Light rust on smooth rods (no replies)

Hello,

I am about to put my smooth rods on my tantillus, but after inspecting the rods there appears to be what I am assuming is rust on them. Would this be a problem, or should I remove the rust? If so how should I remove rust from O1 steel? If it matters I will be using brass bushings. The rods have been sitting out for awhile due to hotend issues and print quality, but now I got that figured out so I am working on my tantillus : )

I tried sanding with a sponge sander on a test piece of O1 steel, it removes the rust but leaves the steel matted. I don't wont try anything on the actual rods before I get an opinion.

Thank you,

Cameron