Say Goodbye To Rust On Bolts And Screws With An Unexpected Kitchen Ingredient

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Rust on bolts and screws can feel like one of those annoying problems that you only really notice when it's too late — like when you're trying to loosen a screw and it refuses to budge. It's easy to assume you need rust remover or an industrial cleaner to deal with rusted hardware. In fact, you may have a solution sitting in your refrigerator door right now: ketchup — yes, the same condiment you use with burgers and fries. You can clean silver with ketchup. It can also help break down surface rust on steel. The key to its usefulness is its mild acidity.

Ketchup works best on lightly rusted household hardware, like screws, bolts, nuts, simple tools, and metal items in need of a refresh. It contains acetic acid from vinegar and citric acid from tomatoes, which break down oxidation without harming the metal. You can even remove rust from your cast iron pan with the help of this kitchen ingredient. Ketchup is cheap, low-effort, and accessible. You don't need to purchase specialized equipment or products, and you don't need to worry about exposure to harsh fumes. All you need is a bottle of ketchup, a can of Gasoila Free All Rust Eater Deep Penetrating Oil, and some soap and water. You'll also need baking soda, a couple of containers or dishes deep enough to fit your rusty hardware, and a pair of gloves. Most of these things are probably already in your kitchen pantry or under the sink.

Lay out the rusted metal items you want to restore on a clean work surface. Scrub them with soapy water and a brush to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. The cleaner the metal is when you submerge it in the ketchup, the more effective the method will be. The acidic compounds in the ketchup reach the rust right away; they aren't blocked by a layer of grime. Next, place the pieces into your container and submerge them in the ketchup. Make sure every rusty part is completely coated in the condiment. Leave them to marinate, so to speak, for about four to six hours.

Once your timer clicks off, transfer the items to another container filled with water and baking soda. This step neutralizes the acid from the ketchup and stops its reaction with the rust. Remove the hardware and rinse everything thoroughly in clean water. Dry each piece and then spray them with a thin layer of penetrating oil. The oil acts as a barrier against moisture, reducing the chance of future flash rusting. If you want to use this method on your large metal tools, apply a layer of ketchup directly to the metal surfaces instead of soaking them in the condiment. Some people even mix in a little extra white vinegar — another kitchen staple that makes removing rust from bolts a walk in the park — to boost the strength of the ketchup.