How to Remove Iron Stains From Painted Surfaces

Rust stains can worsen over time.

When iron corrodes, it leaves behind rust, an orange-brown colored substance that can easily stain a painted surface. Without proper cleaning techniques, rust stains are very difficult to remove. According to Donna Smallin, author of "Cleaning Plain & Simple," some rust removal attempts might set the rust stain in further rather than removing it. Simple household supplies will safely break down and remove rust stains without damaging any existing paint on the surface.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Water
• Soft sponge
• Lemon juice
• Table salt
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Dip a soft sponge in warm, soapy water and lightly scrub the stain for 30 seconds. This will remove light rust stains and prep the surface for deeper cleaning. Use dish soap free of heavy dyes to avoid staining the painted surface further.

2. Allow the area to dry completely. According to Gill Chilton, author of "Cleaning & Stain Removal for Dummies," a painted surface might take between two and 20 minutes to dry.

3. Soak a paper towel in lemon juice and pour a thin layer of table salt onto it. Press the salted lemon juice-soaked paper towel onto the rust-stained area, saturating the painted surface. Hold the paper towel on the surface for two minutes. According to Janet Sobesky, author of "Household Hints for Dummies," the acid in the lemon juice will penetrate the paint safely and lift the iron stain. Additionally, the salt will help break up the iron oxide particles that make up a rust stain.

4. Remove the paper towel from the surface of the rust-stained area and lightly scrub with a soft sponge. This should remove any remaining color from the rust stain. Do not skip this step as the acid from lemon juice can corrode paint if you do not wash it away.

5. Repeat the lemon juice application as many times as it takes to lift the iron stain completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use an abrasive sponge or apply excessive pressure while scrubbing as this can remove paint.

• This method is safe for use on most painted surfaces.

References

• "Cleaning & Stain Removal for Dummies"; Gill Chilton; 2004
• "Household Hints for Dummies"; Janet Sobesky; 1999
• "Cleaning Plain & Simple: A Ready Reference Guide with Hundreds of Sparkling Solutions to Your Everyday Cleaning Challenges"; Donna Smallin; 2005
• Paint Pro: Arresting Rust on Painted Surfaces