How to Remove Rust Stains

Rust is formed as a result of a chemical reaction. For this reason, rust stains are quite stubborn and you need some special techniques to remove them. When we see rust stains on the cloth, carpet upholstery, concrete, etc., it makes us upset as we feel that the stain cannot be removed at all. However, the fact is that it is not an impossible task, though it requires some special effort to remove rust stains. You should know how to remove the rust stains because any incorrect cleaning method may lead to further discoloration of the stained area.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Clothing?

When your clothing gets rust stains because it touched the surface of some rusty material, then you can wash it off with a detergent in a washing machine immediately. This will be possible if the stain has not entered into the fabric. After washing, if you find that the stain has not come out, do not use a dryer on it as the heat of the dryer tends to make the stain worse. In this case, rhubarb stalks can be used for the purpose of stain removal. Take a few stalks of rhubarb and boil them in water for 20 - 30 minutes. Strain out the stalks from the water and then put your clothes into the water, and let it soak in the water till most of the stains disappear. After removal of the rust stain, let it dry in the sun for a few minutes before you wash it off in the usual cleaning method.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Concrete?

When any surface of the concrete in your house is stained by rust, then you have to use muriatic acid to get rid of the stain. Take any plastic container and pour two cups of water and one-fourth cup of muriatic acid into it. Never pour the acid first as it could be dangerous. Pour a little amount of the prepared acid solution on the affected area and you will see small bubbles have formed on the surface. Wait for five minutes or so and let the acid soak on the concrete. Then scrub the stain with the help of a floor brush. If you find residue of stain remaining behind, you can reapply the acid solution all over again. Once the rust stain is gone, wash off with clean water. Make sure that there should not be any trace of the acid on the concrete surface. Muriatic acid is harmful when it comes on contact with our skin, so you should wear adequate protective gear when you take up this task.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Carpet?

For the purpose of carpet stain removal, you can use cream of tartar. You have to prepare a thick paste by mixing cream of tartar with water. Apply the paste in the form of a thick layer on the rust stain and let it settle on the surface for half an hour. Then blot out the paste with a damp paper towel or a piece of cloth. Do not rub the surface as rubbing can harm the fabric of the carpet. Vinegar can act as a natural cleaning product for your carpet. Just pour some vinegar on the stain and allow it to stand on it for few hours. Then blot the surface with a damp cloth to remove the vinegar. Let the area dry up and then use regular carpet cleaning methods to wash off the carpet.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Fabric?

The easiest as well as simplest way of removing rust stains from fabric is by rubbing the rust stains with lemon. For this, you will require a half-cut lemon or some bottled lemon juice. Place the fabric on a number of white paper towels so that they can soak up the rust from the fabric. Apply lemon juice on the fabric till it gets saturated by lemon juice. Then put it under the sun in such a way that the paper towels remain under the fabric. Once the fabric is dry wash it off in the usual manner.

The tasks of how to remove rust stains will be much easier for you if you do not allow the stain to stay on the fabric for a long time. Try to remove them as soon as you discover them.