Kitchens, dorm rooms, break rooms and many other facilities have one appliance in common---a refrigerator. As the appliance gets older, it becomes more prone to rust stains. The protective coating on the inside of the refrigerator wears off, leaving the underlying metal exposed to moisture generated inside the appliance. In time, rust forms. While rust is harmless, it is also unsightly inside a refrigerator. But there are easy ways to get rid of rust if treated quickly.

Remove all the food from inside the refrigerator. Place perishable items in a cooler while you clean out the refrigerator. Remover all drawers and shelves for cleaning later.

  • Kitchens, dorm rooms, break rooms and many other facilities have one appliance in common---a refrigerator.
  • Place perishable items in a cooler while you clean out the refrigerator.

Scrub off rust. Use a steel wool pad or a scrubbing pad to get rid of surface rust inside the appliance. Scrub in circular motions to loosen up the rust. For newly formed rust, scrubbing is usually all that is required.

Create a paste for more stubborn stains. Mix one part lime juice and two parts salt in a bowl to create a paste.

Apply the paste. Use a scrubbing pad to apply the paste to the rust stains. Wait at least two hours for the paste to take effect.

  • Use a steel wool pad or a scrubbing pad to get rid of surface rust inside the appliance.
  • Use a scrubbing pad to apply the paste to the rust stains.

Scrub at the rust with a scrubbing pad. Use a wet paper towel to wipe away the rust and the paste.

Use the same cleaning process for the shelves and drawers of the refrigerator. Return them to the refrigerator after cleaning.

Place the food back in the refrigerator.