The Easiest Rust Remover

Shawna Bailey
by Shawna Bailey
2 Materials
$2
5 Minutes
Easy

I’m a really big fan of rescuing objects, because I don’t believe in throwing things away that still have use in them. Sometimes though you get something and think, “that’s the end of this”, like this rusty pan. But then I found this great tip to remove rust from metal using coke and tinfoil.

Here’s my rusty pan. It's clearly seen too many cheesecakes. I didn't think I could bake with it again.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

All I used was a bottle of coke and a scrunched up piece of tinfoil.

Step 2: Pour the Coke

I poured the coke all over my pan. There is some chemical reaction that quickly gets the rust off. This is mostly surface rust, so I could wipe it off after a few minutes. For deeper rust you have to let it sit for longer.

Step 3: Scrub with Foil

The coke loosens all the rust, and the foil takes it off. With just a few scrubs all the rust comes off.

Step 4: Rinse Your Pan

Just rinse the coke and rust off your pan. My hands actually got kinda orange while doing this. I'm not sure why...

Tada! All clean. Instant rust remover.

Look at the difference! Now I can bake again!


Suggested materials:
  • Bottle of coke
  • Tinfoil
Frequently asked questions
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3 of 134 questions
  • Ctw162721639 Ctw162721639 on Jul 05, 2025

    The bottom of my frying pans get brown

    i can’t get it off

  • Deb106517932 Deb106517932 on Jul 19, 2025

    Will apple cider vinegar & baking soda clean the toilet bowl

  • Paula N Shawn Cuda Paula N Shawn Cuda on Jan 29, 2026

    Will this work on what you thought was stainless steel? I can't believe this works, that looks like a new pan?!

Comments
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2 of 479 comments
  • Debra Debra on Jan 06, 2026

    I have a springform pan just like this. I am definitely trying this method out. Does it have to be regular coke or would Coke Zero also work?

  • Debbra Reyna Debbra Reyna on Jan 22, 2026

    Looking closely one can tell it's not the same pan 🤷‍♀️

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