Last Updated on 4 months by Susan Mayrich
Rust stains are among the most difficult stains to remove from clothes. You may have success in removing rust stains if you act quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove the rust stain from your clothes.
Rust is often found on metal objects like tools and knives, but it can also appear on other objects such as jewelry or even furniture. It is important to treat the stain right away so that it doesn’t set in or spread onto other areas of your clothing.
Does Rust Stain Clothes?
Rust stains are common types of stains. They are caused by iron oxide, which is a compound that forms when iron reacts with oxygen or water. The result is a substance that can leave brown or orange stains on fabrics.
What Causes Rust Stains on Clothes
Rust stains can be caused by various things. The most common reason is iron, which exists in many different forms in nature. A good example is rusting metal, which causes rust stains on clothes when they come into contact with it.
A shirt that was left folded for several weeks in an old barn might have rust stains from the nails used to hold down hay bales.
Another common cause of rust stains is from metal buttons or zippers on clothing rubbing against each other as they rub against fabric during wear and tear over time.
Does Rust Wash Out of Clothes?
Rust stains are usually easy to remove from white clothes, but it’s important to take special care when removing rust from colored fabrics. When you get rid of rust from a colored fabric, the color may come out with it.
If you want to keep your clothes looking new and bright, try using one of these methods to safely remove rust stains from cotton clothes.
How to Remove Rust Stains from Colored Clothes
As you can imagine, rust stains on colored clothes can be very difficult to remove. Some rust stains on clothes are so stubborn that they can ruin your garment permanently. But don’t despair. With the right techniques and products, removing rust from your clothing is possible.
Lemon Juice and Salt
If you’ve got a colored fabric that’s been stained with rust, you’re going to want to start by rubbing the stain with lemon juice and salt. The acid in the lemon juice will break down the iron in the rust, while the salt will act as an abrasive to help lift it from your clothing.
- Apply a small amount of lemon juice directly onto the stained area, then sprinkle some salt over it until you’ve got a thick paste formed.
- Let this sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub the lemon juice into the stained area with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge.
- Dab the stain with a damp cloth and let it air dry completely.
- Repeat this process if necessary until the rust stain is gone completely from your garment.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can be used to remove rust from clothing. It works by breaking down the rust, which is then removed by rinsing. However, it must be used in combination with baking soda to work properly.
Baking soda has an abrasive quality that helps scrub away stains. The combination of both chemicals makes them more effective than either one alone.
To mix your rust stain remover:
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
- Apply the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture directly onto the stained area.
- Wait about 15 minutes for it to work.
- After 15 minutes or so has passed, rinse out the mixture with warm water and launder as usual.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the most effective home remedies for removing rust stains. Vinegar works as a mild acid that can help break down the rust particles, while baking soda is an alkaline cleaner that will neutralize the acid.
- To use this method, simply combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bowl, then add about 1/4 cup of baking soda.
- Mix well and apply directly to the stain using a sponge or cloth.
- Allow it to sit for several minutes before washing as usual.
Use Toothpaste for Colored Clothes
Toothpaste is an effective rust stain remover. The reason it works so well is that it contains baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive when rubbed on the stained area. This abrasive action helps to lift off some of the rust stain particles and make them easier to rinse away.
Toothpaste is also a great alternative to commercial rust stain removers, which often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your clothes if used too often.
The only downside to using toothpaste is that it may not work for every type of fabric or color, however, you can easily test a small area first by rubbing some toothpaste on the stained area and then rinsing it off after 10 minutes or so.
If there are no visible changes in color or texture of your clothing after cleaning it with toothpaste, then you should be good to go.
Use WD-40 for Rust Stains on Clothes
WD-40 is a great product for removing rust stains from clothes. The best part about using WD-40 to remove rust is that it doesn’t require any scrubbing or soaking. You just spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash as normal.
Wd 40 is a versatile product that can be used to clean almost anything in your home. It’s safe to use on carpet, clothing, tile floors, and even your car’s engine.
Use a toothbrush or an old toothbrush to apply WD-40 to the stain. Let it soak for a few minutes, then scrub the stain gently with a toothbrush until it is completely removed. Rinse with water and dry out in the sun.
Rust Stains FAQs
Does Baking Soda Remove Rust Stains from Clothes?
Yes, baking soda is a great way to remove rust stains. You can also use it to remove other types of stains on your clothes, including grass and blood. Baking soda works by breaking down the stain and lifting it off the fabric; it doesn’t bleach the fabric or change the color.
Does Vinegar Remove Rust Stains?
Vinegar is another effective way to remove rust stains from clothing. The acidity in vinegar helps break down the stain and lift it off the fabric. However, vinegar has its drawbacks. It can leave behind a mild odor on your clothes as well as cause bleaching or fading in some fabrics if you aren’t careful when using it.
Will Baking Soda and Vinegar Remove Rust?
Yes, Both baking soda and vinegar are effective at removing rust stains from clothing but because they are both acidic, they’ll also damage delicate fibers like wool, silk, or nylon if you don’t rinse them out immediately after applying the products to your stained clothes.
Can Toothpaste Get Rid of Rust?
Yes. Toothpaste can get rid of rust. The ingredients in toothpaste have been known to remove rust stains from clothing and other surfaces. To use, just place some toothpaste on a wet cloth and rub the area with the rust stain. Rinse well after to remove any remaining toothpaste.
Will WD 40 Remove Rust Stains from Clothes?
WD 40 will not remove rust stains from clothes. It is a lubricant that was designed to help remove small amounts of rust from metal surfaces, but it will not be able to clean large areas of the rust off of fabric or clothing.
Will Bleach Remove Rust Stains Clothes?
Bleach may be able to remove small amounts of rust stains from your clothes. However, you mustn’t bleach your clothes too often because it can damage the fabric over time if used too frequently or improperly.
