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Need to Remove Rust From Your Gardening Tools? Look in the Fridge

Three rusty gardening hand tools sitting on a wooden table.
malialeon/Shutterstock.com

Gardening tools are designed to handle some wear and tear, but there are also some things you can do to maintain their longevity. If your tools have started to rust, there’s likely a handy trick for removing it right in your fridge.

Have any Coca-Cola? If so, in addition to providing some tasty refreshment on a hot summer day, the classic soda can also remove rust from your metal garden tools. Thanks to the phosphoric acid in the drink, Coke can dissolve rust, and while the process takes a bit of time, it’s worth it if you don’t have any rust remover.

To try this hack, just fill a container with Coke and completely submerge your metal gardening tools in it. Let it soak for 24 hours, and then scrub the places where rust lingers with a nonmetal scrubbing pad.

Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover

A traditional remover is always an option as well.

If all the rust doesn’t come off, just soak and scrub the tool again. When all the rust is gone, rinse away any leftover bits, as well as any remaining sticky soda, and then let your tools dry. If you want, you can even oil the metal to prevent future rusting.

While you can always opt for a traditional rust remover, if you’re in a bind and have some soda on hand, this method will get the pesky stuff off your garden tools.

And by the way, did you know Coca-Cola can also clean toilets? Who knew a soft drink could be so versatile?

[Via Hunker]

Shea Simmons Shea Simmons
Shea Simmons is the Editor In Chief of LifeSavvy. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer with a focus on beauty and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, and Hello Giggles. Read Full Bio »
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