Many methods have been developed for the restriction of microbial corrosion. The primary challenge has been finding ways to prevent or stop microbial growth without negatively impacting the surrounding environment. The list below provides an overview of some of the tactics that have been used or that are in development.
* Using biocide (any chemical that inhibits life) to kill microorganisms. Because biofilms are so resistant, a lot of biocide must be used. This is expensive, has negative effects on the surrounding environment, and can actually cause more corrosion of the surface due to its toxicity. Biocides and other chemical treatments against microbes also tend to be dangerous for the people preparing and applying them.  
Rao and Mulky developed an extensive list of methods to limit the growth of microbes and therefore microbial corrosion.
* Plant products could aid in restricting microbial growth. These would be biodegradable and safe for the people applying them, but have not yet been widely tested. 
* Surfactants, specifically ones generated by organisms as secondary metabolites. They’re useful because they get between the corrosive liquid and the surface and keep them apart. 
* Putting a superhydrophobic coating on a surface. This keeps a biofilm from being able to develop, but is sensitive and can easily lose its superhydrophobic qualities. 
* Using self-healing surfaces can prevent corrosion in cracks or faults. This could be used with a superhydrophobic surface, to mitigate its sensitivity. 
* Using hydrophilic surfaces to create a region that deters the development of proteins into a film covering a surface. 
* Using synthetically-created substances that deter corrosion because of their chemical structures. This may have a smaller negative effect on the environment than other options. 
* Using biofilms that are grown intentionally to inhibit microbial corrosion. This is done by growing a biofilm on a surface made of a bacteria that can release compounds that kill other microbes and that prevent corrosion. 
* Using essential oils. The effectiveness of essential oils against microbial corrosion has not been widely tested. 
* Coating a surface with various nanomaterials or ozone to prevent microbial corrosion.