To prevent rust from forming on your appliances, you should keep metals dry and minimise their exposure to humidity and water. But, when iron or steel starts to rust, it will begin a process that causes widespread corrosion if not stopped.

You will need to treat the affected material (metal or otherwise) with a rust-removing agent, taking care to follow instructions on the product label. Treat severe rust stains with a pumice scouring pad along with the rust-removing agent.

Prevent indoor metal items from rusting by keeping their surfaces dry, dusting regularly and wiping down occasionally with a damp cloth. Dry immediately after wiping down.

Sandblaster

This refrigerator has been savaged by rust. - Ian Allen/Staffphotographer

Keep outdoor wrought-iron structures rust-free by removing existing rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or a sandblaster. Then go over bare spots with rust-inhibiting primer and paint the surface with rust-resistant metal paint.

There are a few products on the market which fall into the category of organic rust converters. These products contain acid to convert rust to black oxide and polymers which bond to rust. Instructions say to remove all loose rust, paint on the product, and let it dry.

Another rust treatment is to remove loose rust and coat the metal with a product like WD-40. This fills pores and rust with a non-corrosive substance and prevents additional rusting. Often, this is sufficient to slow the progress of rust.

Sandblasting is another method of removing rust, which will remove some good metal and will work-harden the surface. Immediately after any blasting, metal is clean and exposed, so it is essential that some form of rust proofing goes next.

Sandpaper and steel wool will also remove rust, but they don't get into tiny crevices. Another technique for removing rust is etching with phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid has a unique property of dissolving iron oxide quickly. Another unique advantage of phosphoric acid is that it leaves a fine coating of iron phosphate behind.

Iron phosphate prevents rust. However, the iron phosphate coating is not very thick and not durable. Some additional protection is still required.

With all acids, use rubber gloves and splash goggles, no matter how weak the solution. When thinning acid, add acid to water. Never add water to acid.

Yet another technique for removing rust is electrolytic rust removal. Rust can be removed in a bath of mild alkali, such as sodium carbonate. Use one tablespoon of sodium carbonate per gallon of water. The alkaline solution is much safer than some of the acids mentioned earlier.

Information sources: www.metalweb.com and www.e-how.com