Rust in the Kitchen

The kitchen is an ideal environment for rust to form. When certain types of metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture, a process called oxidation begins and the unsightly result is rust. Whether your kitchen surfaces are tile, porcelain, stainless steel, fiberglass, or concrete, read on for valuable information about the dangers of rust in the kitchen and the best ways to remove it.

Spots and stains from rust are most commonly found on kitchen surfaces where a rusting utensil or appliance has rested.

  • Water collects on a rusty metal screw under your blender or coffeemaker and drips, leaving a stain on your countertop.
  • You leave your cast iron skillet in your sink to soak and it leaves a rusty ring in your sink.
  • Metal utensils, can openers, jar lids, knives, chopping blades, etc.
  • Your metal baking dish gets scratched and rust develops in the scratched area.
  • Your drippy kitchen faucet leaves a stain on your sink from dripping high iron-content water.

Kitchen Rust Stains

One of the reasons kitchens often feature stainless steel sinks, appliances, and utensils is that stainless steel is rust- and stain-resistant. If you do see rust in your stainless steel sink, it is most likely that the stainless steel didn't rust but that a rusting pan or kitchen utensil left the stain behind. Though less common, stainless steel can sometimes rust; there are over 100 forms of stainless steel and some grades are more likely to rust than others.

Because the kitchen is where you prepare food for your family, it is especially important to keep your kitchen free of rust. If it finds its way into your food and it is ingested, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms including nausea and vomiting. For younger children, it can be very toxic. So, make sure rust prevention and emoval are part of your regular kitchen clean up.

Removing Kitchen Rust

RustAid Spray Gel is a special no-mess formula that works great in kitchens. It easily and safely dissolves rust and iron stains on tile, stainless steel, chrome, porcelain, fiberglass, concrete and more, with no rubbing or scrubbing needed! RustAid’s dual action formula begins to dissolve even the toughest rust stains on contact. It even works on hard water stains and lime, and calcium deposits.