Rust stains are known to be among the most challenging stains to remove entirely from clothing. They require plenty of effort and persistence, and most of the time, it is just impossible. However, if you acquire a rust stain on your favorite clothing, do not panic. You can remove rust stains from your garments using various methods and approaches.

Continue reading this article to find out 5 effective ways of getting rid of rust stains from your clothes.

How Difficult Is It To Remove Rust Stains From Clothes?

When the iron and oxygen in the air perform a chemical reaction in the presence of a liquid, a reddish-brown oxide forms, and if this oxide gets on your clothes, you will lose your patience because of the time it will take to remove it. However, this does not imply that removing the stain would be complicated.

The rust may be removed from your clothing in a matter of minutes if you have all of the essential products, ingredients, and are aware of the precise procedures necessary to remove these reddish-brown stain.

Causes of Rust Stains on Clothes:

If you know the causes of getting rust stains on clothes, it will be easier for you to avoid them and keep your clothes clean. Nothing is more annoying than seeing strange orange markings on your clothing after you have washed them. Especially if the main reason you cleaned them was to get rid of the odors; now they are dirtier than before they went in.

Rust is the culprit behind those odd spots. They could get on your clothes through one of two different entry points. The first may have come into contact with some rusty metal while you’ve been out and about. It might be on a gate, a fence, or automobile.

The wash itself may then cause the stains to become visible. The rusty spots on your favorite shirt might have been caused by something in the washing machine. Below we have examined the most common reasons why clothes get rust stains.

Rusted Water Pipes:

You could discover that your property has outdated piping, depending on its age. Although most pipes in modern homes are made of plastic, pipes in older homes are composed of cast iron.

The usage of cast-iron pipes persisted far into the 1980s, not just in residential settings. Pipes made of cast iron can be seen in several municipal water systems. The issue with cast iron is that it rusts pretty easily.

Rust may be carried along with the water as it travels through the pipes and eventually makes its way into the drum of your washing machine if it flakes off. It is one of the significant reasons why clothes get rust stains.

Heaters and Water Tanks:

Another issue with older homes is a water heater or water tank that is getting on in years, and may not be in good shape. Heaters and other water storage containers have finite lifespans, yet people often need to remember to replace them on time.

Rust builds up over time in water heaters, built of steel, copper, or cast iron. The water tank may have rusty residue, which may be drained through the pipes. You’ll have a rusty stream flowing directly into your washing machine when it happens. If you’ve seen rusty streaks on your clothes, it’s time to replace your water heater.

Dryer and Washing Machine:

Stainless steel is used in manufacturing the drums used in modern washing machines. This is because stainless steel rusts far less frequently than other types of steel; older machines are not as fortunate. Many of them have corroded drums. The same may be said for old dryers.

As with some of the other things mentioned above, the age of the metal object has a significant role in the likelihood of rust stains on your clothes. Old washers and dryers are no exception. They may still function after 20 years of heavy use, but do your old machines excel at cleaning your clothes? Or are you exacerbating your rust problem?

Check the drum for damage if you’re using an older machine. You may discover that replacing your washer and dryer with modern, energy-efficient units will not only spare your laundry from the clutches of orange death. However, you will save money on your power bill.

Contact with Something Rusty:

As previously said, this is when you’ve come into contact with anything rusty. This may be possible if your employment involves dealing with old automobiles.

Rust from metal items can become embedded in the fibers of your garment. They get into your car and drive you home without your knowledge. When you wash your clothes, the rust particles get dislodged and float in the water, leaving rusty stains on the materials they come into contact with. It is not necessarily the cloth they brought home. It might be your entire load of laundry.

It is usually a good idea to brush or shake your clothing before placing it in the washing machine. It will release any undesirable rust particles, causing them to fall off outside rather than within the machine.

Top 5 Ways to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Clothes:

Rust stains are among the hardest to get out of clothes since they frequently withstand regular washing and will last a lifetime if treated with chlorine bleach. Several alternatives are available to you since rust stains on clothes are annoying and can become permanent if not treated properly on time.

If you want to remove these stains from clothes, you must act quickly. Below are the best stain removal methods to help remove rust from white fabric and other clothing.

1. Use Lemon Juice and Salt to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Clothes

This process is suitable for white garments or unbleached materials, such as linen. However, if you have rust stains on delicate textiles, such as wool, rayon, leather, silk, or suede, you must take them to the dry cleaner.

