How to Remove Rust Stains From Clothes

Rust transfers easily from one surface to another.

A quick rub up against a rusty surface is all it takes to transfer rust stains to clothing. Although your first inclination might be to dust off the rust, this makes it worse. Rust is an organic material that grows and spreads, under the right conditions. A little moisture on metal is enough for rust to start forming. Once the rusty object comes in contact with surfaces such as clothing, the stains spread. You can remove rust stains from clothing with the proper supplies and methods. Using the wrong techniques to remove a rust stain only make it worse.

Things You'll Need

• Large towel
• Table salt
• Lemon juice
• Brush
• Phosphate-based laundry detergent
• Oxygen bleach

Instructions

1. Spread a clean towel on the ground outside or inside on the floor in a location that gets direct sunlight. Lay the rust stained clothing on the towel, with the stains facing up.

2. 

   Lemon juice naturally bleaches stains on clothing.

   Sprinkle table salt over the rust stain. Pour lemon juice onto the fabric to wet the stain.

3. Allow the salt and lemon juice to remain on the fabric for 15 to 20 minutes. Brush the salt off while the fabric is still wet. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as many times as is necessary to remove the rust stains.

4. Launder the clothing with a phosphate-based laundry detergent and oxygen bleach to remove any residual rust stains.

5. Check the clothing before drying it to ensure the rust stains have been completely removed. Repeat the lemon juice and salt applications, if needed, to get rid of any remaining stain then launder the clothing again.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute a solution made from 4 tsp. cream of tartar and 1 pint of boiling water to soak rust-stained clothing. Test an inconspicuous place on the fabric before submerging the entire garment.

• If using a commercial rust remover, test an inconspicuous place first then apply the remover a few drops at a time to remove the stain.

• Never use chlorine bleach products to remove rust stains as they cause the stain to become permanent.

References

• University of Missouri; Stain Removal Guide for Washable Fabrics: Special Problem Stains; Sharon Stevens; June 2009
• "Good Housekeeping": Stain Buster-- Rust
• University of Illinois Extension: Stain Solutions: Rust
• Apartment Therapy; 27 Household Uses for Citrus Fruit; Abby Stone; March 2008
• Mrs. Clean: Tips on Removing Rust Stains