When anything is exposed to oxygen in water, it starts to Rust. Rust can be a minor annoyance if it starts turning up on clothes or your tools. However in case of rusting of buildings or infrastructure it could be a major disaster. When exposed to moisture the iron or any other metal turns into an oxide with the water acts as an electrolyte therefore resulting in electricity during the process. As a result the iron start to move easily and rusting starts to occur. Rust can be a major deterrent for bridges or any other infrastructure because it requires a great deal of repair sometimes it can go up to billions of dollars however it also affects us personally when it starts showing up on our tools and appliances

If your tools and equipment has already been exposed to rust. There are certain ways in which you can get rid of some of it. One of the easiest method to do so is with the help of a mild acid. At home you can make use of lemon juice which comprises of citric acid or even vinegar which has acetic acid. Sometimes rubbing a potato around the area which has rusted results in a better option. You can use the potato like a scouring pad and the rust will totally fade away in front of your eyes.

Some more useful methods include the use of phosphoric acid. However these are not recommended especially for a lay person because it could lead to your clothing being burnt down if you are not too careful with that. There are also some rust deflecting solutions available in the market which you can get easily. If you are making use of a commercial rust remover it is important that you read the instructions carefully before using it so as to prevent any further damage to your appliances or tools.

Preventing rust altogether

 The simplest way of getting rid of rust is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. If possible keep your equipment and other metal parts covered. In order to avoid the dust from settling in make sure that you wipe of all your equipment with a dry cloth to prevent the moisture from seeping in. On the other hand there are several other preventive measures which include painting with the high quality paint which comprises of zinc. The zinc acts as a sacrificial metal and is not that prone to rust when compared to other metals. This can considerably lower down the rusting.

On the other hand you might also make use of an alloy for on all your equipment. The alloy comprises of two or more metals and is not prone to rusting. And an alloy not only strengthens the equipment but also ensures its longevity.

Last but not the least one of the simplest and most effective methods of preventing rust is to use oil. Oiling your tools or parts of a machinery would prevent the wear and tear and also help in stopping rust.