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Next Post Wondering how to remove rust stains from fabric? If you know you may come in contact with rust, the best course of action is to wear old clothes.
However, accidents happen and you may need to figure out how to get rid of unsightly rust stains. Whether you’re dealing with rust on a favorite pair of pants or a kitchen towel mistaken for a rag, there are effective methods for removing the stains so your item will be good as new. There’s no need to panic if you happen to get rust on clothes, towels or other fabric. While you will want to avoid using chlorine
bleach, which can make the stain permanent, there are other methods that will actually remove the offending rust stain. Follow these steps to remove the stain with ease: The quicker you can treat the rust-stained fabric, the more likely you are to have successful results. Avoid rubbing the fabric harshly, which can cause the stain to intensify or damage the fibers of the fabric. If you don’t achieve stain-free fabric the first time, repeat the method until you get the result you desire. Do not put the clothing or fabric into the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat from the dryer
will set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. Sometimes it feels like one thing and then another when you’re trying to keep your belongings and home spic and span. Turn to the professional house cleaning service at Molly Maid to help you keep your house in order, so you have more time to do the things you want to. We customize
home cleaning service packages based on your needs and preferences so your home is cleaner and more comfortable for you and your family. If you could use a little more time in your day, and a spotless home environment, call (800) 654-9647 to speak with our friendly Molly Maid customer service representatives – or connect with us online now to get a
free estimate for home cleaning services. - Is your water looking rusty? These tips from Mr. Rooter® Plumbing can help you find the source of rust-colored water. Mr.
Rooter is also part of the Neighborly® family of trusted home service brands. March 18, 2020Steps for How to Get Rust Stains Out of Clothes and Fabric
Feeling Overwhelmed Trying to Keep Everything Clean? Molly Maid Can Help.
By Molly Maid
Don't throw away a favorite piece of clothing just because you notice a rust stain on the item. While rust isn't likely to wash out of fabric without a little extra effort, there are several simple ways to remove most rust stains from apparel. Discover how to get rust out of clothes with pantry staple ingredients that you probably already have in your home!
Supplies
Gather the following ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Note: This quantity is appropriate to cover a relatively small rust mark. If you the item you wish to clean has a large area of rust, increase each item in proportion as needed. This will help ensure that you have enough paste to cover the mark.
Instructions
Follow these instructions:
- Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar in a small bowl.
- Add the hydrogen peroxide.
- Stir to form a paste.
- If the consistency isn't paste-like, add more dry ingredients (equal parts cream of tartar and baking soda) or hydrogen peroxide until it is the correct thickness.
- Using your fingers or a spatula, spread the paste over the rusted area on the piece of clothing.
- Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the paste off the fabric.
- Wash as usual.
How to Remove Rust Stains With Toilet Bowl Cleaner (White Clothes)
You can also try a bit of toilet bowl cleaner to remove the rust stains on white clothes. However, remember to wear your gloves when using this method.
Supplies
Before getting started, you'll want to grab:
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Toothbrush
- Powdered detergent
Instructions
Now that you've got your ingredients ready, it's time to get cleaning. Remember, you only want to use this method on white clothes.
- Apply a drop of toilet bowl cleaner over the stain or stains.
- Allow it to sit for a minute.
- Dip a wet toothbrush in the detergent.
- Scrub the stain.
- Rinse and enjoy.
Add Lemon Juice to the Washing Machine (All Colors)
Adding lemon juice to the washing machine can be a great way to get rust stains out of clothing. According to Mulberrys Garment Care, this technique is not only safe to use with colored clothing; it can even brighten the color.
Supplies
Gather these supplies:
- 1 cup of lemon juice (can be bottled or fresh)
- Your favorite laundry detergent (in the quantity required for a load of laundry)
Instructions
Follow these instructions:
- Prepare a load of laundry as usual.
- Add the laundry detergent as usual.
- Pour in a cup of lemon juice.
- Wash clothing as usual.
Scrub With a Lemon Juice and Salt Paste (All Colors)
Another option using lemon involves making a paste of lemon juice and salt.
Supplies
Gather these ingredients:
- Salt (regular table salt is fine)
- Lemon juice (can be bottled or fresh)
Note: Use these items in equal quantities, depending on the size of the area that needs to be covered. For relatively small stains, start with 1/4 cup of each. Increase quantity proportionally as needed.
Instructions
Follow these instructions:
- Pour salt and lemon juice into a bowl.
- Mix to form a paste.
- If the consistency isn't paste-like, add more lemon juice or salt until it the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
- Using your fingers or a brush, spread the paste over the rusted area on the piece of clothing.
- Rub the paste into the stain.
- Allow the paste to sit on the garment for around an hour. (Note: This option may work even better if you allow the item to sit outside in the sun while the lemon juice and salt mixture is on the garment.)
- Rinse off the paste.
- Wash the item of clothing as usual.
Supplies
Before you get that rust stain gone, you need a few things from your pantry.
- White vinegar
- Liquid laundry detergent
- White towel
- Toothbrush
Instructions
Grab your white vinegar and detergent. You are ready to crush that stain.
- Add an ample amount of straight white vinegar to the rust stain.
- Allow it to sit on the garment for 10-15 minutes.
- Blot with a white towel.
- Lay it out in the sun until the white vinegar dries completely.
- Dip a toothbrush into the detergent.
- Scrub the area.
- Rinse and wash as normal
Mastering the Art of Removing Rust From Clothing
If you try one of these methods and it doesn't work the first time, don't despair. Depending on how severely the apparel item is stained or how long the rust mark has been there, it may take a few tries with different methods for removing old stains from clothes to get the best results. If these super-cheap natural remedies won't work, you may even want to purchase a commercial rust cleaning product appropriate for use with clothing. Just don't use bleach because it will set the rust in permanently and could cause its own bleach stains. And since clothes aren't the only items that can be affected by rust stains, you might like some tips on removing rust from concrete too.
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