When you visit many Nigerian homes, you realise there are rusty cooking pots, that needs to be cleaned. Then again the current hardship in the country has prevented a lot of home from cleaning their precious cooking utensils.

Rusty cooking utensils can turn your once-shining pot into an eyesore. It makes you look like someone who is not next to cleanliness.

But fear not, you do not need to budget another money for what will clean your utensils, not during these hard times.

We have created natural solutions hiding right in your kitchen that can banish the brown colours, and bring your pots back to when they were new.

1. Try using lime juice:

Lemons and limes are more than just delicious fruits; they’re also potent rust removers! Here’s how to use them:

Cut a lemon or lime in half. For stubborn rust, sprinkle some coarse salt on the cut side.

Scrub the rusty areas with the citrus half. The acidity will help break down the rust.

Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer you wait, the better the results.

Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

2. Baking soda and scrub:

This classic cleaning combo is fantastic for rust removal too!

Make a paste of baking soda and water. The consistency should be thick but spreadable.

Apply the paste to the rusty areas. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

READ ALSO: DIY Home Remedies For Dark Spots

Scrub the pot with a stiff brush or sponge. Baking soda provides gentle abrasion to lift the rust.

Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

3. Use vinegar:

Vinegar’s acidity makes it another natural rust fighter. Here are two methods to try:

Soak the rusty pots in white vinegar: Fill your pot with enough vinegar to cover the rusty areas. Leave it overnight for tough rust. In the morning, rinse thoroughly and scrub with a sponge if needed.

Boil a vinegar solution: Fill the pot with a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The loosened rust should come off easily with scrubbing. Rinse well and dry.

Meanwhile for heavily rusted pots, combine the power of these methods! Make a baking soda paste and scrub the pot before soaking it in vinegar or boiling a vinegar solution.

Also take note:

Always test a small area first to ensure the natural cleaning method doesn’t damage your pot.

Wear gloves to protect your hands, especially when using vinegar or scrubbing with a brush.

With a little elbow grease and these natural solutions, your pots will be gleaming and ready to whip up delicious Nigerian meals once again.