How to Remove Rust Stains From Fabric With a Home Remedy

Rust leaves orange, red or brown stains.

Rust stains can be absorbed into fabric in a variety of ways. Sometimes the rust comes from your water; other times it rubs off from a rusty metal item. Orange-brown rust stains can be removed from fabric using supplies found in most homes. Follow a few simple techniques and, with a little persistence, your fabric will be rust-free again.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

1. 

   Use a towel to protect your work surface.

   Lay the rust-stained fabric on a clean towel with the stain facing up.

2. 

   Lemon juice is often used in cleaning products.

   Mix one part lemon juice and one part cool water in a bowl. Soak the rust stain in the solution for 30 minutes.

3. 

   Never rinse with hot water as heat can set a stain.

   Remove the stained fabric from the lemon juice solution and check to see if the stain has lifted. If not, allow it to soak for another 15 minutes. If the stain is gone, rinse with cool water.

4. Pour a little laundry detergent on the area that was stained and rub the fabric together to work the detergent into the fibers. Wash the fabric according to the instructions on the care label.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak instead of scrubbing a rust-stained area as scrubbing will likely spread the stain.

• Avoid using bleach on rust stains; the bleach turns them yellow.

References

• Care2.com: Green Living: Removing Laundry Stains