Removing Rust From an Enamel Cooktop

Oxalic Acid Method

• 1

  Shut off the enamel cooktop, and remove all cookware. Let the cooktop cool completely.

• 2

  Prepare to use oxalic acid crystals, which are poisonous. Put on acid-proof gloves, protective garments and safety glasses.

• 3

  Fill a pail with 1/2 cup of warm water. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of oxalic acid crystals into the water. You may purchase oxalic acid crystals at hardware stores.

• 4

  Stir the solution until all the oxalic acid crystals are completely dissolved.

• 5

  Drench an absorbent sponge in the oxalic acid solution. Tamp the rust-stained portion of the enamel with the saturated sponge to soak the rust in the acid solution.

• 6

  Let the acid solution permeate the rust for three minutes. Oxalic acid is extremely powerful and works quickly.

• 7

  Saturate a rag with water. Wipe up the oxalic acid solution and the dissolved rust.

• 8

  Rinse the rag thoroughly with water. Wipe the enamel again to flush away any acid residue. Thoroughly rinse the enamel cooktop.

Sodium Borate and Lemon Juice Method

• 9

  Turn off the enamel cooktop, and remove all cookware. Let the cooktop cool completely.

• 10

  Pour 4 ounces of sodium borate into a container. Add 2 ounces of lemon juice, stirring the liquid into the sodium borate. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth.

• 11

  Spread the mixture over the rust-stained portion of the enamel using a spatula. Let the mixture dry on the cooktop.

• 12

  Saturate a rag with water. Wipe the dried mixture and the dissolved rust off the enamel cooktop.

• 13

  Rinse the rag thoroughly with water. Wipe the enamel again to flush away any remaining residue. Thoroughly rinse the enamel cooktop.