You’ve gone to reach for your can opener and there it is covered in rust. If you’re wondering how to remove rust from a can opener, read on. It’s one of those kitchen gizmos that rusts no matter how well you attempt to take care of it. You clean it, you dry it (or you think you do), but then the next thing you know, unsightly orange-brown spots are blooming on the blades.
So, why does this happen? The main culprit is moisture. Since can openers are constantly exposed to liquid (you rinse them after each use or for clean up of canned goods), water finds its way into those nooks and crannies, turning your can opener into the perfect breeding ground for rust.
Another reason is that a lot of can openers are made from metal that is not completely rust-proof. Some are made of stainless steel, which enables it to withstand rusting more, but cheaper models, or those that are older, are made with a material that can rust more quickly due to moisture on the corkscrew and in the air.
And then there’s the food that can get lodged in the gears and blades. If not cleaned away, these small morsels assist rust in forming even faster. In a while, your can opener is more of an antiquity from your grandmother’s kitchen than a utensil.
But fear not — rust does not have to be the end of the line for your can opener. If you’re wondering how to clean a rusted can opener and keep it in pristine condition, there are easy answers to get it functioning again.
Rusty Can Opener – How to Clean
A rusty can opener might seem like it belongs in the trash, but with the proper cleaning method you can have the opener up and cutting in no time. Here is the best way to remove rust from can opener with household items.
White Vinegar Soak
White vinegar is an excellent all-natural rust remover. The vinegar is acidic, so it can dissolve the rust without damaging the metal.
How to do it:
- Pour some white vinegar in a cup or ramekin.
- Put the rusty parts of the can opener inside the vinegar and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Scrub away the rust spots with an old toothbrush or scrub pad.
- Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.
Baking Soda and Water Paste
Baking soda works well for mild rust stains and is safe for use on metal because the mild abrasive won’t scratch the surface.
How to do it:
- Mix baking soda with water to make a paste as thick as school paste.
- Apply the paste over the rust marks and leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Scrub with a brush or old toothbrush for corners, focusing on the rusty areas.
- Rinse and dry completely.
Lemon and Salt Scrub
The citric acid in lemon takes on rust, and the salt serves as a gentle abrasive to help scrub it away.
How to do it:
- Sprinkle coarse salt on the rusty areas of the can opener.
- Pour fresh lemon juice on the salt and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Scrub with a brush or steel wool until the rust is starting to lift.
- Rinse off well, pat dry, and let dry all together.
Aluminum Foil Trick
For light rust, aluminum foil and water should work. This one is my grandpa’s favorite way to do it.
How to do it:
- Crumple a piece of aluminum foil, wet it down, and then rub it directly on the rusted areas.
- The reaction of the foil with the rust serves to break up the rust but does not discolor the metal.
- Clean and dry thoroughly.
If the rust is not limited to just your can opener but has also found a new home on your countertops, you may need to try smart techniques to get rid of rust stains from your countertop. The less rust problem you’re going to have down the line, the cleaner your kitchen is.
Keeping Rust off Your Can Opener
With the rust off, you’ll probably be wondering how you can avoid your can opener getting rusty all over again. Because its enemy is moisture, a few strategic measures can help keep your can opener in tiptop condition.
Clean and Dry Them Immediately
Never air dry your can opener. Gears can get waterlogged, and rust is nearly guaranteed. Just make sure to dry it all the way off with a clean towel and if you can, let it air dry in an open area for a little to be sure there’s no water left.
Lubricate the Gears
A thin coat of oil (any oil is fine; I prefer mineral or even cooking oil) will act as a moisture barrier. Just put a few drops onto a paper towel and lightly cover the moving areas. This will allow the gears to shift very nicely and will also keep from rusting.
Store It in a Dry Place
Store your can opener elsewhere than next to the sink or in a wet drawer. If you’re in a humid place, you might slip in one of those little silica gel packets (from a new pair of shoes or a piece of electronics packaging) to sop up some dampness.
Clean It After Every Use
Food particles left on the blade or gears could speed the drying of the rust. Clean it: If you used a food processor, blender or knife and cutting board to open the can, those should be cleaned with warm, soapy water before being disinfected; if you used a can opener, rinse it under warm water, scrub with a toothbrush to dislodge any stuck-on bits of food and dry it immediately. For extra cleanliness, wipe it down occasionally with some vinegar.
Opt for a Rust Proof Can Opener
If your can opener still rusts despite your efforts, try opting for a stainless steel or coated style instead. There’s no such thing as a can opener that’s completely rust-free, but high-quality materials will hold up better to moisture and daily wear and tear. And when your own finally breaks or goes missing, here’s how to open a can when you don’t have a can opener. Trust me, it’s a skill you’ll need to love.
Keep Your Can Opener Rust-Free Forever
Rusty can openers are the worst, but just because rust has crept in doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel and buy a more expensive can opener. If you clean the rust off of a can opener — with vinegar, with baking soda, with elbow grease, for example — you can make one like-new again. A little maintenance — such as drying it thoroughly, oiling it and keeping it in a dry location — can help prevent rust.
You should be able to buy a good can opener that lasts longer than six months. So treat yours well, and it will never rust on you as it pops open your favorite canned products.
Have you ever had to scrub rust from a can opener? If you’ve experimented with these techniques or have your own favorite ways of working, I’d love to hear about it!
