March 1, 2024

How to Remove Rust Stains

Of all the stubborn stains you might deal with, rust stains can be some of the most frustrating. Your space may be completely clean, but a rust stain on your carpet or in your shower can make your home look dingy and uninviting. You might even find that a pesky rust stain has ruined a favorite shirt or pair of pants.

If you’ve gotten rust on a favorite piece of clothing or furniture, don’t panic! There are several simple ways you can treat rust stains and return your item to its former glory. Many of the most effective solutions for removing rust stains can be created from items you likely already have in your home.

Common Causes of Rust Stains

You might be wondering what causes rust stains in the first place.

Rust stains are often caused by iron in your water. When bacteria react with the iron, rust deposits form and can stick to clothing. It’s recommended that, if you know you might come into contact with rust, you wear old clothing that you don’t mind staining. However, accidents happen, and rust stains can unexpectedly taint your favorite shirt or kitchen towel.

New York City residents may not have much iron in their city water, but those who rely on well water are more likely to have increased iron levels in their taps. If you notice that your faucets, showers, or toilets have some brown or orange stains, these are likely the result of dissolved iron in the water being exposed to the air and oxidizing.

Hard water minerals like magnesium and calcium can contribute to rust stains as well. Even water that undergoes municipal treatment can have these minerals, so you can have hard water no matter where you live. When magnesium and calcium from the water interact with your laundry detergent, the soap can cling to the dirt on your clothes instead of pulling it off, leaving a frustrating stain behind.

In addition to hard water and iron deposits, rust stains can also be caused by mold spores. Mold spores tend to thrive in dark, damp places like your toilet bowl or shower floor. If you notice mold in your grout, you may be dealing with a bigger problem such as a plumbing leak. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional to find the root cause of the issue.

Removing Rust Stains from Clothing

If a beloved garment has an unsightly rust stain, it doesn’t have to go straight into the trash. You can instead use a simple and quick homemade solution to make your item as good as new again. Work to treat your rust-stained clothing as quickly as possible for the best results.

To remove a rust stain, sprinkle the stain with some lemon juice or a combination of white vinegar and salt. Rub the mixture into the garment gently, as harsh treatment can damage the fabric or make the stain worse. Let your garment air dry (preferably in the sunshine), then launder with cold water. Repeat the process if needed.

If you’ve got cream of tartar in your kitchen, then you’ve got an easy way to remove rust stains. Simply boil two pints of water, then add six teaspoons of cream of tartar. Put the stained garment into the bowl or pot with the mixture and soak for a maximum of two hours.

When you’re treating rust stains, avoid using chlorine bleach. Instead of lightening or eliminating the stain, bleach can actually make rust stains permanent. You’ll also want to avoid putting your garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. Once the stain experiences the heat of the dryer, it will set into the fabric and become much more difficult to remove.

More stubborn rust stains may require a commercial rust remover, which can be found at your local hardware store. Each product has its own unique instructions, so be sure to follow the product label. Always wear gloves when using commercial rust removers to protect your skin.

To prevent rust stains on your clothes in the future, consider a water softener. Resin beads remove iron, magnesium, and calcium from the water before it reaches your washing machine or other water-using appliances. A water softener also reduces the chance of rust stains appearing in your toilet and can prevent clogs in your plumbing.

Removing Rust Stains from Carpet and Furniture

What if you get a rust stain on something that can’t go into the dryer? Not to worry. You can still defeat the stain with some simple household methods.

Start by scraping away as much visible rust as possible using a butter knife, then vacuum the loose particles away. You can use distilled white vinegar and salt to get rid of the stain quickly and easily. Apply the vinegar and salt before scrubbing the rust with a wad of aluminum foil. Let the mixture saturate the fabric for a few hours, then rinse.

The lemon juice and salt method we mentioned earlier can also remove rust stains from your carpet or furniture. Simply vacuum up any residue after the area has dried completely. If the stain is affecting a rug or another movable object, try to dry it in the sun to increase the stain-fighting power.

Another easy household cleaner combines two cups of warm water, two tablespoons of dish soap, and one tablespoon of ammonia. Saturate the stain, let it sit for at least five minutes, then blot with a clean, damp cloth and let dry.

Cream of tartar also helps remove rust stains from fabrics or smaller objects like keys or kitchen tools. Combine cream of tartar with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste, then spread the paste on the stain. Let the paste sit for a few hours before scrubbing the rust away.

Commercial rust removers or rust remover paste can work wonders on stubborn stains. Some popular options include Whink Rust Stain Remover, CLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover, and Star Brite Rust Stain Remover.

Working with White Glove Cleaner

Tackling rust stains is just one small part of maintaining a clean home. Whether you don’t have the time to maintain your space or want to bring in an expert to get things done right, White Glove Cleaner is here to help.

White Glove Cleaner is among the most trusted commercial and residential cleaning companies in New York City. We serve all five boroughs and are proud to offer both one-time and recurring cleaning services. Our team can help you clean your home for a big event, reset your apartment before you move out, or maintain your space’s cleanliness on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.

All of our team members at White Glove Cleaners are individually vetted and background checked, so you can rest assured you’re working with professionals. We use our own cleaners and equipment, saving you the expense of purchasing those expensive solutions. If you’re in need of a special service like “green” cleaning with hypoallergic cleaners, we’re happy to oblige. There’s nothing like coming home to a clean and welcoming space at the end of a long day out and about in New York. Let White Glove Cleaner make that dream a reality. Contact us today for more information on all of our services.