Remove Rust From Metal Garage Door Springs And Prevent Additional Corrosion

Rusted metal springs that are attached to a garage door can cause an unpleasant screeching noise and difficulty with opening or closing the door when you wish to enter or exit your garage. Remove the rust and clean the springs by following these instructions. Afterwards, apply a rust-inhibitor to the springs to protect them from becoming corroded again. 

Materials

• step ladder 
• naval jelly
• sponges
• wire scrub brush
• spray bottle
• industrial-strength detergent
• water
• lint-free cloth
• drop cloth
• rust-inhibiting spray
• face mask

Secure The Garage Door And Remove The Rust

Go inside of the garage and close and lock the door. Set up a step ladder near the door's interior so that you can access the springs. The springs will look like long cylinders that are placed horizontally towards the top of the door. Locate corrosion on their surface. Use a sponge to apply a thick coat of naval jelly to each rust spot. The jelly will begin to dissolve the rust after it penetrates the corroded surfaces for several minutes.

Use a wire scrub brush to scrape away any thick sections of rust. Apply more naval jelly to the springs if all of the rust does not dissolve with the first treatment.

Clean The Metal And Apply A Rust-Inhibitor

Fill an empty spray bottle with equal amounts of industrial-strength detergent and water. Mix the contents in the bottle. Spray the springs with the cleaning solution. Wipe away dirty residue or naval jelly that remains on metal surfaces with a damp sponge. Once the springs are clean, dry the metal with a lint-free cloth.

Place a tarp on the floor so that its surface is not exposed to the rust-inhibiting spray. Put on a face mask so that you do not breathe in harsh fumes that the spray emits. Apply an even coat of spray to the springs. Wait for the product to dry thoroughly before opening the garage door. 

Open and close the garage door a few times to make sure that it is operating correctly. The springs will be protected from corrosion, but a new coat of spray may need to be applied in the future. Visually inspect the springs occasionally to make sure that they are rust-free. Keep your garage door closed when it is raining or humid outdoors and keep the garage's windows closed to prevent moisture from becoming an issue inside the garage, which could promote corrosion. Reapply more rust-inhibiting spray to the springs when it is needed.

If there are still issues with your garage door springs, contact a garage door repair company.