particularly stubborn stains.

In general, acidic substances such as vinegar and lemon juice are fantastic cleaning agents for rust removal because the acid reacts with the iron oxide present in rust. This, in turn, breaks down the rust stain, allowing you to clean the object properly.

Which side to place the foil on the baking sheet

Aluminum foil has matte and glossy surfaces, which can confuse many people who are unsure how to wrap food or cover a dish without affecting the taste.

The taste of the food will not be compromised whether you use the matte or glossy side to wrap the dish.

It's important to tightly wrap the product in foil to prevent air from getting inside. This will only increase the cooking time.

Foil can be used not only for baking but also for storing prepared dishes. The glossy surface partially reflects light and heat, while the matte side absorbs heat.

Therefore, wrap the finished dish with the glossy side inside to keep it warmer for a longer time, and you won't need to reheat it.