Lets say this: would you want a precious metal such as king tut's necklace to be out in the rain with no protection whatsoever? This could end up in controversy.
occasional sharpening, rust prevention, that's about it but most people don't mess with that any more because they are so cheap now.
Rust has an important contribution in the destruction of metallic components and structures in all fields of technology. Serious rust damage can effect the integrity of the chassis and body strength.
Water and air in combination will rapidly cause iron to rust.
Spray W-D 40 directly onto the rust allow to saturate 1 or 2 min. then scrub steel wool (triple ooo.) over the rust. once the the rust is gone spray a rust preventer over the spot or you may repaint it. +++ That will help, especially if you don't want to paint the item; but you can also buy rust-neutralisers that convert and stabilise the oxide to give a more reliable surface for protective over-painting.
Galvanized dont rust. They are coated with zinc to keep the oxygen reacting with the iron in most steel.
Naval Jelly.
Mishap Prevention Process Model
Because it damages most of our metal
occasional sharpening, rust prevention, that's about it but most people don't mess with that any more because they are so cheap now.
remove any rust, buy a good quality rust prevention products eastwood.com has some good ones, apply a liberal amount where water can seep in and cause rust.
Zinc is often used as a sacrificial metal on iron.
Prevention
Mishap Prevention Process Model
The first & most important role is that of prevention.
The most important aspect of prevention involves good handwashing to try to prevent the infant from acquiring the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the first place.
Whether economics, legality, or morality is the most important reason for accident prevention is a matter of personal opinion. Someone more focused on keeping a business operating might select economics while someone focused on avoiding citations and fines might select legality, for example. All are important reasons and should work together to encourage everyone to seek accident prevention.
Gold can not rust. Rust is oxidation, and gold is inert to oxygen and even most acids.