Cleaning fan Georgia shared ten cleaning hacks that will help speed up your ‘cleaning game’ – and it involves a kitchen staple
Remove rust marks from radiators in minutes with one kitchen staple(Image: Evgen_Prozhyrko via Getty Images)
Cleaning enthusiast Georgia, known as Clean with Georgia on TikTok, has recently shared ten top tips to enhance your “cleaning game”, including a straightforward, chemical-free method for tackling rust. Her video compilation reveals how to combat unsightly rust, particularly on radiators.
Rust forms on the likes of metal radiators, which can occur when iron reacts with oxygen and water. Factors like hard water and condensation can worsen the issue, often turning bathrooms into hotspots for rust.
However, Georgia’s hack involves just one common kitchen item to eliminate it – and it’s probably already in your kitchen drawers. So go find a roll of aluminium foil.
You’ll need to come armed with a scrunched-up ball of aluminium foil to remove radiator rust(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)How to remove rust marks
To remove rust stains, Georgia advises simply scrunching up aluminium foil into a ball and rubbing it over the rusty area. Some cleaning professionals also suggest moistening the aluminium foil before use to achieve a faster and more thorough clean.
Should the foil dry out during the process, dampen it again. After removing the rust from the radiator, Georgia recommends wiping the surface with a clean, damp cloth and then buffing it with a dry towel for a polished finish, reports the Express.
This clever trick works by initiating a chemical reaction that counteracts the oxidation responsible for the rust, as explained by Better Homes and Gardens.
Karina Toner, a cleaning expert at Spekless Cleaning, explained to Homes & Gardens the reason why aluminium foil is effective in rust removal.
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She explained: “All rust is iron that has combined with oxygen to form a brownish-orange layer on a surface. When aluminium is rubbed against the rust, the aluminium loses electrons, while the iron oxide (the rust) gains electrons, turning back into metal.
“The aluminium acts as a reactive surface that removes the rust while also creating a layer of oxide that prevents the metal from rusting further.”
Foil can also be employed to banish rust from other metals like chrome and steel. To minimise the risk of scratching, it’s advisable to moisten the foil in saline solution before using it for polishing.