How to Remove Rust Stains With Things You Already Have in Your Home
Rust can form on some types of metal, but it can damage others as well. Its characteristic deep reddish brown color readily bleeds into other materials, resulting in stains. Unfortunately, removing rust stains from clothing, carpets, and surfaces such as porcelain and ceramics takes some effort. Fortunately, you (probably) already have everything you need to complete this task at home. Here are some ways to remove rust stains using items from the pantry or under the sink.
Do not start with a washer / dryer
Even if there is a rust stain on the white material, The Maids says that applying bleach to the stains can make them stubborn. Likewise, if you put rust-stained clothing or material in the washing machine (without pretreating the stain) and then in the dryer, it can set the stain as well. In general, don’t put anything in the washer or dryer without manually removing the stain.
Homemade solutions to remove rust stains
Here are some specific combinations and methods for removing rust using things you probably already have at home:
Salt and vinegar
Suitable for: carpets
Blot the stain with a clean cloth moistened with distilled white vinegar until the rust is gone. Then sprinkle some salt on the carpet, let it sit for 30 minutes, blot it again with a dry cloth (to absorb excess moisture) and vacuum up the salt.
Lemon juice and salt
Suitable for: Garment / Fabric and Carpet.
To remove rust stains from light colored clothing , sprinkle with salt, sprinkle with lemon juice, and then lay the clothing / fabric on a flat surface to dry. Leaving it in the sun will speed up the process.
To remove rust stains from carpet , mix two teaspoons of salt and lemon juice in a bowl. Then blot the stain with a clean, white cloth soaked in solution. Do not scrub it, but press the fabric / solution firmly against the stain to make sure it penetrates the carpet fibers. Take a five minute break, then blot the rust stain with a clean cloth dampened with water and then a dry cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide and tartar
Suitable for: ceramics or porcelain.
Use a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with two parts tartar to remove rust stains from ceramic or porcelain sinks, bathtubs, and other fixtures. Apply it to the rust stains with a sponge or cloth and let it sit for an hour or two. Then scrub the stain with a stiff bristled brush (but not wire that is too stiff to scratch the surface). Finally, when the stain is gone, rinse or wipe the area.