Life often has us looking for easier solutions to the mundane chores we must address around the house — and YouTuber ChrisFix is here with one you won’t soon forget.
The car handyman shared a simple rust-cleaning trick to help folks save money and reduce waste using just a few kitchen staples: Ketchup and vinegar.
“This rust removal process is super easy and removes every speck of rust,” he wrote in the video’s description.
All you’ll need for this project? Soapy water, vinegar or ketchup, a plastic container, and baking soda.
Substances like vinegar contain a diluted solution of acetic acid, which is produced by fermentation and oxidation of natural carbohydrates. Since ketchup also contains these acids and carbohydrates, they both work to dissolve the oxide in metals, and therefore, remove rust.
ChrisFix demonstrated the process with both ketchup and vinegar, though you’ll only need one or the other to get the job done.
The first step, he showed, is to use soapy water to clean off any grease that may have accumulated on the surface of the metal you’re trying to clean. Easy enough!
When using vinegar, he demonstrates how to submerge the object in vinegar inside of a plastic tub or container. He said you’ll see it working if you see “hydrogen bubbles bubbling off the rust.”
With ketchup, us DIYers can simply squirt the condiment onto the object we’re cleaning, and make sure it’s covered well.
Whether using ketchup or vinegar, the next step is to let the tools soak for about four to six hours. After this, ChrisFix advises adding baking soda to water and cleaning the items to neutralize the acid.
He also recommended spraying the tools or parts with a light oil like silicone spray to prevent future rust, though this step is optional.
The end result? Tools that are good as new.
How does this help?
Just like any DIY cleaning tip with found ingredients, this rust removal hack is genius for saving people money and eliminating waste.
Instead of tossing rusty old tools, a quick day at the spa extends the lifespan of metal objects and keeps your gear out of the gutter. It also keeps you from spending unnecessary money on retail rust removers that might not even do the job as well.
Some traditional rust removers may also contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and your health, meaning the simple ketchup or vinegar ingredients in your pantry may also keep your workbench safer.
What do people think?
ChrisFix’s comment section was filled with grateful responses from viewers.
“Ahh yes, finally, a use for all my leftover ketchup packets,” one person wrote, adding a fire emoji.
Another commenter chimed in: “Didn’t realize it was this easy.”
“Too cool, this video came just hours after wondering how to get rust off,” another added. “Thank you!”
“Straight to the point. Amazing directions and editing as always,” another commenter said. “I’m going to try this [on] my 30+-year-old wrench set.”
Watch ChrisFix’s video for the full how-to:
Header image courtesy of ChrisFix/YouTube