How To Remove Rust From Your Bicycle | Clean Your Bike With Household Products
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- Опубліковано 14 січ 2018
- Few things look worse than rust on your bike, but rusty parts don't need to be thrown out. With a few things you've probably already got around your house, you can have rusty bike parts looking shiny again.
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To remove even the worst rust from any metal parts on your bike simply get some aluminium/aluminum/tin foil and dip it in either cola or white vinegar, then scrub the offending part thoroughly until the rust comes off! If you have any particularly rusty small parts, such as bolts or sprockets, you can soak them in either the cola or the vinegar.
Make sure you wear gloves while using the white vinegar, as this can be corrosive to your skin.
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Let us know how you get on with removing rust in the comments below 👇
GCN Tech use citrus acid (vitamin c) make a concentrate with hot water, put metal parts in, it will desolve the rust, without damaging the paint. And its cheap,cause its used for clean i ng coffeemachines
well, removing it is one thing, but if you don’t protect the parts you cleaned it will keep coming back. The cleaning kit I have has a protective finish that’s also a water repellent. It will not remove rust, but it will ensure your parts stay shiny much longer. My commuter bike could help with some elbow grease though, I’m too careless with it.
check out "NEVR DULL", its a miracle. you only need a little amount of this wool and it works pretty amazing
@aleb gns Citric acid indeed works much better than vinegar. Although it requires thorough degreasing and leaves gray patina, which unpleasigly contrasts stainless steel and even more prone to corrosion than clear steel. Also vitamin C is ascorbic acid and it's a whole different story.
In some cases WD-40 also does the Job pretty neatly
Please excuse the late comment, but many earlier commenters incorrectly assumed that the vinegar and coke were dissolving the rust, and/or that the aluminum foil was scraping the rust off. The aluminum foil method works because the aluminum is a reducing agent relative to steel - that is, it functions as an electron donor. The aluminum is oxidized, and the iron oxide (rust) is reduced to elemental iron. It's a classic oxidation-reduction reaction. The coke or vinegar are just acting as an electrolyte to transfer the ions between the two metals.
Good chemistry, I second this.
YES. finally.
Even if you use water it'll be the same result coz it's not bout the liquid you use. Its bcoz of the aluminium foil. Thanks for the great explanation. 👏🏼👏🏼
thanks for further explaining the reaction.
Thankyou
Science
Me trying to fix my old bike because I don't have something better to do in quarantine
olgaV that’s why I’m here lol
@@tirado033 lol
Same. Someone abandoned a pretty decent bike in front my door. So why not 🤷🏿 lol
Edit: Before you ask why people are leaving bikes in front my door...I live in a poor neighborhood. That pretty much answers that question lol.
olgaV came for my throat
@@zavannahrodriguez5148 😊
Should I use Diet Coke on a lightweight bike?
Dave Pratt 😂😂😂
Coke zero
You mean on a heavy bike
Love it :D
Lol
I had to come back and comment on how extremely easy and effective this method really is... My rust was years in the making, although my frame was fine, the rust forming on the nuts and bolts and especially the springs on the front and back brakes was significantly worse than what was shown here. Yet within seconds of scrubbing it began to come off, and even the hard to reach (and deeply rusted) springs have been restored to around 90% rust free. Thanks a ton for this tip/video!
How did you clean the rusty chain effectively? Was the toothbrush helpful?
What dd you use? Coke or vinegar?
@@adaalvarico8493 Regular Coke.
@@coreysayre1376 oh thank you 😊😊
@@adaalvarico8493 NP Fam. @Kim Sorry didn't get notification when you commented but my chain stays greased up to where it never got rusted. Toothbrush would probably be pretty effective though.
Just make sure to clean the metal surface you apply the acid, with something like baking soda to neutralizer the acid, otherwise metal can rust very quickly again.
Will i mix baking soda with water or just pure powder
@ThisIsWhyImEz okay I'll do it after the lockdown because I can't go outside our baking soda and detergent are just small amount
@john doe because acid dissolves, water does not lmao
When? After I applied the coke and dried it or when it’s still on the bike?
@@georgedervishi8150 after removing rust you should dry it with a towel
just what I was asking this afternoon ! Thank you GCN for the tips, definitely gonna try this
Dreweful glad to help
Thank you! This method worked like a charm getting rust off my bike pedals that had been left out in the rain. Appreciated the video and this great "how to".
