Rust forms on a chain when it is worn for sport, in the sea or in the shower and then put away damp. True orange rust appears on steel chains and on costume jewellery with iron under a thin plating. Gold and silver do not rust: the dark film on silver is tarnish, which is cleaned differently.
Small spots on a steel chain can be removed at home in half an hour. Below are both gentle household methods and a quicker option with WD-40.
What you will need
- warm water with liquid soap
- baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice
- soft toothbrush and microfibre cloth
- cotton buds
- WD-40 Multi-Use or WD-40 100 ml
Important: Do not treat jewellery with pearls, amber, enamel or glued stones with acids or WD-40: you may damage the stone or the adhesive. Take valuable gold or silver chains to a jeweller. On costume jewellery, test the product on the clasp first so you do not remove the plating.
Step 1
Wash the chain
Soak the chain in warm soapy water for a few minutes and go over the links with a soft toothbrush. This removes skin oils, cream and dust that hide and hold rust. Rinse and pat dry with a towel.
Step 2
Try gentle household remedies
For light spots, mix baking soda with a drop of water into a paste, apply it to the orange areas and rub with a microfibre cloth. Another option is a soda and vinegar mix: soak the chain for an hour or two, then rinse thoroughly. Lemon juice also dissolves rust, but acid harms thin plating, so do not leave it on costume jewellery for long.
These methods often need repeating, and repeated acid exposure is not good for the metal.
Step 3
Apply WD-40 to the spots
For a faster result, spray a little WD-40 Multi-Use onto a cotton bud or microfibre cloth and dab only the rusty links. It creeps between the links, displaces moisture and loosens the rust's grip on the metal.
Step 4
Wait a few minutes
Leave the chain on a paper towel for 3-5 minutes. Do not rub straight away: softened deposits come off much more easily.
Step 5
Polish with microfibre
Gently pull the chain through a folded microfibre cloth held between your fingers. Clean the clasp and joints with a soft toothbrush. In most cases the rust comes off first time.
Step 6
Wash and dry
Always wash the chain in warm soapy water so no rust or product remains, as it touches your skin. Rinse, dry thoroughly with a towel and leave it in the air for another hour before putting it away.
Tip: Take off steel chains and costume jewellery before showering, swimming or the gym, and store them in a closed bag with a silica gel sachet. In a humid bathroom, jewellery rusts and tarnishes fastest.
What next
If a chain keeps rusting, check what it is made of: the protective plating may have worn through. For small household jobs, the pocket-size WD-40 100 ml is handy to keep at home.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».