ᐅ How do I remove rust from screws on IKEA BRIMNES furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have recently noticed that some screws on my IKEA Brimnes bed are starting to rust. Although the screws are mostly well hidden, I’m concerned that the rust could affect the stability or spread further. So my question is: How can I effectively and gently remove rust from the screws of the Brimnes furniture without damaging the material or surface of the furniture? Are there any specific home remedies, tools, or chemical cleaners that are particularly suitable? And what is the best way to prevent the rust from coming back so quickly?

I look forward to your tips and experiences!

The easiest way to remove rust from screws is by using household items like vinegar or lemon juice. Unscrew them, soak them in vinegar for a few hours, then scrub them with a brush. After that, dry them thoroughly to prevent rust from returning.

Hello jotuhau,

I think your question is very well considered. Rust on screws in furniture like the IKEA BRIMNES should not only be removed superficially but also checked for the root cause to avoid further damage.

First, it is important to clarify: Are these original screws, possibly made from lower-quality steel, or are they replacement parts? Rust on original screws can occur due to moisture—perhaps from fluctuating temperatures or high humidity in the room.

For removal:
- Remove the screws to avoid damaging the furniture.
- Soak them in white vinegar or a rust remover gel containing phosphoric acid (take appropriate safety precautions).
- Then remove the rust with a brass brush or fine sandpaper.
- Afterward, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.

Aftercare:
- To prevent rust from returning, you can treat the screws with a rust protection spray or replace them with galvanized or stainless steel screws.

Important: For furniture made of particleboard, make sure no liquid remains on the wood surface, as it can cause swelling.

Have you already checked if the room’s humidity level is elevated?

lorena schrieb:
Have you already checked if the humidity level in the room is elevated?

Thank you for the detailed post. Yes, I recently purchased a dehumidifier because the moisture here tends to be quite high during autumn due to daily activities and cooking. I plan to remove the screws and treat them with vinegar, and I will also consider the option of replacing them.

Is there a way to preserve the screws so that they don’t require constant maintenance? Maybe a sealant or special coating?

jotuhau schrieb:
Is there a way to preserve screws so that constant maintenance isn’t necessary? Maybe a sealant or special coating?

Yes, there are several methods. The most effective measure is to replace the screws with stainless steel ones, as they are naturally resistant to corrosion.

If replacement is not possible, cleaned screws can be treated with a clear rust-preventive lacquer or a special anti-corrosion spray. These protect the surface and reduce exposure to moisture.

It is important that the screws are completely dry and free of grease before treatment. A clean surface improves the adhesion of the protective layer.

The sealant should be checked regularly, for example annually, and renewed as needed.

Hey jotuhau, rust on screws is really annoying, I’ve had that happen with furniture quite often too! But don’t worry – with the right care, you can manage it.

A little tip for removing rust: you can easily make a paste using steel wool or an old toothbrush and some baking soda, then scrub the screws with it. It worked great for me. Afterward, make sure to dry them thoroughly and either oil them or, as Blavin suggests, treat them with protective varnish.

Keep your chin up, you’ll have it fixed in no time! 😊