Tried this method today on an old unicycle suffering from years of neglect, haven't finished the whole thing but so far it's worked like a charm! Thank you for the easy-to-understand video 😊
Can this method be used to clean a bike chain?
@@jerseygirl4917 not sure if you intended to reply to my comment, unicycles don't have chains so I can't help you there sorry!
This is the first video I searched to watch after my Uncle just gave me his old rusty bike, I'll make this bicycle look majestic again!
Hope you did that sir.
I just picked up an old rusty Beach Cruiser and it's in mostly good shape just got a lot of rust, I'm gonna first make it shine again and then complete it with an engine kit.
I like how you pronounced aluminum foil in the different dialects even callin it tin foil. Great and informative video.
Looks effective! I will try it on my 1980 Honda 125cc motorbike. Thank you!
Whilst it may have been obvious to some, this is a really simple a great piece of knowledge to have, thanks again GCN! (👍 to Jon you rock)!
Nash Cycling no problem. Happy to help
This is brilliant.
I found a 50 year old bike in a thrift shop which might have chrome plated forks. It's hard to tell under all the rust.
I'll give the vinegar and aluminum foil trick a try.
It works like a dream. Aluminium foil and coke. It took off the rust of my motorcycle within seconds of applying coke onto the front forks. Thank you for the tip.
I use Brillo pads or Scotch pads with a steel wire brush with white vinegar. This has been my go-to for many many years for the multiple bikes I have owned or fixed up for my friends and family. It works a treat. I give it a quick rinse off with warm water and use an old towel to dry it off thoroughly
Great video. Got a vintage '83 Team Murray for my kid. Going to go and try this now.
I've been using the Coke and Tin Foil method for rust for about 40 years (first used on my 1978 Raleigh). I'm so happy this is still a recommended method to combat rust. I will continue - have a fixer-upper that I'm working on. Thanks!
will dipping the chain for 15mins on Coke work?
oh im so glad i saw this comment! today i got an old refurbished bike thats probably from the 70s. it works like a charm but have rusty handles etc, knowing npw that it will work on old bikes was just what i needed to know to give this a try!
Got a peloton of ants chasing me now. Thanks Jon :/
Try cleaning it
No worries. Haha
Did you try rice
Simple answer... buy an anteater! 😁
@Jarhead haha xD good one
I know this is an old video but thank you so much you're a life saver!! Used vinegar and tin foil and my bikes handlebar is looking all but brand new!
Great, worked on my brake cable guide.Thanks!
Jeez the good old Schwinn stingray classic bikes remember cruising round on the occ version of this brilliant bikes
Just a note, there is no difference between the shiny side and the dull side of the foil. The reason it looks like that is that the foil is so thin and tear-able, it's actually doubled up for manufacturing. The dull side is where two sheets have faced each other and the shiny side is the side that faces out to the rollers.
tinwhiskerSC huh?
Actually.. It really has a purpose, the bright part reflects heat, while the matte side absorbs heat. Im a chef, so i know that
Matte side will be rougher then, so may cause scratches?
Heat reflection/insulation of either side is also a bit of an urban legend. This was dispelled recently on an episode of QI (Quite Interesting). The difference is imperceptible without instrumentation.
paranajape it’s true I’ve cooked bread in both sides for a test...put the shined side out and it doesn’t cook half as quick
OMG!! This really works. I left my bike outside all winter. 🍁
I tired the vinegar and foil paper. I'm so happy
Great vid Jon, thanks. Using fizzy pop like this is much better than drinking it!
Brasso with a nylon scrub pad or steel wool cleans chrome and metal very well . I used it while restoring a 1976 3 speed women's Raleigh sport and the results were remarkable as the handle bars and one rim in particular looked pretty grim at the beginning and very shiny and bright when done .
Did it take the rust off?
@@teflonrobgCompletely off
@@rdhudon7469 Wow! Amazing. Thanks.
Coke or vinegar works very well if you have stains and not actually rust, the abrasion from the aluminium foil is what was actually removing the rust. I've tried the coke and aluminium foil method a few times and the rust comes back even quicker than normal.
One cheap method i do like to use is actually DOT 5.1 brake fluid (i have a bottle from my DH bike). 5 minutes in some DOT fluids and a light rub will get most rust off. Make sure you wash off the part well or go straight to the second method. If cheap parts are only nickel plated and not actually made of stainless steel then you'll see the nickel flake off, beware!
Second method is an ultrasonic machine with heating function, these usually are only large enough for small parts but its very useful to clean cassettes and bike chains with which is why i have one, also removes rust fairly well. Just add greaser and dial up the heat to 60C, 20 minutes and you should be good.
