The invention discloses a formula of a neutral rust remover used for rust removal of plates, and the process thereof. By utilizing the formula of the neutral rust remover, the plate is soaked for 2 to 10 min and then rust removal treatment is performed at room temperature and under the environment that PH value is 5 to 7; the neutral rust remover solution per unit volume comprises the following solutes: 0 to 20 ml/L of OP-10, 0 to 30 g/L of sodium silicate, 0 to 30 g/L of thiourea, 5 to 20 g/L of tartaric acid, 0 to 10 g/L of sulfamic acid, and 0 to 30 g/L of citric acid. The neutral rust remover has the advantages that the cost is low, the neutral rust remover can be used at normal temperature, is not easy to generate acid mist and is friendly to both the human body and the environment; furthermore, no damage is caused to the zinc layer on the surface of the plate, and the operation is simple.