Common Rust Stains & How To Get Rid Of Them

As far as stains go, rust is one of the most stubborn to remove. In some cases, it is impossible to remove a rust stain. It takes a lot of patience, and even more time, and sometimes it still doesn't work. And there’s nothing more frustrating when you’re cleaning than not being able to tackle toughness.

If you've tried everything from cream of tartar to salt and lemon, don’t give up! We have some great tips on how you can handle the most common rust stains – and how to beat them!

Rust on Stainless Steel

You can't use normal cleaning remedies to remove rust from stainless steel. And you certainly shouldn't attempt to use a chlorine bleach or similar as this will do the opposite and ensure that rust stain sticks. Stainless steel is made from chromium, so it won't respond well to abrasive materials. Luckily, it doesn't take much to remove stainless steel from rust. If you have WD-40 handy, you can apply a small amount of it and wipe the rust away. Baking soda can also be a useful method for removing rust from stainless steel. However, the most effective tool for eradicating rust is The Pink Stuff Paste. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe the area.

Rust on Clothing

Do not toss rust-stained clothing in the washing machine! That can result in rust damage to your washing machine or spread it to other items of clothing. Before you do anything else, try a simple mix of salt and lemon juice. Just sprinkle the salt directly onto the stain before squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the area. Spread it over the stain and leave it in the sun. The sun's UV rays should expedite the process. This is best for light coloured fabrics as darker colours may bleach or fade.

Alternatively, you can make a cleaning paste by combining one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of cream of tartar, and three drops of hydrogen peroxide. Mix the paste and apply it to the rust stain and leave it for half an hour before thoroughly rinsing the fabric.

Rust on Carpet

You can't rip it up and throw it away, so what do you do about a rust stain on your carpet? Start by loosening the stain with a butter knife before hoovering the debris. Mix a tablespoon of household ammonia with two cups of warm water and two tablespoons of washing up liquid. If you're dealing with upholstery, you should use less liquid. Use a cleaning pad or cloth to saturate the stained area. Leave the solution to work for five minutes, at a minimum. Use a clean cloth to blot the area clean and blot with a different damp cloth before leaving the area to dry.

Alternatively, make a thick paste using a teaspoon of lemon juice and a quarter cup of table salt. You can apply this to the stain and leave for two hours before vacuuming the area.

The Pink Stuff Paste

The most effective way to stop rust in its tracks is with The Pink Stuff Paste. It’s made from 99% natural ingredients and is non-toxic and non-hazardous. If you need The Pink Stuff Paste or any other cleaning equipment, there's only one place to stock up – CleanHQ has everything you need.