Thanks for this. I'm going to try this today!
Thank you for your video, I was already thinking of replacing my bike's suspension
Great, my toothbrush tastes like vinegar now.
Lmao
@GamerGuru212 dumbass
lol
That's why he said to use an old (ie: not using anymore) toothbrush ;-)
Why would you use your own brush lmaoooo
My dad gave me my brother's old MTB.
So I cleaned it up.
Did my research.
Subbed to your channel.
Now the repairs begin!
I'll be using you each time I get stuck!
Thanks for the hekpful vids!
Amazing!! Good work guys!
Works perfectly. Thanks for the tip.
Fun fact, chrome is harder than (most) mild steels, so if you get a brass or steel wire brush attachment or steel wool, and you have very rusty chrome, you can usually remove the layer of rust on top. This will usually leave some exposed un-plated steel underneath if it's bad enough so feel free to coat with whatever you want to use to protect from more oxidation, but it's definitely a lifehack to know this.
Not really. The chrome is so darned thin and also, the fact that there is rust means that the nickel and chrome surface is already perforated. Therefore, only use brass wool or aluminum foil when removing rust. Only brass wool or brush or aluminum are softer than steel. Steel wool will definitely scratch the finish and make it much worse.
@@dgillies5420 unless you use 0000 steel wool which does very little in removing rust . But your absolutely correct. Aluminum with Marvel oil seems to work very fast with minimal effort.
Yep good ideas. But I’ve also discovered from a restoration tv program that just wetting the foil with water will also do the job. Tried it myself and it worked
I loved this video I learned to ride on a OCC shwinn stingray and I'm going to try this out on my hard rock next time I go to the store
Thanks for the tip. Can’t wait to give it a try 😁
BRASS BRUSH!!! Way better than cola. I tried cola/vinegar/degreaser with alu foil when restoring vintage bikes, it works, but it's slow.
Get a brass brush of ebay (and some brass dremel attachments) use the larger brass brush to get the worse of the rust off then go over with the dremel at max RPM - don't worry, it won't scratch the metal (it won't even damage your skin).
Then use finer and finer grades of wire wool, all the way to grade 0000 with the appropriate polishing compound and it'll look good as new.
NOTE: do use eye protection, gloves and an apron when using brass dremel attachments as they have a tendency to shed bits of brass wire at very high speeds into things.
Yes using a brass brush and a appropriate polishing paste (e.g. "Elsterglanz; perfect for chromed parts) is definitely the best way to get rid of rust.
Jakob G. ##
Zssss
Sssss
Ssss
Coke or vinegar are acids that will dissolve the rust, while the tin foil smooths it. Without the acid the tin foils will take more effort to remove. Steel wool will remove it easier while scratching and removing the chrome cover. In any case the rust will come back no matter what you use if you do not protect the surface after cleaning.
What would you recommend for protecting the surface?
How do you protect the surface ?
@@andrewj2358 Probably some wax that you put on every 3 - 4 months. I use Collinite car wax.
Paint?
Turtle wax.
Amazing to watch, thanks!
I am amazed , going to try this tomorrow
Worked phenomenal- yes necessary to wear gloves - leaves your hands black and doesn’t come off them easily 😳.
I notice the vid only has the process being demonstrated on chromed areas. Are there negative effects if using it on painted areas of the frame?
I had no idea. Awesome. Thank you. I'll give it a shot.
Wow, thanks! I'll try this method with my bike.
I recommend buying a wire brush wheel for a cordless drill. The wire brush does the job well on steel and brass. No liquids needed. A rotary wire brush wheel on a bench grinder works too but you have to be able to hold the part up to it.
Make sure it's a brass or copper wire brush (harder than rust but softer than steel).
Pro tip: use WD40 instead of cola or vinegar, WD40 will clean it faster and better. And because WD40 is a degreaser with oil in it, it also puts a thin layer of oil on top of the metal so it won't rust again! (Let the WD40 rest on top of the metal for a minute or so, then wipe it of with a dry cloth/rag so it wont attract dirt and grime)
So is that WD40 + the foil or without the foil?
Y u no answer?!
@@gavingraves5051 without foil, just need to let it sit a minute and then wipe it off, real simple, and not much effort ;)
But how much is it?
@@AquaKingdomHearts14 didn't work for me :( might have way too advanced rust lol
Thank you for the tips. 💯👏
Thank you. Very useful
It would be great if you did a video on repairing paint chips and scratches
YES!
