If you don’t have a toothbrush, use a scrub brush. You may want to wear gloves during this process. Depending on where you found the horseshoe or what condition it’s in, there might be some poop or other things you don’t want to get on your hands.

If you don’t have steel wool, you could also use sandpaper or a wire brush. This process also helps remove more dirt if any is left on the horseshoe.

Make sure to discard of the nails! You don’t want to drop one and accidentally step on it later. If the nails are too hard to remove, wait until after you’ve treated the horseshoe for rust and then try again. They should be looser at that stage.

If the rust is particularly bad, you may need to soak the horseshoe in white vinegar a second time.

You could also try scrubbing the horseshoe with the lemon rind. This process should take about 3 hours in all, but you can repeat it 2 or 3 times if needed.

You can buy citric acid online or from a health food store. Some grocery stores carry it now, too. Citric acid comes from citrus fruits. It’s naturally abrasive and is a chemical-free compound that is safe to clean with.

When working with chemical products, remember to wear protective gear. Gloves, protective eyewear, and even a face mask can help keep you safe. If possible, work in a well-ventilated area so you aren’t breathing in dangerous fumes. Always read the directions and follow them carefully.

Wear safety goggles and thick gloves to protect your eyes and hands while you work. If loud noises bother you, you may also want to wear earplugs. It may help to hold the horseshoe in a clamp so that you can use both hands on the grinder without worrying about the horseshoe slipping around.

Rub the sandpaper back and forth over the horseshoe until you see the metal underneath peeking through. You can buy hand sanders, sanding sponges, and sandpaper at your local hardware store.

To get into all the cracks and crevices, you could use a cotton swab dipped in polish. Wear gloves and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty while you’re doing this. If you get the polish on your outfit, it can be really hard to wash out.

If you prefer, you could even spray paint the horseshoe a different color. This could be cool if you’re using the horseshoe to decorate.