You want one of these https://www.amazon.com/Astro-3037-2-Inch-18-Inch-Sander/dp/B00L50MKJS
I'd have probably cut out the spot welds so I could get it apart and cleaned properly. Then repaired the step part as well as I could with a hammer and re-enforcement's. Then re-spot welder or bolted them into place for next time. Notice the sheet metal is cracked on the back bottom left too.
I have a mini-belt sander that makes it pretty easy to get into tight areas to clean.
https://www.amazon.com/Astro-3037-2-Inch-18-Inch-Sander/dp/B00L50MKJS/