Has it been some time since you used your bike, and it has now started to develop some rust?

It is usual for bikes to wear down, especially if exposed to a humid environment and other elements such as sun, air, and water.

The next thing you should do is learn how to remove rust from your bikes and get rid of it! You should have the appropriate knowledge on how it rusts starts to form, its prevention, and how to avoid it. 

As a bike owner, at the very basic, you should know how to remove it to increase the lifespan of your bike. 

Getting rid of rust is necessary for efficient bike performance and the longevity of your bike. Here’s what you can do to remove rust from your bikes. 

How do rusts develop?

Most bike parts are susceptible to rusting, like the bike frame, pedals, bracket, chains, spokes, rims and so on.

These parts are traditionally made of steel alloy material, although as technology has improved in recent years, some use titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber. 

While these materials are highly preferred because they are relatively strong, versatile, malleable, and lightweight, they also are more susceptible to rust. 

Some bikes are more resistant in their natural state and stay untarnished and long-lasting when used minimally. 

You would want to ensure your bike life is extended as much as possible; however, there are factors at play, including exposure to air and moisture. 

Getting Rid of Rusts From Bikes

Rust formation potentially damages your bikes or reduces the efficiency of their performance. But rusting can be addressed by applying effective rust prevention and removal methods; some of them are listed below:

How To Remove Rust From Bikes: Use of Rust Removal Agents

Rust removal agents are a must-have if you own a bike. These not only remove rust but can be cleaning agents. These products are specially designed to remove rust and prevent further damage. 

And since these are chemical agents, always take precautionary safety measures to avoid accidents and health hazards. Always check on the material safety data sheet for the necessary information about the proper handling of the chemicals. 

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild and versatile agent and perhaps the best way to remove rust from your bike or for cleaning purposes when applied correctly. Just dissolve the powdered baking soda in water to form a thick paste.

Apply the paste on the rusty surface of your bike enough to thinly cover it, let it stay for about 10-15 minutes to loosen or dissolve the rust. 

Scrub the paste onto the surface and remove using a sponge or scrub pads once the rust starts coming off or removed. Repeat the process when rust is not yet completely removed on the first application. Once done, ensure to store the bike in a dry place to prevent the recurrence of rust.

Vinegar or Acetic Acid: Acetic acid or vinegar works best on small rusted surfaces. Prepare a 2% acetic acid solution, apply to the rusted surface, soak until the rust loosens, scrub, and wipe off. You can repeat the process when needed.

Hydrogen peroxide: To prevent rust, prepare a mixture of equal parts cream of tartar and baking soda. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the rusted area using a brush or steel wool and wipe off.

How To Remove Rust From Bikes: Use of Lubricating Oil on Bike Chains

Bike chains are made from mostly plain carbon steel or alloy. This part of the bike is the most prone to rusting because of its frequent contact with conditions like dirt, mud, rain, and snow. 

And so, you must care for your bike once a month using a chain lubricant or lube oil, especially if you are cycling more than two or three times a week. 

But when you already notice signs of your bike getting rusty or a creaking noise when riding, remove them immediately so that it will not affect the efficiency of the bike’s performance.

And this is how you make the proper lube application:

1. Prepare rags, bristle brush, scouring pad, link removal tool, lime juice, deep bowl, and lubricant.
2. Check the chain and clean it of dirt and grime using dry rags and bristle brush.
3.  Use a chain removal tool and chain-off when there is more stubborn rust.
4. Use simple household cleaning agents when needed.
5. Soak the bike chain in a bowl of lime juice for one to two hours, dry using a clean rag.
6. Reattach the dry chain, put one to two drops of lube oil on each chain link, and spin slowly to spread the oil evenly, let it sink, and wipe off excess.

How To Remove Rust On Bikes: Greasing on Bike Spokes

To effectively rid-off rust from bike spokes, use elbow grease with the proper application:

1. Sparingly apply some elbow grease on a steel or brass wool pads and rub it on the bike spokes. Rub it some more in an up, down, and rotating stroke to  get into every angle of the spoke.
2. Increase rubbing and apply force on stubborn rust stains until it finally breaks down. 
3. Wipe off loose grease and rust stains using a fresh, clean, dry rag.
4. Rub wax on each spoke to keep it clean, shiny, and slow down deterioration.

How To Remove Rust on Bikes: Implement Prevention Techniques

Rust is not something to be taken lightly but you can work around it by implementing appropriate prevention techniques. This will prolong the life of your bike while saving you time, money, and energy from de-rusting. Here are some prevention tips:

1. Always keep your bike clean and dry – after a rainy ride or biking after a rainstorm, make sure to have a complete wipe-down of your bike off from water or moisture. Make sure it is generally dry, especially on shiny parts – the brake components, chain, and other moveable pieces. 
2. Keep your bike stored indoors – control your bike’s exposure to moisture by holding it in your home entry, in a safe storage area free from elements, or HVAC-enabled storage.  
3. Store it clean – after a bike ride, always clean your bike before storing it. You can never know the rust-causing elements that kick up to your bikes, like salts, acids, or grime. Also, the sweat that drips on your bicycle is a potential rust-causing element that may develop when left uncleaned.
4. Regular oiling – always keep a stock of lube oil or grease. Oil your chain regularly and all the other moving components to keep the rust away.

All the rust-removal methods are beneficial in preserving the life of your bike, but it is equally important that you use it and care for it properly so that you will get the best biking experience out of it.