A method for removing rust from a rusted steel includes: (a) subjecting the rusted steel to an electrolytic treatment in an electrolytic bath of an alkaline electrolyte solution that contains tartrate, the tartrate in the alkaline electrolyte solution having a molar concentration equal to or greater than 0.4M,the rusted steel serving as an anode in the electrolytic bath, the electrolytic treatment being conducted by applying a current with a current density equal to or greater than 10 A/dm 2 across the electrolytic bath; and (b) applying a mechanical force to the rusted steel after step (a) so as to remove rust from the rusted steel.
