How Does Rust Stain Fabric?

Introduction

Rust is a common problem not only for fabrics, but for floors, furniture and many other objects. Iron is the most commonly known form of rust, but many metals also rust. Rusting is an electrochemical process that occurs in the presence of water and metal. Basically, rusting is the corrosion of a metal. This corrosion leaved stains that can be hard to clean. There are commercial and homemade rust removers available so rust stains are a problem that can be dealt with.

While many metals can rust, like aluminum and cooper, iron is the metal most people associate with rust. There are various forms of rust, all of which are different visually. Rusting iron creates a reddish brown stain. For iron to become rust three things must be present -- iron, oxygen and water or moisture. Iron reacts quickly with other elements, especially oxygen. The rusting of iron is called corrosion, an electrochemical process. When water or moisture comes into contact with iron the water reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to create carbonic acid. This acid weakens the iron which then starts to dissolve. At the same time the water (H20) breaks down into its constituent parts: hydrogen and oxygen. There is now a free oxygen molecule around which bonds with the dissolving iron to create a new compound. The iron is now iron oxide which is the scientific name for rust.

Fabrics or clothing can get rust stains from several sources. If you work around machinery there is an increased chance of rust stains. In some cases rust forms in washing machines and is then transferred to the clothes or linen. Just brushing up again a rusty object can also leave stains.

There are many over-the-counter rust removes available specifically designed for fabric. While these commercial stain removers offer the best solution, they also may be toxic. For best results be sure to follow the direction carefully. Fortunately, there are a few homemade rust removes that have proven effective. To remove rust stains an acid is usually involved. When acid is applied to a garment the rust becomes water soluble which makes it easier for the stain to be removed. Citric acid in the form of lemon juice is a good natural rust remover. Apply lemon juice to the stained area, fully saturate it, and then leave in the sun. The sun and lemon juice bleach the stain. You can use lemon juice from a bottle or squeeze the juice out of a lemon. Adding salt to the garment after the lemon juice has been applied is another option. Acetic acid also helps to removed rust stains. Vinegars are made of acetic acid. Use white vinegar in the same method as the lemon juice. Salt can also be added. A third option is tartaric acid found in cream of tartar. Add water to the cream of tartar to make a paste and then apply to the stain. Let the garment sit for awhile. A more time consuming method is to boil rhubarb for about 30 minutes. After you remove the stalks, you soak the clothing in the rhubarb water. Leave in this solution until the rust stain is gone. After using any of these rust removing techniques, wash the garment as usual.