I've heard to use paint for model airplanes and I've also heard to use touch up paint for cars. Wondering which is better/cheaper
YES!
I've heard to use paint for model airplanes and I've also heard to use touch up paint for cars. Wondering which is better/cheaper
Yeah. I have a metallic silver frame and a few spots that have been worn down to the underlying aluminium. I'd like to restore the frame to as close to new as poss but not sure what the best approach is. Are there different shades of metallic silver? If I just spray over the missing paint will I have different thicknesses afterwards? What about primer coats or lacquers for the finish?
GMBN just did it a week ago: ua-cam.com/video/qeT5K2tXnIk/v-deo.html
Worth checking if you are thinking of repairing some scratches...
I've been using enamel model paint, it hardens quite well when dry and seems to be waterproof.
Got a duntel England vintage bike with some minor rust I'm seeing that the vinegar is best
Hey, just to confirm, you tried the coke also? and found that white vinegar was better?
That's left me speechless. I can't believe it, Lez do dis.
Great video 👍 well done
I’ll have a rum and sparkling soft drink with vegetable extracts, please. On the rocks.
This is one job I would absolutely wear a pare of gloves. Chrome slivers are painful.
It really worked. Thank you😌
Will definitely try it soon and post updates!
Hi Jon! U're my favourite presenter
Tomi Saaranen Thanks Tomi 👍
Tomi Saaranen i see you everywhere 👀
Mine, too!
Mix flour, water and white vinegar to form a paste. Apply the paste to any parts with rust. Rinse clean.
This is Fantastic! and good timing too. I need to clean an old chain, not to ride with but to uses as an artistic accent.
thanks man for sharing, you made my day, and helped me save money....
Yep, good trick, the aluminium foil rubbing trick is well known but the effect is only temporary - expect to last for less time if the item stays exposed to the elements. You need to treat the part with some protective coating afterwards if you want prolonged resistance.
what used for protective coating?
@@davidthomson8010 no idea - some sort of lacquer that will stick to nickel parts perhaps?
I don't know of any though.
If you haven't already, could you tell us how to protect the surface after the rust has been removed? There is an area of my bike where the outer coating has been removed, and in that area, rust forms. Therefore a way to reseal or re-protect it would be useful for me. Cheers!
Boeshield T-9 spray-on protectant. If it's good enough for Boeing airplanes, it's good enough for your bike! Or, take it to a real chromer and get the nickel plating refreshed. The rust occurs because the nickel plating has become perforated, allowing the steel below to oxidize.
WD-40, just spray some a cloth and wipe it on. Makes it shine also.
Thank you for this information....
Thanks for the tip
Would you get the same result if you used Apple Cider Vinegar?
If the rust hasn't worked it's way well into the steel, use my old friend WD40! Spray it on. Leave it to work itself in. Brush it a bit and wash off.
Awesome, I’ll give it a try, Thank you !!!
Amazing it worked. Thank you
I swear I read the title of this video at least 3 times as "How to remove DUST from your Bicycle", and I kept thinking damn why do we need a video about removing dust?? lol
guess you're too lazy on several levels, first in your imagination, second - just lazy to try to get a bit rusty canonndale for $50 and after a day of work turne it into $500 shiny jewel.
@@andreika6681 what the heck? Lazy? what are you even talking about?? 2 1/2 years later, dang.
Thank you for humoring all those in the U.S.A. and pronouncing aluminum as it is spelt :)
Joey大量絶滅 I was waiting for someone to notice that! Glad you approve, Jon
correct spelling aluminium FYI
The man who discovered it named it aluminum and that is what it is.
Idgaf what you idiots want to call it in w/e shithole country you're in.
I accept the US usage, but in modern science the naming standard has moved towards "...ium".
@@Singularity2039 You do realise it was a British person who discovered aluminium and named it aluminum and that it was American scientists who originally adopted the aluminium spelling?
I'm gonna try this!
This is a great video very very helpful
Followup, are you just (essentially) using the foil as an abrasive and the liquid simply lubricating the two metals?
You're not considering one part of the chemical reactions with the Phosphoric acid in Coke and Acetic acid in Vinegar
Make sure you wear earplugs, headphones or any form to audio protection to prevent recurring nightmares of the metal on metal kind. =_=
Needed this!
Nice, you need another video to show what to put to weather protect the previously rusty parts!
