How to Remove Rust From Clothes

Rust is an annoying stain that can ruin your favorite clothes. Whether it was exposed to metal, such as iron, or you mistakenly use a kitchen towel instead of rags, rust stains are never fun.

Fortunately, you can use some easy solutions at home to remove rust stains from clothing. These methods work for both washable and non-washable fabrics.

White Vinegar

White vinegar contains acetic acid, which dissolves iron oxide that causes rust stains. It’s an easy solution that you can soak fabric in or mix with something soluble, like salt or baking soda for a soluble solution.

Cream of tartar can also be combined with iron oxide to form a paste that helps dissolve rust. Mix equal parts of both ingredients and apply to the stain for fast results.

Soak the garment in this mixture for an hour, rinse thoroughly, and wash as usual. You may need to repeat this treatment several times until the stain dissipates.

Lemon

Rust is an unsightly stain that resists most conventional stain-removal products. When it appears on white shirts, jeans, or other clothes and upholstery, rust stains can be incredibly annoying; however, lemon juice is an effective solution to get rid of rust.

When rust stains appear on clothing, squeeze a cut lemon half to remove them quickly. However, be aware that this may bleach colored garments, so test it in an inconspicuous area for the best results.

Another method for eliminating rust stains on clothes is mixing one cup of lemon juice with detergent in the washing machine. Not only will this eliminate the color, but it will also brighten your garments.

Sour Milk

Sour milk is an effective solution for removing rust from clothing. It works by breaking down the protein in the stain, making it easier to wipe away.

Making sour milk is as easy as adding an acid (vinegar or lemon juice) to whole or 2% dairy milk before mixing it with water and sugar. The result will be thicker and curdled than regular milk but still usable in recipes.

Sour milk is especially effective at eliminating stains on colored clothing. Simply soak the dress in it overnight, rinse with a regular washing machine cycle, and voila! Your clothes are spotless!

Salt

If your laundry is prone to rust stains, here’s a simple hack: use lemon and salt – two fridge staples that are tough on rust but gentle on cotton, polyester, and other durable fabrics.

Lemon and vinegar contain acid salts that can lift rust from white clothing without fading the color. Cream of tartar, a naturally occurring byproduct of acidic and mildly abrasive winemaking, also works.

Another straightforward and inexpensive remedy is mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. This will form a thick paste that you can apply directly onto the stain and sit for 30 minutes.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an oral hygiene product designed to remove food debris, plaque, and stains from teeth. It contains abrasives, fluoride, detergents, and other ingredients which promote good oral health.

Toothpaste formulations have evolved dramatically, from a suspension of crushed egg shells or ashes to complex oral care products with more than 20 ingredients. These compounds may include compounds to fight dental caries, gum disease, malodor, calculus, and dentin hypersensitivity; additionally, they contain abrasives, flavors, and dyes for improved breath.