As one of the first countries using iron wares in the world, China plays a decisive role in development process of social productive forces. Most of the unearthed iron relics are corroded after a series of electrochemical reactions occur after being exposed in moist air as the relics contain chlorides (electrolytes). Therefore, it is of great significance to study corrosion mechanism and protection technology of iron relics. Corrosion factors of iron artifacts as well as desalination protection method of iron relics at home and abroad were overviewed. Characteristics, function mechanism and research status of organic, inorganic and composite corrosion inhibitors for iron cultural relics were briefly introduced. Sealing protective materials of iron relics were introduced, and development trend of protective materials and technologies in the protection of iron cultural relics were expected.