Key Takeaways
- A metal “toothpaste key” squeezer can rust even if intended as stainless steel — moisture and tiny scratches break the protective layer.
- Household items like white vinegar or a baking-soda paste often remove light rust spots.
- For heavier rust, a commercial rust-remover soak works well and can restore metal parts gently.
- After cleaning, dry the tool thoroughly and store it in a dry place to slow new rust formation.
Story & Details
A household metal device — the kind used to squeeze the last bit of toothpaste from a tube — developed a line of brown rust along its seam. The roller shape, the curved metal and the folded end of a toothpaste tube make the tool immediately recognizable. What began as a simple bathroom utensil had begun to show the telltale signs of corrosion.
Rust, technically iron oxide, occurs when iron-containing metals meet water and oxygen over time. Even a metal object described as “stainless” can rust if its protective oxide layer is compromised by small scratches or persistent dampness.
Cleaners often turn first to what’s already in the home: white vinegar, whose mild acetic acid dissolves light rust, and baking soda, which acts as a gentle abrasive. For a small object like this squeezer, a soak of vinegar for 30–60 minutes followed by a gentle scrub tends to work well. If that fails, a paste of baking soda and water, left a while and scrubbed with a toothbrush or soft pad, can finish the job.
When rust goes deeper or spreads across creases and harder-to-reach spots, a commercial soak such as a rust-remover solution may be the better option. These formulas are designed to dissolve corrosion without damaging the base metal, often suitable for small tools and up to heavier objects.
After cleaning, drying thoroughly and storing the metal where air circulates — rather than leaving it damp in a humid bathroom — reduces the chance of rust reappearing.
Conclusions
An everyday metal tool like a toothpaste squeezer can rust easily with common use in a bathroom. The good news is that simple household items or a modest rust-remover soak can usually bring it back to usable condition. With a little cleaning and careful drying, it can surely last longer — without turning into a crusty ragged edge in the medicine cabinet.
Selected References
[1] “How to get rid of rust,” WD-40 DIY tips (vinegar and other home remedies for rust removal). https://wd40.ae/diy/how-to-get-rid-of-rust/
[2] “WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak,” official product information on removing rust from tools and metal parts. https://www.wd40.com/products/rust-remover/
[3] “How to Remove Rust From Stainless Steel,” sheetmetalimprovements.com.au guide to rust cleaning using vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or WD-40. https://www.sheetmetalimprovements.com.au/how-to-remove-rust-from-stainless-steel
Appendix
Baking soda. A common household powder (sodium bicarbonate) that becomes a mild abrasive when mixed with water — useful for gently scrubbing rust without scratching metal.
Rust. Iron oxide that forms when iron-based metals react with moisture and oxygen; it appears as reddish-brown patches or flaky spots.
Toothpaste key (tube squeezer). A small metal tool designed to roll up and squeeze the tail end of a soft tube — for items like toothpaste — to extract all contents neatly.
White vinegar. A mild acetic-acid solution commonly used in kitchens and cleaning; effective at loosening light rust and mineral buildup from metal surfaces.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 