Rust is caused by oxidation of iron molecules in some forms of steel. Stainless steel does not contain iron so rust cannot occur. Water speeds the oxidation process of iron, and salt water exponentially so because of the ions freed by the solution. Acids do not get rid of rust, however they may clean rust particles off of the cleaner, unrusted metal underneath. If an electric current is passed through water surrounding iron or an alloy containing iron, the iron atoms will combine with oxygen atoms faster, producing rust in a shorter period of time
