I Can’t Believe Gardeners Are Using Ketchup to Remove Rust – But This Cheap Pantry Hack Actually Works
Want to stop using harsh chemicals to clean your tools? Your pantry could hold the answer
As spring finally arrives, it's time to pick up your tools and get planting – but if you're anything like me, you might have found that a suspicious layer of rust has built up over the winter.
I'm certainly keen to restore my tools to their former glory, and I've been on the lookout for more eco-friendly, natural ways to keep them clean. The answer? Pantry staples, apparently: experts say that ketchup can help to clean rusty tools.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that this hack sounds a little far-fetched, and I'll admit that I was sceptical. Naturally, however, I was intrigued to find out whether it really works – so I've asked gardening professionals to weigh in.
Can Ketchup Remove Rust From Tools?
Rusty tools can also be cleaned using household staples like vinegar, baking soda and lemon
If you've reached for your watering can or hedge shears only to find that they're getting rusty, you don't need to run to the store for cleaning supplies; try grabbing a bottle of ketchup out of your pantry instead.
Experts say that ketchup is an effective cleaning solution thanks to one vital component: acid. Alongside the key ingredient – tomatoes – most ketchup varieties also contain vinegar, and both of these elements are highly acidic. Since acid is what dissolves rust, ketchup can, in fact, help to clean your gardening tools.
From a technical perspective, tomatoes contain small amounts of citric acid (which is often used for cleaning), while vinegar contains larger amounts of acetic acid.
Vinegar is, of course, a household staple; cleaning products like Walmart's vinegar solution are also brilliant to have on hand.
Together, both citric acid and acetic acid are ideal for removing everything from rust to scum and hard water stains.
When it comes to your gardening tools, just a small amount of ketchup can help to lift light rust and stubborn marks. Plus, it's a great way to create a non-toxic garden by reducing your reliance on chemical cleaning solutions.
Why is Ketchup a Good Choice For Cleaning?
Pantry staples like ketchup are ideal for cleaning because they're both affordable and easy to find. In fact, they couldn't be easier to try: you'll no doubt have a bottle of ketchup standing proudly in your refrigerator.
According to Rachel Bull, our Head of Gardens, ketchup is also a brilliant choice if you're looking for a non-traditional cleaning method.
'When it comes to keeping my gardening tools in good shape, in the past few years I have pivoted away from using the potent, chemical-heavy options I was shown how to use when I was younger, and toward non-toxic, more natural options,' she says.
'It began when I started using essential oils to clean inside my home, and has naturally extended to the garden. I didn't want to risk any residue being absorbed into the plants, flowers or vegetables that I try to grow as organically as I can.'
Rachel notes that ketchup is 'most effective on light rust, though it does often need a bit of help with some sandpaper to fully remove'.
And if you're looking for more homemade options, think about that hero ingredient: acid.
'I like to use lemon juice mixed with baking soda, since it also contains citric acid,' Rachel explains. 'It might take a little bit more work than if you used a dedicated liquid rust remover, but the peace of mind is worth it.'
Rachel is a gardening editor, floral designer, flower grower and gardener. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After several years as editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger, Rachel became a floral designer and stylist, before joining Homes & Gardens in 2023. She writes and presents the brand's weekly gardening and floristry social series Petals & Roots.
How to Use Ketchup to Clean Your Tools
To try out the ketchup trick yourself, experts recommend applying a thin layer to your tools and leaving them for around 15 minutes. This will give the acids plenty of time to react with the rust – which should enhance the end result.
After leaving the ketchup to sit, gently wipe it away using a cloth, wire brush or a sheet of sandpaper.
You can find reliable brushes like this beechwood wire brush from Amazon, and stock up on budget-friendly sand sheets at Home Depot.
The rust should lift easily, but it might take a little longer to remove if the surface is particularly tarnished.
Shop Tool Cleaning Essentials
If you're worried that wire brushes or sandpaper will be too abrasive, start with a softer option like a microfiber cloth. These are durable and absorbent.
Battling with a particularly rusty set of tools? You might need to invest in a specialist cleaning solution like this one. It's a heavy-duty option, but it's still non-toxic thanks to a water-based formula.
If you want to stock up on wire brushes for cleaning and maintenance, this 6-piece set is ideal. It includes 3 steel-wire options and three brass-wire options, all with handsome beechwood handles.
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