(Image credit: Future)
There are a few unsightly areas in my home that ruin the whole aesthetic — and most of them are in my bathroom.You’ve already told us that the bathroom is your least favorite room to clean in one of our polls, but when all these small annoyances add up, they spoil what could be both a functional space and a sanctuary for relaxation.So, when I spotted an aluminum foil hack to banish rust on towel radiators, I had to try it out for myself.Aluminum foil and ketchup — will it bust the rust?
(Image credit: Future)Aluminum foil is a popular household material used in cleaning hacks. We’ve recently shared how to use it to clean your faucets, and how adding a rolled-up ball to a washing machine cycle can help reduce static on clothes. And, of course, it’s also pretty handy in the kitchen! But how would it perform when combined with ketchup to clean up rust?I already use a damp microfiber cloth to keep the metal on my bathroom towel radiator shiny, but in damp conditions, any metal object is prone to rust.Replacing my towel radiator isn’t an option, so I was intrigued when I watched Hannah at Home on the Glade, who shared on Instagram how to tackle radiator rust with aluminum foil and a favorite pantry staple.She says, “Your rusty towel rail doesn’t need replacing. It just needs a little tin foil and ketchup… just wait till you see the results.”Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Ketchup is a pretty precious condiment in my household, and I wasn’t sure how popular I’d be if anyone spotted me using it to remove rust from the towel rail. But needs must; it’s all part of testing out hacks for Tom’s Guide.According to Hannah, “The mild acidity in ketchup helps loosen the rust, while the [aluminum] foil gives it a gentle scrub without it being too harsh on the surface.”The science bitIt’s actually the acetic acid in the ketchup that dissolves the rust (iron oxide) without corroding the metal beneath. Paired with aluminum foil — which is softer than chrome plating — it should lift the rust without making abrasive scratches.How to get rid of rust using aluminum foil and ketchup
