How to Remove Rust Stains From White Vinyl

Stains on white vinyl practically scream for attention. Rust stains, being the bold red color that they are, call more than enough attention to themselves. They might require a little more ingenuity than other stains, but if you know what you're doing, these stains require little more than a small amount of time and effort.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Clean cloth
• Table salt
• Coca Cola
• Lemon juice
• Rhubarb stalks
• Spray bottle
• Powdered oxalic acid
• All-purpose cleaner

Instructions

Several Simple Suggestions

1. Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to sit for 3 to 4 hours before scrubbing it away with a clean damp cloth.

2. Sprinkle table salt all over the stain. Dampen a clean cloth with Coca Cola and scrub the salt into the stain with it. Keep the area damp with the Coca Cola and continue to scrub until the stain is gone. Rinse away the residual stickiness with a clean damp cloth dipped in clean water.

3. Pour table salt onto the stain to form a pile that covers the entire stain. Squeeze enough lemon juice over the salt to saturate it and allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Wipe away the salt with a clean cloth and rinse the area with clean water.

4. Cut 2 to 3 rhubarb stalks into a pot of water and allow it to boil for half an hour. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Pour the water into a spray bottle and saturate the stain with it. Allow the stained area to soak for at least 20 minutes before wiping up the excess moisture with a clean cloth.

5. Mix powdered oxalic acid and water per the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the oxalic acid to the stain and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it away with a clean damp cloth. Spray the area with all purpose cleaner to neutralize the acidity and allow it to sit on the area for 5 minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If the stain persists, talk to a home improvement professional about replacing the vinyl.

• Oxalic acid is poisonous. Keep pets and children away from it. Wear gloves to protect your hands when using it.

References

• How to get rid of rust stains
• Rust stains