The Old-School Hack That'll Make Rust A Thing Of The Past

If you're a proud homeowner, you may take a substantial amount of pride in the appearance of your home and possessions. Nevertheless, there can be an unwanted visitor that appears over time. Not only is it unwanted, but it can be a hassle to get rid of. Sigh. We're talking about rust. Rust is usually the result of weathering, and can be a pain to clean up. Even if you try to stop rust before it sets in, it can sometimes be inevitable. However, there's one old-school hack that could make rust a thing of the past: lemonade powder. Whether you have some on hand or not, this concoction could zap away your rust woes in no time, whether it be on your outdoor furniture or your beloved garden tools. Lemonade powder will leave you with results anyone would be proud of. 

Now that you're armed with your rust-fighting weapon, you may be wondering how to use it. How long do you leave it on there for? Do you need to use anything else with it for it to work? Naturally, there are a lot of questions, especially when it comes to using such a bizarre ingredient. Thankfully, we'll guide you through the process so you can eliminate rust once and for all. Don't worry — it's actually not that difficult!

Thankfully, this hack isn't too much of a hassle. All you need to do is purchase some lemonade powder (if you haven't got some already) and grab an old rag or cloth. Even an old t-shirt will do — just something to apply the powder with. So, what's next? Speaking to Best Life, brand director of cleaning company Molly Maid, Sarah Brunette, explains how to replicate the technique, "Rub the mixture on the surface and the citric acid from the drink powder will eat away the rust." Of course, you will need to be persistent with your battle against the rust — a quick wipe won't do. You really need to work it in and apply pressure in order for it to be effective. Once you apply a layer over the rust, you need to let it sit to work its magic. For the final step, take a damp cloth and wipe off the powder — voila! Now, your battle against stubborn rust should be victorious.

So, how exactly does the lemonade powder work to combat the rust? As you may have guessed, lemonade powder is slightly citric. This helps to break down the rust due to its abrasive nature, making it easier to wipe off. Just ensure that the weather conditions are forecast to be dry or sunny, as you don't want rain to wash off the powder. If any small bits are left, you can always paint over the rust.