How To Remove Rust Stains

Some day or the other, you will be subjected to common phrases like “What’s that on your tap?” or “Your walls look terrible!” This is easily accountable to the natural phenomenon of rust. Rust stains are inevitable to every household, but are removable nonetheless. Every rust stain is composed of tiny iron oxide particles and in several cases; the stain gets magnified in the removal process. To one’s dismay, white clothes are prone to getting dirtier by rust stains while one strives to wash them clean under a water pipe. Ironic, isn’t it? Similarly, delicate fabrics and outfits attract rust stains as a person may mistakenly rub against the body of a rusted car. Rust stains are also predominant on bathroom taps, shower walls and kitchen fixtures. Enabling these menacing stains to vanish is a dreaded chore and demands tremendous effort. In fact, removing rust stains from any surface is by many, synonymous to a nightmare. Scroll down to discover miraculous methods that will make your life easier and transform your nightmare into just another trouble-free task.

Removing Rust Stains

Fabrics

Materials Required

Some Lemon Juice (Citric Acid)
Table Salt
Cool Water
Paper Towels

Method

Before applying treatment, try scraping away the rust stain as much you can.
Steer clear of chlorine bleach usage, as this may react with the rust and may intensify discoloration.
Squeeze lemon juice onto the stain and saturate the stain.
Sprinkle it with salt.
Wait for 24 hours for salt and juice to react with the stain.
Keep the spot damp by revitalizing with lemon juice.
Avoid rubbing the stain too harshly as this may damage the fibres.
Rinse the spot with cool water and wipe with paper towels.
Repeat the process to acquire spotlessness.
Leave it to dry under the sun or a fan.

Alternatives

You can easily avail commercial rust removal products in any super market store. Carefully follow the instructions on the back of the package and your stained item will be as good as new.
Chop rhubarb stalks into one inch pieces and toss them in a pot of water. Boil this mixture for 15 minutes. Soak the rust stained fabric into this mixture for a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the intensity of the stain.
White vinegar (Acetic Acid) is a good substitute for lemon juice.

Carpets And Upholstery

Materials Required

¼ tsp mild Liquid Dish Soap
Warm water
Ammonia
Clean Clothes / Paper towels

Method

Mix the Dish Soap with one cup of warm water.
Saturate the stain and allow the solution to react for at least 5 minutes. The surfactants in the detergent will help to lift the rust particles.
Blot the stain with a clean white cloth and rinse it with cool water.
Repeat this process until the stain has completely vanished and no speck of rust or brown discoloration can be identified.
Thoroughly rinse the spot with water to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
If the rust stain hasn’t yet disappeared, saturate the stain with a solution of 2 tablespoons ammonia in 4 cups warm water.
Layer clean cloth or paper towels over the spot to remove any moisture.

Outside Walls And Sidewalks

Materials Required

Oxalic Acid
Warm Water
Scrub Brush
Pressure Washer
Gloves

Method

Dissolve the oxalic acid in warm water and brush on the stain with a scrub brush.
Use Gloves to protect yourself from the negative side effects of oxalic acid.
Spray down the walls or surfaces with the high powered nozzle of your pressure washer and wash away the loose dirt particles.
Hold the nozzle at a 45 degree angle of about 24 inches away from vinyl or aluminium sidings to avoid any sliding disasters.
Ensure rust spots do not reappear by cleaning the affected area thoroughly and allowing it to completely dry.

How to Cite

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