How to Take Rust out of Clothes
Rust stains are difficult to get out of clothes because they consist of oxidized iron. This clings to fabric, especially cotton jeans and shirts. When working in the yard, it is common to get rust stains on your clothes. Old nails or rusted lawnmowers often transfer this corrosive material to your hands or gloves. From there the rust finds it way onto your pants and shirt. Luckily, cleaning rust stains from clothing is an easy task that takes a few minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Towel or old tablecloth
- Citric-acid-based household cleaner
- Soft-bristle brush
- Water
- Clean towel
Instructions
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1
Remove the article of clothing and locate the center of the rust stain. Lay the piece of clothing on an old but clean tablecloth or towel so the rust stain is facing you and the entire stain is visible.
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2
Spray the citric-acid-based cleaner onto the surface of the fabric until the entire stained area is saturated with the solution.
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3
Rub the affected area with a soft-bristle brush to remove the rust stain. Rinse the area as soon as you see rust flakes beginning to surface in the suds of the solution.
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4
Blot the surface of the fabric with a dry, clean towel. Inspect the surface of your clothing. If the rust stain remains on the clothing, continue to spray cleaner onto the stain, scrub the stain with the brush and then rinse with water until the stain is removed.
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Tips & Warnings
Other solutions, including acetic acids, also will remove rust stains from clothing. White vinegar or lemon juice are two more natural, milder solutions. Mix them with water and apply to clothes to remove rust stains.
Some cleaners are too harsh for delicate fabrics. Use only mild detergents or citric acids on delicate fabrics.
Refrain from applying any cleaners to a fabric if you are unsure of how colorfast the fabric is.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit rust image by sasha from Fotolia.com
