How to Naturally Remove Rust Stains From Fabric

If left untreated, rust stains can become difficult to remove.

Rust stains can get onto fabric or clothing in many different ways. Rust may come from your water or transfer onto your fabric from a rusty metal item. You can successfully remove unsightly orange-brown rust stains from fabric using natural remedies made from supplies found in most homes. By following a few simple steps and using a little persistence, soon your fabric will be rust-free again.

Things You'll Need

• Clean towel
• Measuring cups
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Bowl
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. 

   Use a clean, absorbent towel to protect your work surface.

   Lay a clean towel on your work surface.

2. Place the rust-stained fabric on the clean towel. Make sure the stain is facing up.

3. 

   Stain removal takes time.

   In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup lemon juice with 1/2 cup cool water. Saturate the rust stain with the solution and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.

4. 

   Always rinse with cool water.

   Check progress by rinsing the stained area with cool water to see if the rust stain is dissolving and if it washes out with the rinse. If not, saturate the stain with more lemon juice solution and let it sit for another 15 minutes. Follow this by rinsing with cool water.

5. Pour a small amount of laundry detergent on the fabric and work the detergent into the fibers by rubbing the fabric together. This removes the lemon juice used to clean the stain. Wash the fabric, following the instructions on the care label.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the cleaning agent to sit on the fabric rather than scrubbing a rust-stained area. Scrubbing may cause the stain to spread.

• Avoid using chlorine bleach on rust stains because it will turn the stain yellow.

References

• Care2.com: Green Living: Effective Ways to Remove Laundry Stains