How do I Get Rust Stains Out of White Clothing?

Lemon juice is effective at removing rust stains.

Don't get angry and throw away your white clothing because it has a rust stain on it. Believe it or not, you can remove the rust stain safely and easily without harming the fabric or yourself with toxic chemicals. You'll be surprised when you see your clothing looks as good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Table or ironing board
• Salt
• Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place your clothing on a flat surface such as a table or ironing board in a sunny area of the house.

2. Treat the rust stain. Simply sprinkle salt on the stained area and then pour enough lemon juice over the stain to saturate it.

3. Allow the salt and lemon juice mixture to dry on the clothing. If the clothing is still stained, wet it again by applying more lemon juice.

4. Wash the clothing in your washing machine, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a commercial rust remover. Be very careful, however, because this type of product contains chemicals that may be toxic. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.

• Tide suggests soaking a rust-stained item in a solution of 1 gallon of water and 3 tbsp. of baking soda for 30 minutes. Finish by washing the item in the washer.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Quick and Easy Stain Removal
• Housekeeping Here; Removing Rust Marks from White Clothes; Mrs. Mathis
• Tide: Tide Solutions for Rust Stains