Steel wool is almost an essential material for cleaning rust. Other scrubbing agents such as a wire brush work fine, but are harder to come across and more expensive to purchase. Steel wool is inexpensive and is a common house hold item. You might think sand paper is good for removing rust; and it is. However, when using it you will have to worry about the grit of the paper. The grit is how fine or coarse the sand paper is and for removing rust it should be 80-100. Staying within these numbers will keep your metal from scratching which would further corrode it. Scratching brings me to the next reason steel wool is the best for removing rust. You can’t scratch the metal you’re cleaning if using the correct pressure and steel wool. You don’t have to worry about buying expensive tools, and don’t have to worry about scratching your metal. Best of all you can simply toss out the steel wool when you’re done with it.
Steel wool usually can’t clean rust on its own. However it can take off surface rust without any chemicals. To go along with the wool, use a polishing agent such as Brasso which will easily remove rust and shine your metal. You can also use homemade items like vinegar, lemon juice, or diet cola. Such things are acidic and will remove rust and corrosion with ease; especially when combined with elbow grease and steel wool.