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

Created on: 6 Nov 2020 10:23
J
jotuhau
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!
L
lorena
7 Nov 2020 09:12
Blavin schrieb:
It is important that the screws are completely dry and free of grease before treatment. A clean surface promotes better adhesion of the protective coating.

This is a very important point; I would like to add the following: If you use vinegar for rust removal, make sure to thoroughly rinse the screws with clear water afterward and then wipe them with isopropanol or denatured alcohol to remove not only water but also organic residues. Only then will the protective coating adhere optimally.

Additionally, you might consider treating the screws with a primer beforehand to improve the paint’s adhesion.

In general, I also recommend, especially with Brimnes furniture made of painted MDF panels, to ensure that the screw holes do not come into contact with moisture to avoid material damage.
S
sarla
7 Nov 2020 10:37
It should also be noted that some rust removers are more aggressive and can damage the surface of the screws. Therefore, I recommend mild agents like vinegar or lemon juice for light rust spots.

If the rust is already quite deep, using special PVC or nylon brushes might be worthwhile to avoid scratching the screws. Additionally, applying a light machine oil (e.g., sewing machine oil) afterward can help repel moisture without leaving a hard coating.

If you don’t want to remove the screws, protective waxes can be applied after cleaning; these are easier to remove than paints or coatings – ideal for furniture that is often disassembled.
L
LAYNE
7 Nov 2020 14:53
Hello, I really appreciate how thoroughly and carefully the problem is being addressed here!

Just a small, casual thought: Maybe you could simply brush a bit of clear varnish over the cleaned screws to protect them? It dries quickly and is invisible. So, if you don’t want to be too exacting.

And hey, for the whole process: Take a deep breath – no screw is rusty beyond repair! 😊
G
glamo
8 Nov 2020 08:05
I would like to add to the discussion on this topic, as I am very familiar with the issue of rust on furniture components.

It is essential to consider rust from a functional perspective, especially with IKEA BRIMNES, where the furniture is made from particleboard with a foil coating. Any defect in screws or materials can affect stability in the long term.

The procedure to remove rust from screws includes:
- Removing the screws
- Soaking them in a rust remover solution (vinegar essence, citric acid, or a commercial rust remover)
- Mechanical cleaning with steel wool (allowed for chrome-plated or galvanized screws; otherwise, use fine sandpaper)
- Checking the condition of the drilled holes and, if necessary, refurbishing them to prevent moisture ingress
- Drying with warm airflow (e.g., a hairdryer set to a low temperature)
- Priming and sealing with a clear coating

A permanent solution is to replace the screws with stainless steel screws according to DIN standards, available in suitable sizes for furniture.

If you have any further questions about the technical procedure or can provide details about the screw types, I am happy to assist.