Rust! This is the one defect that appears to plague our knives more than other problems perhaps. Indeed, it can be exasperating. Previously, it made me doubt the efficacy of my care and cleaning procedures for my knives. I previously believed that the only way one could address these undesirable spots was to conceal them. So, when I had guests over, I always made it a point to put away my knives in a drawer or a cabinet.
However, one day I understood that no one will grateful for living like this. I can no longer turn a blind eye to it and seek for a solution. As I mentioned earlier, I conducted my research and even asked a few friends. I was certain that the fancy-pants dishwasher will not work at all.
I remember one time I was sitting with my neighbor’s aunt and I happened to come across something. She then explained to me how I could easily remove rust from a stainless steel kitchen knife. It is very simple and I should have been able to do it long time ago. Today, after using it for almost one year, I finally decided to share it.
Making a Liquid Solution
First, you should be aware of the solution I use to remove rust from a stainless-steel knife. What do you think the ingredient is? Vinegar! Yes, I know it’s always there and it is in liquid form. Perhaps you have asked yourself how an ingredient that seems so mundane can possibly remove such persistent stains.
Well, it might look plain to you because vinegar is something that you add to food. But what you are forgetting is that vinegar is an acid and it is a proven fact that anything that has citric acid or is acidic in nature is a perfect solution for rust removal.
Alright, let’s discuss the procedure you will be using to clean rust off your item. First of all, we need a big container that will not interfere with the materials, a plastic one or a glass one. Then, you have to pour in the distilled white vinegar into it. The amount should be one gallon. Now it is time to take some salt from your kitchen, one tablespoon of salt will be enough, and then combine the two.
Ensure that the salt is well dissolved in the water. The salt will enhance the strength of the vinegar; it will make it more potent so that it can work well. For the smaller knives, you can use half a gallon of vinegar and half a tablespoon of salt.
Bathe Your Kitchen Knives in It
And now, let us go to the next step on how to remove rust from kitchen knives and you have to be a bit cautious. You will be exposed to acid in some form or the other although it may not be as concentrated as the one described. In this case, I recommend that you wear kitchen gloves. So, you will have to put your old knives into this solution of vinegar and salt. It is important that the knives are well submerged in the solution provided in this step.
They should be left to soak in the liquid for at least half a day. If the rusting is too much, then one can allow them to remain in the solution for some few days. This is something that you have to do periodically during the soaking step. Notice that now the rust is fading away and becoming less and less noticeable.
What I would like to explain is that vinegar will behave in a different way when in contact with different types of metals. If there is any aluminum cover or any layer of aluminum then it would remove it. However, you should not use the solution for knives made of aluminum and similar metal alloys.
A better way will be to do a patch test on a small area. If there is no problem at all that one can see, then one should go for the whole process without any worry.
Scrubbing the Rust Off
Now, once again use a pair of gloves, a latex or rubber glove will be more effective. The rust will get loosened after soaking. It has to be cleaned with a lot of force using something that can rub against it. For instance, using steel wool or a brush that has sharp bristles will work well.
It is also possible to use brass-bristled brushes to clean this area as well. If there is nothing available then one can use an aluminum foil that is commonly found in the kitchen. Just ball it up to create a homemade scrubber.
Balancing PH and Removing Dampness
Now, you would have to fill one more container. This one should require about one gallon of water together with baking soda and ensure that you mix the two solutions thoroughly to create the desired mixture. Remove your rusty knives and submerge them in this solution and leave them for about ten minutes.
The following formula will assist in counteracting the acidic nature of vinegar. Finally, it is recommended to use an abrasive cleaner and wash the knives thoroughly one more time. To do this one can use 0000 steel wool and shine the knives without compromising the patina in the least way. The ending scrub will also assist in the elimination of any remaining rust. After this final scrub, you should lightly wipe the knives with a cloth.
Take a cotton pad and moisten it with denatured alcohol. Wipe the pad over your knives and make sure there is no excess moisture on the pad. To maintain and keep the knives in good condition the best thing to do is to use light oil, gun oil can also be used. It is also important to note that camellia oil is an excellent shiner especially when it comes to stainless steel knives. These oils will further assist in avoiding the formation of rust.
Note: Once the knives are soaked in vinegar, they may appear black, but once they are washed in water, they will regain their original color. Also, it is a time consuming process and therefore you have to be patient.
Conclusion
That’s it! Your kitchen knives should now be as clean as new and free from rust. This is something that can be done once, twice, three times or even more without encountering a glitch. I do! This is definitely a very effective and easy method of removing all those ugly rust stains on knives. It will protect you from the poor cutting and the awkward moments that you may face from your visitors.
Good luck!
