Removing Rust Stains

How To Remove Rust Stains Completely

Do you have rusted water pipes that deposit unsightly stains on your white clothing when you wash them. Have you ever rubbed against rusted car and got rust stains on your clothes? Have you ever stepped on a pipe and got rust stains on your carpet? Have you ever tried to remove rust on your bathroom or kitchen fixtures? If so, you know how terribly difficult it can be to remove these pesky stains. Not only are they unsightly but they can cause permanent damage to your item.

If you’ve never experienced rust stains, then you can still benefit from this article because you’ll likely encounter rust stains at some time in your life and with tips gleamed from this article, you’ll be prepared.

Rust Stains on Clothing

If you’ve ever gotten rust on your clothes, you know how difficult it can be to remove it. What we’ve discovered is that the absolute best way to remove rust is to use commercial rust stain remover. really. If you don’t have any rust remover, you can use lemon juice (citric acid) or white vinegar (acetic acid) as both are effective at removing rust.

To use this method, you should lay the rust-stained fabric over some paper towels; you can then cut the lemon in half and squeeze it on the stain or simply pour the same amount of vinegar juice on the spot. Make sure that it is saturated and then blot it dry with paper towel. Then, set it outside in the sun and after it has dried, you should wash it normally (assuming it is washable).

Another option is to use rhubarb stalks. To do this, you simply cut them into one inch pieces and put them in a pot of water. You then allow the mixture to boil and let it sit for 15 minutes. You then take the rust stained fabric and let it soak in the mixture for about 1-24 hours depending on the stain. Another option is to put some lemon juice and salt on the item and then place it in the sun.

Sidewalks

If you have rust on your sidewalk, you can easily remove it using a commercial product like Zud or Barkeeper’s Friend which are products that contain oxalic acid, an acid that promptly removes rust stains. You can also try wood bleach from your paint store. If you use oxalic acid, you should dissolve it in warm water, brush it on the stain, and then rinse it thoroughly.

If you use another type of commercial powder, simply sprinkle on the powder, scrub it vigorously with a scrub brush to get rid of the rust stain. Please remember that Oxalic acid is toxic and you must use gloves. If you get it on your body, you must rinse it off thoroughly and contact your physician or poison control center.

Carpet and Upholstery

To remove rust stains on carpet, you should obtain the commercial product “Chemspec RX for Rust” by Bane-Clene. It can be ordered online and contains absolutely no hydrofluoric acid. It is a consumer grade product that is excellent for removing rust stains. Anyway, you should first test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before utilizing. Then you apply it directly to the stained area, agitate with a brush and allow drying for 2 minutes. You then blot with a clean, white towel while applying strong to moderate pressure. You should then rinse the area thoroughly.

Metal

There is a great, nontoxic, and water based paint product called Rust Doctor that allows quick and easy rust removal. To remove rust off the metal, paint over the rusty metal and topcoat it with any kind of paint without the need to sand or grind to bare metal.

The product miraculously converts the rusty metal to black magnetite, which is a very hard form of iron oxide that can be primed. Because magnetite does not react with moisture and oxygen, Rust Doctor in essence creates a protective layer that keeps the metal from rusting. In addition, a latex primer is left on the surface, allowing for top coating with any kind of paint.
In conclusion, it doesn’t matter whether you have rust stains on your clothes, sidewalks, metal, or even on your carpet or upholstery. By following the above mentioned easy tips, you can easily remove any and all stains! Good luck and happy rust removing.