You may also use white vinegar instead of lemon juice, which is very useful if the stain has been there for a long time. Below is the step-by-step method you can follow if you are doing so:

•      Begin by dusting the stain with salt and then covering it with lemon juice.
•      Allow 10 minutes for the rust remover to work.
•      Blot the spot with an uncontaminated white cloth.
•      Place the clothing in the sun to dry under a sheet.
•      Check the cloth every hour to ensure the lemon juice does not bleach.
•      Allow it to sit in the sun for up to three hours or until the stain has faded.
•      Finally, rinse the item in cold water before washing it in the machine as usual.

2. Use White Vinegar to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Clothes

If you want to get rid of rust stains, white vinegar is one of the most fantastic products. It settles in well with fabric and can help eliminate large stains if acted upon quickly.

•      To begin, place the damaged clothing on a towel.
•      Pour vinegar over the discoloration until it is completely soaked.
•      Blot the stain using a clean white cloth or sponge to absorb the red discoloration.
•      Place the clothes in direct sunshine to allow the rust stain to fade further.
•      Use your usual washing detergent and the manufacturer’s suggested settings to wash the item.
•      Allow it to dry naturally.

Nevertheless, If the stain does not disappear completely after the initial treatment, repeat the technique until it does.

3. Use Cream of Tartar to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Clothes

Cream of tartar, also known scientifically as potassium bitartrate, is an acid salt produced naturally during the winemaking process. Its acidic and moderately abrasive features make it a great agent for stain removal and general cleaning.

This technique is especially effective for removing rust stains from denim, as it removes rust without degrading the fabric. Following is the step-by-step guide you can follow:

•      In a separate bowl, combine the cream of tartar and baking soda.
•      Mix with the hydrogen peroxide until you have a thick paste.
•      To remove a stain, rub the paste specifically designed for that purpose into the affected area. The stain remover needs to rest for 30 minutes.
•      Start by giving the affected area a quick rinsing with warm water before proceeding with your regular washing machine cycle.

Make sure the stain is completely gone before drying. If it is still visible, continue the process until it is no longer present. This approach may also be used to remove oil stains from clothes.

4. Baking Soda to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Clothes

Rust stains can be difficult to remove from cloth, but baking soda is another helpful household staple that can help. Here is how you can use it to get rid of the rust stains:

•      Add a spoonful of baking soda to half a pail of cold water.
•      Allow the clothing to soak for 20-25 minutes.
•      Wash the clothing in a gentle detergent.

Alternatively, you may use baking soda paste for this. Here is how you can use baking soda paste to remove rust stains from clothes:

•      Make a paste by combining baking soda and water.
•      Apply this paste directly to the rust spots and wait for it to soak in.
•      Remove with a wire brush, steel wool, or a used toothbrush (softly, in the case of hard materials).

For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat these steps several times.

5. Commercial Rust Removers to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Clothes

Finally, you may use store-bought products explicitly designed to remove rust. These can be pricey, but you can count on them to get results no matter what. However, you need to ensure that the rust remover you purchase is the proper sort so that it won’t damage your fabric.

How to Prevent Rust Stains on Clothes?

The most effective method for preventing rust stains on clothing is to steer clear of any metal items at all costs. It can be challenging, mainly if you operate with tools or other materials prone to rust stains. However, there are steps you may take to reduce the risk:

•      Keep your clothing dry, such as a drawer or closet.
•      Wash your garments regularly and after coming into touch with metal things.
•      Wet garments should not be stored in a moist setting, such as a laundry basket.
•      If you develop rust stains on your clothes, you must act promptly. The longer the stain remains, the more difficult it will be to remove. Make sure the stain is treated as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Rust Stains from Carpet?

Rust stains on the carpet are an unfortunate reality for everyone who owns metal furniture and has ever tried to rearrange their home furnishings. Do not worry; here is how to easily remove those annoying rust stains:

•      Soak your rusted fabric in white vinegar and squeeze it out.
•      The vinegar-soaked cloth should then be placed on the salt-coated rust stain.
•      Examine the stain after 30 minutes.
•      Repeat with a fresh cloth until the stain is gone.
•      Let the salt dry, and then vacuum it up.
•      If the stain is obstinate, repeat these procedures or use a professional rust remover to remove it.
•      The method is the same whether the rust stain is on a porcelain sink or a stainless steel draining board: use lemon, vinegar, or salt to get rid of it.
•      Avoid using chlorine bleach since it is an oxidizing chemical that can further oxidize rust.

The Bottom Line:

Now that you know what causes rust stains, you may take precautions to avoid further harm. Removing rust stains from clothes is easiest when they are still damp. Cleaning is often more about knowing what to do than scrubbing for hours. Once you know what you’re up against, finding a solution is easy.