If you need to remove rust from metal, there are many commercial products out there, but most of them are highly toxic. Many rust removers rely on some form of acid, either phosphoric or oxalic to do the job. If you opt to use them, it is important to don rubber gloves and follow directions and precautions on the label very carefully.

If toxic chemicals make you nervous, there are items right in your kitchen cupboard that can safely remove rust from metal without fumes or rubber gloves. White vinegar, for example, works like a charm. For small items, like earrings, just pour a little vinegar into a glass and let the items have a good soak. Once you see the rust has dissolved, just rinse the jewelry off and dry. Vinegar can also be used on bigger items, either pour it directly on, or spread it with a cloth. When the rust is dissolved, just wipe and rinse.

Baking soda is another natural rust remedy. To remove rust from metal, make a paste of baking soda and water. Make sure the solution is pasty enough to adhere to the surface, then spread it onto the metal and let it sit. Once the rust is loose, you can scrub it off. If the rust stains are very deep, they may require additional applications. Baking soda paste can also be used in a variety of other ways around the house. It is a good substitute for many toxic household cleaners.

If you want to remove rust from metal and don't mind applying some elbow grease, you can try to remove rust from metal manually with sandpaper or some other type of coarse item, like steel wool. This may take a while though, and if the rust is very widespread, it may take several attempts to get down to the clean metal.

Of course, it is best to not let your metals get rusty at all. Keeping your metals as dry as possible helps with prevention because it is water that sets the stage for rust to appear. Since prevention isn't always possible, especially if you live in a place with a lot of humidity, it’s a good idea to attack rust right away before it starts eating away at the metal. Remember, the longer rust is left untreated, the harder it is to remove and the more severe the damage.