This Easy Trick To Removing Rust From Mason Jar Lids

There are tons of kitchen tools you might have lying about, but mason jars are some of the most useful to keep on hand. Like the occasional office supplies hack for making tasks easier in the kitchen, mason jars can be used for many different things. The jars are great for canning, but they also work well for storing leftovers or making salad dressing (via Heart's Content Farm House). But mason jars can lose their edge when the jar lids become rusty and difficult to open. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks to prevent rust as well as remove it. 

The best thing you can do for your mason jar lids and rings to keep them from rusting is to keep them away from the dishwasher. So, wash them by hand and make sure the lids and rings are completely dry before you put them away. If your lids and rings already have rust on them, then vinegar is the go-to tool you'll need to remove it (via Find Any Answer).

There are a couple of ways you can use distilled white vinegar to remove rust from mason jar lids and rings. According to Becky Rapinchuk of Clean Mama, "my best tip would be to rub the rusty ring with white vinegar and wash," (via Mind Body Green). To remove rust this way, you'll need a clean cloth soaked with distilled white vinegar. Use the damp vinegar rag to rub and scrub away any rust or orange streaks too. Once you've sufficiently worked the lids and rings with the rag, use a sponge and warm, soapy water to wash the lids and rings by hand. Don't forget to completely dry them since lingering water typically causes the rust to begin with, according to Mind Body Green.

For a heavy, stubborn layer of rust, you can soak the lids and rings in vinegar, which will dissolve the rust, according to Find Any Answer. If the rust still resists, you might want to use a stainless steel scrubber or steel wool soap to help remove any remaining spots of rust.