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3 Step Guide For Removing Rust On Your Home's Chain Link Fence Using Household Products

16 June 2017 by Norman Beck

If you have old chain link fencing that has several areas of rust, you may wonder if there is a way to remove the oxidation and restore the fence's appearance. If so, use the following three-step guide for removing the rust using products you may already have or can easily find in department stores.

Step 1:  Clean the Fence with Borax

Before you start removing the rust, the first step involves cleaning dirt, grass, and bird droppings off of your fence. If this is not done, you will not be able to fully see the amount of oxidation on the metal, possibly making you miss areas while you are removing it.

For this step, you will use the Borax, a laundry additive, to get the grime off the fence. The powdery substance if effective at breaking down stuck-on dirt so you can easily spray it off. You will also need a sprayer attachment for your garden hose.

In the sprayer, mix together one cup of borax with two cups of water. Screw the attachment to your hose, and saturate the fence. Let it sit for about half an hour, then rinse. After the fence has fully dried, go on to the next step.

Step 2:  Appy Vinegar to the Rust

After cleaning the fence, the next step is to apply white distilled vinegar to the rusted areas. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps soften and break down the rust, making it easier to remove in the third step.

Using a soft, lint-free cloth, apply a liberal amount of straight vinegar to the rust. While you are applying the liquid, take note of any areas that may have been weakened by the rust. You will need to know this for the next section.

After you have covered all rusted areas, leave the vinegar on for an hour or two to give it time to soak in and dry. Then, go on to the next step.

Step 3:  Scrub the Rust Away with Steel Wool

Now that the rust has been softened, it is time to scrub it away using steel wool. While you are scrubbing the rusted areas, be careful around any suspected weak areas you noted in the second step. 

If any of the weak spots break while you are scrubbing, the rust has eaten through the metal. If this happens multiple times, your fence's condition may be too far gone for cleaning and may need professional attention.

While using the guide above, you may find that the rust has caused significant damage to your fence. If so, you may want to contact a fence contractor to have them inspect your chain link fencing and discuss with you options for either replacing the damaged areas or installing a whole new fence.

Contact companies like City Wide Fence Co for more information and assistance. 

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