How about a video on how to prevent the rust from coming back after removing the rust? :)
neutralise it with something like baking soda
NamuIsHere So I would mix baking soda and water and wipe my bike down with it?
Yeah this is only half a video, the rust will be back within weeks to months. After the cleaning he did apply a coat of wax, like for cars, and this will seal the little cracks the rust is coming out of and will keep the rust away for much longer. Cheers.
Thank you so much now I can de-rust my old bike for my little sister
Edit:omg thanks for the likes funny how its close to 69
So sweet
Did it work
Yes it did
pokeyunicorn 222 thanks!
3 more likes to hit 69 yet it's almost 1 year now
Thank you soo much I was cleaning my cycle because it is so much rusty I was using every oil because my friends told me but it failed.i am gonna use this method right away.
thank you the advise , excellent video
How to avoid rust... Avoid non stainless parts, and buy carbon or titanium parts. And for the chain...... lube it!
Grab a patent quickly! You could make millions selling information like that. Why did nobody think of this sooner? 😉
What sort of lube
Cant be avoided if your a vintage bike collector, only restored
Chromoly is stronger. I’ll take my risk with rust
Carbon, titanium and stainless steel yikes expensive!!
Though it is worth it though in the long run.
Nice idea sir..
Thanks for the tip. Going to try vinegar and tin foil for my bike
How would you get rid of a slight bit of rust on the cassette and chain? (I'll make sure to oil it next time after its dry from cleaning)
Ross I have the same question! Some rust on my cassette... what to do?
I had this exact problem last year. Just spray WD-40 on the chain or cassette and it should solve the problem !
Jean Mura Thanks so much! 🤙🏻
Jean Mura Also, do you apply oil after you have sprayed it with wd40?
Ross let the WD-40 act ( it should not be long), then give a good clean to your chain and cassette. Finally, re-lube the chain. You can lubricate it with the WD-40 but still have to wipe it off before you reapply it!
I haven’t had a coke for years
Thanks for the video
Thanks for the video!
Thank you so much you are the best ❤️
steel wool works very good 👍👌
John Meselidis the greek
Still wool and WD40👍
makes more scratches
Depending on part, but usually makes more damage and scratches parts so unless you are gonna repaint it go with wd40 and plastic brush
John Meselidis the greek thanks bro good comment I will use a scrubbing pad
Fireroadie : so I'm doing well! Restoring a 50s bike but had to know for sure before I continue on the delicate parts. I estimate my restauration to take 30, max 40 hours. Just started.
What if i mix coke,baking soda,lemon and vinegar together and then clean my bike with the mixture
u would increase the Ph level and that would not do anything at all
Thank you ..gonna try this on my old BMX
great video thanks
Cheeky little can of coke?
Ive got a whole bike from the 70s i wanna restore, wish me luck
Let us know how you get on please, I'm so curious!
Same! Found an old Ross bike!
thank you so much really helpful
hi Dan
thanks for the tips! i was gonna have my old Miele stripped of all rust and paint and restore it but i can maybe save a bit of cash this way, plus via your other video re paint
on the other hand, i have an artist pal who might be kind enough to repaint the bike for me.
could you do a video on how to strip a frame for the purposed of having it hand design painted before sending it off for finishing by a pro? all the clear coat type finishing etc is beyond my or the artist's reach but surely we can prep and paint a frame ( fine art stuff, not a solid colour )
thanks for the excellent show. you guys keep me on top of things.
Can we remove the rust of chain by using this technique?
Place the chain in a bucket of oil for a week. Take it out and clean it. Good to go!
LexusVIP 400 what type of oil???
Thanks needed this because my friend’s chain is rustier than his grandpa’s voice (lifetime smoker)
You're welcome! Sounds like it could be easier to replace the chain
Soak and leave it in petrol for about 4 hours - 6 hrs in a container or glass jar then do the same with a degreaser. This should clean the rust off nicely.
@@gcntech God.. I hope this message is not implying that The Grandpa is a harder version to replace.
Once a chain has rusted a lot, it loses structural integrity because it now has pits and less material to keep the bonds in the metal strong. It's safer to change it, but if it's not too rusty, it's probably okay
@@redpatrickdesepida8069 which one... the granpda or the chain
Big ups to you brother the baking soda and just a little bit of water did the trick after riding in a storm. Seat pole thingy was rusting but not anymore you rock and save the cancer that was building on my bike
This is awesome. Thanks. Gives me an excuse to buy soft drink. Lol. Thanks again