Does Ketchup Remove Rust? + Other Related FAQs

Rust stains can be very difficult to remove, especially if you do not have the right cleaning tools. Luckily, many common ingredients in your kitchen cupboard could help you clean rust, including ketchup.

If you have heard about ketchup being used to remove rust, you may be wondering if it is true. I looked up the facts, and here is what I learned!

Does Ketchup Remove Rust?

Ketchup can remove rust from metal because ketchup’s main ingredients are vinegar and tomatoes, which are considered acidic ingredients that have acetic acid. Acetic acid is responsible for converting rust into iron acetate, allowing you to simply rub off the rust from metal. Moreover, ketchup can clean other metals like silver, brass, and more

Are you curious to learn about how ketchup removes rust, how you can use ketchup to remove rust, and what other metals ketchup can clean? Keep reading!

Can You Use Ketchup To Remove Rust?

Ketchup can be used to remove rust from various objects, such as metal if you need a DIY solution to get rid of rust.

How Does Ketchup Remove Rust?

Ketchup can remove rust from objects because ketchup typically contains tomatoes and vinegar, which are acidic ingredients.

Generally, rust occurs when oxygen and water come in contact with certain metals for a certain period, and the only types of metal that rust are iron and steel because metals corrode.

Typically, the best way to get rid of rust from metal is by using acids, and acids are found in many cleaning products specifically designed to remove rust.

Ketchup contains acetic acid from the vinegar and tomatoes and the acetic acid converts the rust into iron acetate, which can be washed away.

Therefore, applying ketchup to rust will melt off the rust, meaning you can easily rinse off the rust.

How To Use Ketchup To Remove Rust?

If you want to use ketchup to remove rust, you need to spread a thick layer of ketchup over the rusted areas.

Allow the ketchup to sit on the affected area for about 30 minutes to let the ketchup’s acetic acid melt off the rust.

After 30 minutes, you can either rinse the ketchup off of the rusted area or use a soft cloth to gently rub the ketchup off.

If you use water to rinse off the rust, be sure to use a towel to dry the metal to prevent allowing the metal to develop rust again.

Additionally, be sure to avoid using tough cleaning tools like hard-bristled brushed because brushes can scratch the metal, further damaging your items.

Does Ketchup Remove Tarnish From Silver?

Generally, ketchup can be used to remove tarnish from silver because the acidity in ketchup can remove the tarnish.

Moreover, ketchup can make your silver shinier because ketchup can function like a polish for silver items.

To use ketchup to remove tarnish from silver, place a bit of ketchup on a paper towel and use the towel to gently rub the ketchup over the tarnished area.

If the silver is not shiny immediately after rubbing the ketchup on it, you may let the ketchup sit for 10 minutes, but do not allow the ketchup to sit for longer than that because the acid can potentially harm the silver.

Next, use a soft cloth to rub off the ketchup, and you may rinse the silver clean to rinse off excess residue then use a cloth to dry the silver again.

Does Ketchup Clean Gold?

Does Ketchup Clean Gold?

Since ketchup is slightly acidic, ketchup is a great item to use to clean gold without damaging your gold given that you use the proper cleaning techniques.

To use ketchup to clean gold, grab a clean, dry rag and apply some ketchup onto the rag then use the rag to work the ketchup into your gold item.

Allow a thin layer of ketchup to sit on your gold for a minute, do not leave the ketchup on for longer than 1-2 minutes because the ketchup could harm the gold.

Use another clean and damp rag to rinse the gold, constantly dampening and wringing out your rag until all the ketchup residue is gone.

If you want to polish your gold and leave it shiny, you can opt to use another dry and clean rag to buff your gold.

Does Ketchup Clean Brass?

Similar to gold, ketchup can also clean brass well since gold and brass have similar colors, and ketchup is usually gentle enough to clean brass.

You can use the same method used to clean gold to clean brass, which is by taking a clean rag to rub a thin layer of ketchup on brass, leaving the ketchup for 1-2 minutes, and using another clean rag to rinse off the ketchup.

Does Ketchup Clean Copper?

Copper can develop a tarnished appearance, and you can use the acidity present in ketchup to remove tarnish from copper.

Slater some ketchup over the tarnished areas of your copper then let the ketchup sit on the copper for about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, you can use a clean rag to rub off the ketchup, and you may rinse the copper item as well then dry the copper with a dry rag.

Does Ketchup Clean Pots And Pans?

If you have stainless steel or brass pots and pans that have burnt brown or black layers, you can use ketchup to get rid of the burnt stains.

Generously apply ketchup to the affected areas of your pots and pants, and allow the ketchup to sit for around 30 minutes.

You can use paper towels to wipe off the rust then wash your pot or pan to fully remove the ketchup residue from your pot or pan.

Read our other articles to learn if ketchup removes green hair, if ketchup removes hair dye, and if ketchup ruins car paint.

Conclusion

Ketchup can remove rust from metal because ketchup’s acidic ingredients contain acetic acid, which turns rust into iron acetate that makes rust easy to wipe off.

Other removing rust from iron and steel, ketchup is also a great pantry staple to use to clean other metals like gold, silver, and more.

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