How to remove rust from a steel cage so it will be safe for a rat

Question

I have an old bird cage and I need to know if there is anything I should be aware of before I turn it from a bird cage into a rat cage. I also need to know how to remove rust from steel so it is non toxic to rats! Sorry if I classified this question wrong

Thanks!

Answer 1

All bird cages I have seen have been stainless steel or chrome plated. Stainless steal doesn't usually rust, if it does it should only be slight and the following should work. This should also work if it is chrome plated. *I would first try a pasty mixture of baking soda and vinegar first (you can also add some Borax to the mix), scrub with stiff brush, good quality scrubbie or SOS pad, rinse. **If the cage is in bad shape try Brasso, readily available, and coat the bird cage thoroughly. After it has dried, sprinkle with laundry powder and let it sit for a few minutes. Use either a brass scrub brush or a SOS pad, dip in warm water (mixture should be like a paste) and scrub, then rinse very well. *If needed, use spun steel wool pads (these will scratch).

*Rats are stronger than birds, and can squeeze through tiny holes, I would make sure that it couldn't push or chew through any parts. I hope it is a good sized bird cage as rats need room to move around. You can also check with local pet and department stores.

Answer 2

CLR and a steel wool pad. Or you could get a steel wheel brush for your drill and buff it off. Or a wire brush like from a barbecue.