How to Remove Rust & Tarnish From Metal

Remove large areas of rust or lumps of rust using the metal file. For best results, file with short, uni-directional strokes rather than a back-and-forth motion. If you're removing a lot of rust, you might need to stop occasionally and wipe down both the file and the metal object using a damp rag in order to remove accumulated dust that you've already loosened.

Rub the rusted areas with sandpaper to remove rust that's formed in wide, flat patterns. Again, wipe away the rust with a damp rag as you go. This will help you know when you've gotten rid of all the rust and there's only clean metal left.

Dry the metal thoroughly with a towel.

Spray the metal with tarnish remover. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for wait time in application.

Rub away the tarnish, and the spray, using clean, dry cloths. Buff and polish the metal as you wipe to help remove more tarnish.

Apply a second coating of tarnish-removing spray, if needed. If the metal object you're cleaning has filigree or other crevices, spray the end of a cotton swab or a toothbrush and use it to scrub out these areas while the metal is wet with the spray.

Use a new set of cloths to polish the metal. Use a metal polish specific to that type of metal, as the formulas will difer and the wrong formula may damage the surface of the metal.