stuck on cleaning rust from steel

Depends a lot on whether it's stainless or plain steel. Stainless (sinks, pans, appliance fronts): a non-scratch pad and an oxalic acid cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend, rubbing with the grain. Don't use steel wool on stainless, it leaves tiny bits of iron behind that rust all over again. Plain steel (tools, brackets, garden stuff): wash off grease first, then a wire brush or steel wool for the loose rust. For heavier rust, soak smaller parts in white vinegar for a few hours and scrub. Then the step everyone skips - rinse, dry it completely straight away, and oil or paint it. Leave it bare and damp and it's orange again in days.